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Travel and tourism information, including destination information
and suggestions for things to see and do, accommodations, and dining in Monaco.
General Information on Monaco
This is one of my favorite European destinations. Although it is one of the smallest areas of Europe, what it lacks in area is certainly made up with what it packs with great things to see and do. The principality of Monaco packs a lot of living into a little land. Most of the people who dwell here come from somewhere else and have been drawn here by the sun, the wonderful blue water, a glamorous lifestyle and its tax-free income. Foreign visitors should hold a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. |
Enjoying a mild Mediterranean weather, with days of sunshine and nights cooled by breezes from the sea, Monaco is a great place for a holiday or vacation. Summer averages of around 70°F top out at about 80°F during July and August. Both spring and autumn is a wonderful time of year with great weather.
The government of Monaco is a constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II being the head of state. The head of the government is the Minister of State. The predominate religion is Roman Catholic.
The area which is now Monaco has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Legend has it that during the Roman era a young Corsican Christian named Dévote was executed and her body placed in a boat for Africa. The boat drifted off course and ran aground on the coast of modern-day Monaco, where a state was founded in her honor.
The Grimaldi family seems to have ruled forever. It was during Prince Rainier's rule that Monaco became more independent as it began to move away from its dependence on gambling revenue. Tourism is the primary source of income for the economy from tour groups and day trippers to conventioneers.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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Buses run from all over Monaco to the surrounding French countryside. The train station in La Condamine runs a frequent service to Nice, 20 minutes away, and it's an easy day trip. If you want to arrive in style, HeliAir Monaco will bring you by helicopter from Nice airport. One of the best train rides anywhere in Europe is the ride along the coast from Milan, Italy to Monaco.
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Some Things to See and Do in Monaco
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Monaco Ville Monaco Ville, most often referred to simply as the palace, sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is home to the state's most alluring sights. It's connected to the port area of La Condamine by the steep Rampe Major, a red-brick pedestrian ramp built in the 16th-century to connect the palace and port. A walk up to the top of the hill by way of the pedestrian walkway is a must. For pictures taken along the pedestrian walkway up to the palace grounds, click here. |
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Monaco Ville
Monaco Ville, most often referred to simply as the palace, sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and
is home to the state's most alluring sights. It's connected to the port area of
La Condamine by the steep Rampe Major, a red-brick pedestrian ramp built in the
16th-century to connect the palace and port. A walk up to the top of the hill by
way of the pedestrian walkway is a must.
Jardin Exotique
Visitors often fail to see this wonderful garden area. Don't be one of them. With 7000 varieties of cacti
and succulents, the Jardin Exotique is paradise. Even if you are not into
cacti, the garden is still worth a visit for its
spectacular views.
Hours:
Monte Carlo
Another "must see" is the casino in Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo is one of the tiny principality's five main areas. It's situated
north of the port and, with Monaco Ville, constitutes that part of the
principality that visitors associate most closely with the Monaco of their
dreams. Monte Carlo is, above all, famous for its casino and grand prix. Once
one of the poorest state in Europe, its luck changed with
the opening of Monte Carlo Casino in 1865. The rather
dull-sounding Plateau des Spélugues on which it stood was renamed Monte Carlo (a
translation of 'Mont Charles' after Charles III), and within months it ranked as
one of Europe's most glamorous playgrounds. Don't expect to get into the main
gaming rooms of the casino unless you are properly dressed. Even though those
rather expensive inner rooms and hall are open to the public, they are pretty
fussy as to whom they let in. There is a small gaming room near the entrance
where you are welcome to try your luck. Be sure to snap a picture of the casino
from the top of the hillside park with the sea in the background.
If you have information you believe should be added to this section, please let me know. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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The Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique four-star luxury convention resort located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco in between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino of Monte Carlo. Monaco is nestled between Italy and France on the Côte d'Azur. The Riviera offers over 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. Although the fabulous climate is a primary attraction, people are also drawn to the region's warm engaging colors, the variety of its surroundings and the friendliness of the people. From the deep blue of the Mediterranean to the dazzling white canyons of the inland countryside, Monaco never stops revealing surprises. The hotel is one of the largest in Europe with its 619 rooms and suites, three restaurants, two bars, 18 meeting rooms, roof-top heated all year-around swimming pool, fitness center, shopping arcade and in-house Casino. This Monaco hotel is an island unto itself situated in the most exclusive part of the world. Among Monte Carlo hotels, The Fairmont is a lavish retreat that puts the Principality at your doorstep and allows you to immerse yourself in the region’s joie de vivre. Experience the premier Monte Carlo resort – The Fairmont Monte Carlo. With stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, luxurious accommodations and gracious service, at our Monaco resort no detail is overlooked. Featuring 619 guestrooms and suites, each of our Monte Carlo accommodations provide the necessities and lavish touches that will make your vacation or business trip relaxing and memorable. Immerse yourself in the beauty and sophistication of this world-class destination with a stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo – a hotel of uncompromising luxury. |
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Suggestions for Dining in Monaco
There are lots of great restaurants in Monaco. However, many of
them are a bit too expensive for my pocket. There are many where you can get a
good meal at a reasonable price. One of my favorites, the Stars "N" Bars, is
located right on the harbor and features a good American menu. I like to stop
here for lunch and, even though it has a great interior, I still prefer sitting
outside where I can see the expensive yachts in the harbor. Click here for
additional pictures of the Stars "N" Bars Restaurant.
If you have information you believe should be added to this section, please let me know. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
One of my favorite things in Monaco is the Monaco Grand Prix. Although I have never been to the race, and probably will never have enough money to go, I sure enjoyed walking the course and seeing the turns and the famous tunnel. Here are a couple of pictures. One of them, the famous hairpin (the slowest turn in all of the Grand Prix circuit, should be familiar to all who have ever seen the race on television.
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Coming Soon, In the meantime, if you have information you believe should be added to this section, please let me know. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Interesting Links For Monaco
Click here for language
helps, dictionaries,
electronic translators,
language software and other helps for learning
a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the
country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip
more. Jim.
Coming Soon, In the meantime, if you have information you
believe should be added to this section, please let me know.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
