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.
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- History & Culture in Monaco
- Sights & Attractions in Monaco
- Beaches in Monaco
- Dining in Monaco
- Events in Monaco
- Things to do in Monaco
- Cycling in Monaco
- Hiking in Monaco
- Yachts & Sailing in Monaco
- Watersports in Monaco
- Nightlife in Monaco
- Villas in Monaco
- Holidays Rentals in Monaco
- Hotels in Monaco
- How to get to Monaco
- Property For Sale in 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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Nouveau Musee National de Monaco
The new national museum of Monaco is housed in two villas, the Villa Sauber and the Villa Paloma. The Villa Sauber is one of the last Belle Epoque villas in Monaco and is dedicated to art and performance. The Villa Paloma was built in the early 20th century and is dedicated to art and territory.
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Le Jardin Exotique de Monaco
Monaco's exotic garden was opened to the public in 1933. In its prestigious, open-air setting, it brings together a wide variety of succulent plants.
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Jardin Animalier, Monaco Ville
These zoological gardens were established in 1954 and house a collection of over 250 species of animals, from hippos to black panthers and lemurs.
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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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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.
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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.
Beaches in Monaco
Beaches in Monaco
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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
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Plage du Larvotto Beach
Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach.
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Plage Mala Beach, Cap d'Ail
This is a small and secluded beach with two excellent restaurants and safe swimming. Plage Mala is a little haven.
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Plage Gramaglia Beach, Cap d'Ail
Located just beneath Restaurant La Pinede along the Sentier Littoral, Plage Gramaglia is more a series of rocky coves than a traditional beach.
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La Plage d'Eze Beach, Eze
Eze-Sur-Mer has only one beach but it’s a lovely one; great for swimming as the water comes very high up the beach and it's in a calm bay.
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Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
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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La Maree Restaurant
'Fish chic' restaurant in Port Hercule that is located on the sixth floor of the Port Palace Hotel, overlooking the marina.
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Le Vistamar Restaurant
Orchestrated by Chef Joël Garault, this chic restaurant offers delightful gourmet seafood.
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Louis XV Restaurant
Considered by many to be the finest restaurant on the Riviera, this Alain Ducasse delight has an opulent and dazzling setting in the heart of the Hôtel de Paris and holds three Michelin stars.
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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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Yoshi Restaurant
Yoshi Restaurant is located in Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo and holds one Michelin star.
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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.
Events in Monaco
Events in Monaco
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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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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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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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Sunset Luxury Motor Boat Trip
This two hour cruise departs from Monaco to take you on a stunning sunset cruise on the Cote d'Azur.
Cycling in Monaco
Cycling Routes in Monaco
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Col de la Madone de Gorbio Cycle Route
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as “mythical” you know it’s not going to be easy…
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La Grande Corniche Cycle Route
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
Hiking in Monaco
Walking Routes in Monaco
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Circuit Forna, La Turbie
Taking in the two peaks of La Forna (621m) and La Simboula (675m) this walk leads you through the fire scarred landscape with great views overlooking the coastline.
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Trophee d'Auguste
A walk through the hills above Monaco to the mighty Augustus Monument built in La Turbine.
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Cap d'Ail Trail
Enjoy the sea breeze as you walk this relatively flat route from just outside Monaco along the coast to Cap Mala and back to the parking at Plage Marquet.
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Sentier Littoral walk near the Monaco Border
One of the most varied of the Sentier Littoral routes, this starts at Plage Marquet right on the Monaco border and heads west to finish at Plage Mala going via volcanic rocks, blooming Mediterranean flowers, Belle Epoque villas and three fantastic beaches.
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Tour de la Tete de Chien
The town of Cap d’Ail is dominated by the white limestone cliffs that loom up behind it; this walk takes you up to the summit in a circuit that looks out over both sea and mountains.
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Hiking from Eze to Mont Bastide
Climbing up high above the coastline from the medieval village of Eze, this short but challenging hike takes you from beach to mountains and back again.
Yachts & Sailing in Monaco
Watersports in Monaco
Watersports in Monaco
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Private Aqua Yoga Classes
Aqua Yoga sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Yacht Club de Monaco
Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.
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Centre de Sauvetage Aquatique de Monaco
This facility offers an excellent opportunity for all those wishing to train and/or specialise in aquatic and underwater areas.
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Club d'Exploration Sous Marine de Monaco Diving School
This historical club was created in 1951, a time when diving was made more popular thanks to Captain Cousteau and his famous red cap.
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Aviron Monaco - Rowing Club
A rowing club that supports athletes and amateurs in Monaco to reach their goals, whether they are leisure based or competitive.
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Private Aqua Fit Classes
Aqua Fit sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
Nightlife in Monaco
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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Crystal Bar & Terrace
Sit back in this lounge and take in the magnificent views across the Mediterranean, Port Hercule and the Rock of Monaco, while luxuriating in the atmosphere of exclusivity.
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Bar Americain
The Hôtel de Paris' fantastic cocktail bar and lounge oozes old world class. It has a cosy, elegant low-key ambiance, with big leather armchairs, sea views and live music from Doctor Gabs' piano.
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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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Brasserie du Cafe de Paris
With Belle Epoque style windows, recalling the old Parisian bistros, the building creates a bright and friendly atmosphere.
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Saphir 24 Bistro Lounge, Restaurant & Bar
The relaxed atmosphere and sublime vista make it the perfect spot to enjoy, 24 hours a day, according to your rhythm and fancy...
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Casino Cafe de Paris, Monte Carlo
This casino is a real buzz for the senses with its funky lighting and starship enterprise style decor.
Villas in Monaco
Villas in Monaco
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La Vigie Villa
Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.
Holidays Rentals in Monaco
Holiday Rentals in Monaco
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Monaco Condamine Apartment
Charming one bedroom apartment located in the Condamine area close to all Port restaurants and shops, with views over Place D'Armes.
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Palazzo Leonardo Apartment
This most luxurious building makes up the Southern tip of the Principality. It sits directly on the waterfront, with over 180 degrees of sea view.
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Le Metropole Apartment
This apartment is close to the Casino Place, set in a prestigious building with pool, spa, fitness , 24h concierge and a room service.
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Les Abeilles Apartment
Modern apartment benefiting from magnificent sea view, superbly located, just minutes from the beach and Carré d'Or.
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La Vigie Villa
Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.
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Park Palace Apartment
At the heart of the ''Golden Square", set within one of the most prestigious building in the Principality with indoor pool, fitness, sauna and 24h security service, this 2 bedroom apartment enjoys pleasant views of the gardens and the city.
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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Hermitage Hotel
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
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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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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.
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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.
Price: €11,200
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Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel
The Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique four-star luxury resort. The hotel is one of the largest in Europe with its 602 guest rooms, residences and suites, two restaurants, a bar and a new pool space on the roof which integrates a contemporary touch.
Price: €8,420
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 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.
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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 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.
Property For Sale in Monaco
Property for Sale in Monaco
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Apartment for Sale
Brand new four bedrooms apartment with sea view in a secured residence.
Price: €1,774,000
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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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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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