27 Photos to Inspire You To Visit Monaco!
You don’t need really anything to inspire you to visit Monaco. Just say the word Monaco and peoples eyes light up. It is the epitome of luxury travel. One of the nicest places in the world. Did you know Monaco was a country and that it’s not actually a part of France, even though it’s along the French Riviera? Our driver was extremely knowledgeable as he toured us around this tiny country. Monaco is the second smallest country by area in the world; only Vatican City is smaller. Monaco is also the world’s second smallest monarchy, and is the most densely populated country in the world.
Monte-Carlo is home to the celebrated Monte Carlo Casino. This glamorous palace is full of frescoes, sculptures, and features an astonishing gold and marble atrium—not to mention the main attraction—gambling! Steeped in 700 years of Grimaldi royal history, Monte-Carlo’s location is stunning, tucked between French medieval villages and the Alps. Take in a world-class opera or ballet, bask in the sun on Larvotto Beach or get an adrenaline rush at May’s Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Monte Carlo is situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera. Near the western end of the quarter is the world-famous Place du Casino, the gambling center which has made Monte Carlo “an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth”.[1] It is also the location of the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris, and the Salle Garnier (the casino theatre which is the home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo). The eastern part of the quarter includes the community of Larvotto with Monaco’s only public beach, as well as its new convention center (the Grimaldi Forum), and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.
As we were driving up the cliff, the Prince passed us with his escorts on the way to his castle. There were also police escorts that were there to stop traffic as we were not allowed to drive next to them. We were told by a local that the only house is the Princes castle and that because Monaco is so small that the rest of the population live in apartments. We were also told that the rent can be anywhere from $7,000-$1500 euros/month and sometimes more. A penthouse overlooking the harbor was just sold for 1 billion euro. The best time to visit the French Riviera is May/June and September/October timeframe. We went in February, in the off season, and enjoyed it not being so crowded.
Enjoy your day gambling, walking along the harbor to check out the yachts, shopping, eating, and taking in the amazing views!
Saint Paul’s Church: This is the place where Grace Kelley married her Prince. The most interesting are the tombs of the Grimaldi family and Princess Grace. Her tomb was decorated witih three yellow roses, which are brought to her grave every day.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral
This was too hysterical not to share. I was looking for wifi in Monaco and just check out these WiFi names! SO many yachts… so much wifi!
Read Next: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Monaco
