La Turbie, Alpes-Maritimes
Home of Le Trophée des Alpes in the hills above Monaco
La Turbie lies in the hills above Monaco and is a thriving medieval village with buildings dating back to Roman times.
The old part of the village is a beautiful network of arches, passageways and stone buildings that are immaculately kept. At the pinnacle is the Trophée des Alpes, which you can see from a distance or pay a small entry fee to access the monument and its gardens. The Baroque church of Saint-Michel was built in 1764 and has a fine collection of paintings, as well as a fabulous altar made from 17 types of marble.
Surrounding the medieval village is a pleasant residential area with a number of good brasseries that look out onto a central square - it’s a popular spot with locals as well as sightseers, making it feel not quite so “touristy”as some places. Continue past the square and turn right to find the Rondo, a panoramic viewpoint that looks out over the port of Monaco.
History & Culture in Monaco
Right on the border with Monaco and very near to Italy, La Turbie has been under the rule of various domains over the centuries.
First to make their mark were the Romans, during the middle ages La Turbie was part of the Republic of Genoa and since then it has been claimed both by the Savoy and the Principality of Monaco; the local dialect reflects all these influences but to our ears just sounds like a strange mix between Italian and French.
The colossal tower that can be seen from some distance is the Trophée des Alpes, it was built by the Romans sometime around 6BC to celebrate their victory over the Ligurian rebels and to honour their emperor Octavian Augustus. The original monument was topped with a statue of the man himself, which stood 49m off the ground; it’s had a hard life since though including being partially destroyed during the fall of the Roman Empire, bombed on the orders of Louis XIV in 1705 and being pillaged for stone to build other parts of the town during the 18th century. However, it has been undergoing restoration since the beginning of the 20th century and is now managed by the Centre for National Monuments.
Sights & Attractions in Monaco
Sights in Monaco
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Rocher de Monaco (Rock of Monaco)
The Rock of Monaco is a 62 metre tall promontory overlooking Monte-Carlo's port and the Mediterranean sea. It is also the oldest of Monaco's areas, where the Old Town is located.
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Collection des Voitures Anciennes (Vintage Cars Collection)
Prince Rainier III was a huge car enthusiast and amassed a vast collection of vintage cars.
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Oceanographic Museum
Sovereign Prince, scholar and explorer, Albert I of Monaco, devoted his life to the Principality forces as well as scientific investigation. This museum showcases his passion.
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Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
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Le Musee des Souvenirs Napoleoniens (Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs)
The Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs and Historic Archives of the Palace houses a collection by Prince Louis II.
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Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco
The cathedral of Monaco is dedicated to the Virgin, although popularly known as Saint Nicholas because of the church that previously stood on its site. The current building was built in the 19th century.
Dining in Monaco
For a small town, La Turbie is well represented in the Michelin Guide, with the elegant Hostellerie Jerome (where Napoleon once stayed) sporting one Michelin star and the unpretentious Café de la Fontaine earning a Bib Gourmand. Le Coin du Fromagier offers a smorgasboard of cheeses and meats in a convivial setting.
Restaurants in Monaco
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Le Grill Restaurant
Situated in the luxury Hotel de Paris, this restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine qith great panoramic views of the sea.
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Horizon Rooftop Restaurant & Champagne Bar
Views over the Principality's legendary Opera House, Prince's Palace, and Casino - against a backdrop the azure splendour of the Mediterranean.
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Metropole Monte-Carlo Restaurant
Located in Hotel Metropole, this restaurant is lead by Executive Chef Christophe Cussac. It holds two Michelin stars.
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Le Vistamar Restaurant
Orchestrated by Chef Joël Garault, this chic restaurant offers delightful gourmet seafood.
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Hostellerie Jerome Restaurant, La Turbie
Chef Bruno Cirino prepares Mediterranean dishes that carefully showcase the flavours of local produce. A light and creative cuisine that you can enjoy in their elegant dining room with vaulted ceilings and frescoes or their shaded terrace overlooking the sea.
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La Maree Restaurant
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
Events in Monaco
Events in Monaco
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Monaco Classic Week - La Belle Classe
First held in 1994, Monaco Classic Week took shape from an idea of the Yacht Club de Monaco to mark the first motor-boat meetings of 1904 and to celebrate ten years at the helm of Club President Prince Albert II.
