Monte-Carlo
Home to the famous casino and F1 race track
Monte-Carlo is where the world’s richest people come to fritter lavish amounts of money - just look at the cars parked in Place du Casino to get an idea of the clientele.
Monte-Carlo is a district of the Principality of Monaco; high profile residents include Shirley Bassey, Bono, Mohammed Al Fayed, Mick Hucknall, and many other famous celebrities. It would come as no shock that it's also home to its fair share of F1 drivers and tennis players such as Jensen Button, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, David Coulthard, Novak Djokavic, Daniil Medvedev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas amongst many more.
Place du Casino is at the heart of Monte-Carlo and is dominated by the Salle Garnier which houses the casino and the opera. Adjacent to the casino entrance is the Café de Paris on one side and the luxurious Hotel du Paris on the other.
If you win big at the casino you won’t have any shortage of places to spend your money; Monte-Carlo has practically every big-name designer store within minutes of each other - Chanel, Hermes, Balenciaga, etc - and they are all handily listed on the street signs, so that you can find exactly what you're looking for. There is also the Le Metropole shopping centre nearby which houses luxury brands such as Kenzo, Hugo Boss and Swarovski.
Monte-Carlo is easily accessible, being right on the Nice-Ventimiglia train line. If you prefer to fly in, you’ll be pleased to know that Monaco has its own heliport.
History & Culture in Monaco
Believe it or not, Monte-Carlo’s current extreme wealth comes from a background of near financial ruin.
During the 1850’s Monte-Carlo was suffering greatly from the loss of Menton and Roquebrune to the French, they no longer had their main incomes from olive and citrus crops and were almost bankrupt. However, Charles III of Monaco noticed that a small number of German towns were doing quite well out of casinos, so he permitted one to be built in Monte-Carlo to help boost the economy - and the rest is history.
Sights & Attractions in Monaco
Sights in Monaco
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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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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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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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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 Stamps and Coins, Fontvielle
There are rare philatelic specimens from the postal history of the Principality, as well as related documents used in the stamp-printing process dating back to Monaco's Prince Charles III in 1885.
Dining in Monaco
If you go behind the Salle Garnier you’ll find a long walkway that goes along the harbour and there are many cafés and restaurants underneath it on the quayside. The atmosphere is chic but relaxed and most of the bars do not have a dress code - you can call in for a drink any night of the week and there will often be live music or DJs playing.
Restaurants in Monaco
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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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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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Nobu Restaurant
Recognized worldwide for his amazing cuisine, mixing traditional Japanese dishes and South American spices and aromas.
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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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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.
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
A day at the spa is certainly one way to enjoy your time in Monte-Carlo. There are plenty to choose from and you might even be lucky enough to sneak at peek at some celebrities while you enjoy your seaweed wrap.
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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Monaco & Monte Carlo by Night, from Monaco
Witness the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo after dark.
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Cannes & St Tropez Luxury Motor Boat Trip
Departing from Monaco, on this trip you'll enjoy a full day of cruising along the French Riviera, visiting Monaco to Cannes to Saint Tropez and the beautiful bays and coves.
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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.
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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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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.
Nightlife in Monaco
The place to be seen is the Café de Paris, right next door to the casino it is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the day it is a popular place for tourists to sit on the shaded terrace with an ice cream, but after dark it fills up with people celebrating casino wins with champagne cocktails and partying on the open air dancefloor. Other glamorous nightspots include Jimmyz and Buddha Bar, both nearby.
Bars & Clubs in Monaco
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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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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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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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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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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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Buddha Bar Restaurant
Located in a historic concert hall, this extraordinary Asian themed bar and restaurant is famed for its DJ’s, which have spawned the famous world music Buddha Bar compilations.
Where to stay in Monaco
Accommodation in Monte-Carlo is undeniably high-end; the suited and booted doormen spend their days valet-parking everything from Ferraris to Bentleys.
Hotel de Paris is the most renowned establishment, right next to the casino and has featured in two James Bond films to date.
Nearby is the Hotel Hermitage with its grand Belle Époque architecture, the lobby of which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and you also have the Fairmont Monte-Carlo with rooftop pool and Nobu restaurant.
Hotels in Monaco
Hotels in Monaco
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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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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
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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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Hermitage Hotel
Overlooking the Mediterranean, the Hôtel Hermitage cultivates elegance at its highest level.
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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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Le Chateau de la Chevre d'Or Hotel, Eze
Boasting remarkable sea views of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this luxurious hotel is listed among the 500 World's Best Hotels.
How to get to Monaco
Alongside the Monte-Carlo Grand Prix, this part of Monaco hosts some of the most glamorous sporting and no-sporting events on the French Riviera. Show jumping, tennis, art, fashion, and some of the world's top music acts and DJs.
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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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 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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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.
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 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