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Monaco Yacht Show
An annual trade show held in Port Hercules, it is Europe's biggest in-water display of large yachts.
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e-Rallye Monte-Carlo
Open to various categories of non-polluting and CO2-free vehicles.
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Sportel Awards at Grimaldi Forum, Monte Carlo
The Sportel Awards celebrate the best sports images of the year. The ceremony will take place at the Grimaldi Forum, under the Honorary Presidency of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
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Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival
The Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival is ready to host the biggest jazz artists at the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo.
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Top Marques Monaco
In this luxury world, the 'Top Marques' event showcases not only some of the newest and most amazing cars but also the additional toys and gadgets that make them unique.
Things to do in Monaco
Thanks to its location high in the hills, La Turbie is a popular starting point for hikers and there are many good trails that lead off into the Alpes-Maritime; check our hiking guide and hiking routes for suggested itineraries.
There's also good climbing opportunities at La Turbie, as well as some spectacular paragliding and handgliding from nearby Mount Gros. La Turbie also offers a large tennis complex including a football field for hire, as well as a pool; check our hiking guide and hiking routes for suggested itineraries.
The Monte Carlo Golf Club is actually located in La Turbie. This wonderful century-old course is rich in history and offers breathtaking views over mountains and sea- at the fifth hole you can actually see three countries at once! The 18-hole, par 71 course has some is very hilly and requires considerable accuracy. The green fees aren't cheap, but the elegant clubhouse and those extraordinary views of the Riviera make it worth the expense. There's a restaurant open every day except Monday and a practice ground on site, as well as a pro shop and caddy and equipment rental.
Things To Do in Monaco
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Cote d'Azur Luxury Motor Boat Trip
This boat trip departs from Monaco and can run for 2, 3 or 4 hours - so you can choose whether you want a quick spin along the coast or a more extended trip.
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A Day in Monaco Tour
Sit back and relax on this guided tour of the French Riviera.
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Cannes & Islands Luxury Motor Boat Trip
This is a coastal trip departing from Monaco to explore the gems of the Cote d'Azur with opportunities to swim and snorkel in the glistening Mediterranean.
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Private Sightseeing Tours
A wide selection of guides and tours of the French Riviera covering famous destination such as Monaco, Antibes, Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez. You can also experience the Italian Markets in San Remo and Ventimiglia as well as enjoy wine tasting and culinary tours.
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Monaco & Monte Carlo by Night, from Monaco
Witness the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo after dark.
Hotels in Monaco
There is a wonderful hotel in the centre of La Turbie, L'Hostellerie Jerome, which is boutique styled and has an acclaimed restaurant.
Hotels in Monaco
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Metropole Monte-Carlo Hotel
In 2004, the Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo was refurbished to keep it in tune with its time, but has kept all its spiritual qualities to uphold its concept of luxury.
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Monte-Carlo Bay Resort & Hotel
In a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, this hotel offers you a whole new experience of a legendary destination.
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Eza Chateau Hotel, Eze
Exquisite and intimate, the rooms and suites of Château Eze cling to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea.
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Jerome Boutique Hostellerie Hotel, La Turbie
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
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Hotel de Paris Hotel
Elegant and exclusive hotel in the centre of Monaco, ideally located right in front of the casino.
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Port Palace Hotel
With urban elegance, chic interiors and just steps away from the casino, boutique shopping and the legendary F1 Grand Prix circuit, this hotel is a gem in the heart of Monaco.
How to get to Monaco
Transfers for Monaco
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Monaco, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Property For Sale in Monaco
Property for Sale in Monaco
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Villa for Sale
Situated in Cap d'Ail, in a quiet, privileged setting, this charming house dating from the early 20th century boasts an enchanting view over the Mediterranean and easy access on foot to the beaches and restaurants along the coast.
Price: €8,250,000
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Apartment for Sale
Brand new three bedroom apartment with garden in a secured residence.
Price: €1,531,000
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Apartment for Sale
Brand new four bedrooms apartment with sea view in a secured residence.
Price: €1,774,000
