Situated in the southern part of France on the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco is less than 1 square mile. The entire coastline is only 2 1/2 miles long. Only the Vatican City is smaller than the Principality of Monaco. Blink and you might miss it. Well, not actually, because there are 32,000 people who reside in Monaco along with 56,000 workers who commute in and out of Monaco from France and Italy, so the traffic moves at a snail's pace. But, that's actually good because you wouldn't want to miss this beautiful place and all of its royalty.  |
| Located in the heart of the Principality, the Fairmont overlooks the Mediterranean sea and is just around the corner from the Monte Carlo Casino. |
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| Entry to Fairmont Hotel Monte Carlo. |
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| View of the the beautiful boats that dot the Mediterranean at the Lobby Level bar area inside the Fairmont. |
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| The Monte Carlo Casino was built by Garnier in 1878. |
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| The beauty of the exterior of the Casino extends into the opulent interiors with gold leaf workmanship, ornate plasterwork and sculptures. |
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| Hotel de Paris was built over a century ago to house guests of the Casino. |
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| The beautiful exterior of the Hotel de Paris. |
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| Incredible yachts parked at the marina. |
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| The International Yacht Show is held each year with more than 100 super yachts measuring 25-90 meters and more than 500 industry leaders come to showcase their latest in technology, services, luxury products and facilities. |
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| You will find a great variety of restaurants and cafes from simple eateries along the waterfront in Port deFontivielle, the Old Town, and the marina to the fine restaurants serving exquisite cuisine. |
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| Cafes all along the boardwalk at the marina |
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| Boat enthusiasts from all over the world gather each year in Monte Carlo to view the fabulous showcase of yachts. |
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| The view of the lawn and pond in front of the Casino |
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| Monte Carlo Casino |
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| The Monte Carlo Casino image in this mirrored sphere. |
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| Beautiful architecture adorns the buildings around Monaco. |
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| The front entrance to the Monte Carlo Casino. |
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| Boats anchored along the shores of Monaco. |
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| Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Hotel...a massage with a view of the Mediterranean. |
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| Terraced dining at the Horizon Deck and Champagne Bar with a 360 degree view at the Fairmont Hotel Monte Carlo. |
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| The back side of the majestic Monte Carlo Casino has beautiful terraced gardens. |
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| You can enjoy gambling with a view of the Mediterranean on the Casino terrace. |
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| Colorful geometric designs by the Casino's garden. |
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| Catch sights of the wealthy, famous and their luxurious cars in the Square where the Casino, Cafe de Paris and Hotel de Paris are located. The Square is the social hub of Monte Carlo. |
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| Alain Ducasse shows off his craftsmanship of blending wonderful flavor with quality ingredients he learned growing up near Nice in his restaurant, Le Louis XV, located in Hotel de Paris. Le Louis XV was Alain Ducasse's very first restaurant. |
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| A regal atmosphere at the Le Louis XV. |
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| Beautiful murals adorn the ceilings in Le Louis XV. |
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| Joel Rubuchon is located inside the Hotel Metropole and is named for the famed chef and rivals along with Le Louis XV as the most oppulent restaurant in Monte Carlo. |
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| The gorgeous lobby of the Hotel de Paris. |
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| Staying at the Hotel de Paris is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with prices as rich as it opulent furnishings. |
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| My fabulous meal at Le Louis XV. |
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| The front terrace at the Hotel de Paris overlooks the Square. |
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| A beautiful sunrise over Monte Carlo. |
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| The Monte Carlo Grand Prix is raced around the streets of Monte Carlo. Reserve a table trackside and take in the excitement of the race as cars zoom by you while you enjoy a leisurely lunch at an outdoor cafe. |
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| Pastel buildings in the Old Town of Monte Carlo. |
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| Narrow cobblestone streets in Old Town. |
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| The Church in Old Town where Princess Grace is buried. |
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| You will find wonderful views of Monte Carlo from Old Town. |
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| Boats parked at Port de Fontivielle. |
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| Monaco is landlocked by France and the Mediterranean so the only way for Monaco to expand is to build up! It is the most expensive real estate in the world. |
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| Charming pastel buildings are found throughout Old Town. |
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| Grimaldi Palace |
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| Standing guard at the Palace in Old Town. |
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| Port de Fontivielle |
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| The Musee Oceanographique was built in 1889. It was founded by Albert I and showcases many of his 28 expeditions. The rooftop terrace offers superb coastal views. |
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| Jacques-Yves Cousteau was the director for many years beginning in 1957 and his first submarine is displayed in front of the museum. |
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| Monaco celebrated Prince Albert's recent wedding. |
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| A look at the backside of the Palace. |
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| Nautical gifts can be found at Port Hercule and surrounding streets. |
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| Boats parked along side the sheer cliffs. |
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| Just some of the interesting modern sculptures you will see along the streets of Monaco as an outdoor exhibit showcasing some of the world's best modern sculptors. |
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| The Casino at night. |
Monaco's wealth allows Monaco to rival with much larger cities in the world in shopping, culture, dining and hotel accommodations. In fact, some of the world's best are located here. The "Golden Circle" is what is referred to as the heart of town where some of the most famous names in fashion boutiques are located along Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Alles Lumieres. In the La Condamine area you will find fashions and merchandise that are a bit more affordable. Take some time at Le Marche de la Condamine to get a glimpse of the everyday lives of the people who reside in Monte Carlo. There you will find a flower market and stalls selling a variety of food and merchandise. Check out the popular Bar de Monaco inside the marketplace to catch a glimpse of the local life.
Some other places you might want to check out are the following:
La Note Bleue Beach Club -- an Olympic-sized pool, spa services by the sea, cabanas, tents and solariums on a private beach.
La Note Bleue is a beautiful beachside restaurant with live music venues. During the day, lunch on the olive-shaded terrace or in a cabana. At night, enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner serving Mediterranean and Italian Dishes as you listen to jazz music.
Zebra Square -- reserve a booth for lunch on the terrace for beautiful seaside views
Le Huit et Demi -- this place attracts a loyal local crowd to this French Bistro which serves fresh ingredients from the marketplace
Le Senequier -- sip Rose while enjoying great people watching
Il Terrazzino -- a simple family-style atmosphere serving southern Sicilian cooking
La Spiaggia -- perfect for an inexpensive lunch right on the Larvotto Beach
Terrasse de Muses -- the restaurant on the top floor of the Oceanographique Museum serving great food with beautiful views of the Riviera
Mozza-Italian -- great fresh Italian food and another people watching adventure
Cosmopolitan -- high-end continental food with an extensive list of wines
Jimmy'z -- a legendary nightclub and bar attracting the rich and famous.
Rampoldi -- a popular place with the locals at this long-established restaurant serving Italian food
Maya Bay -- unique decor with Thai on one side of the restaurant and a Japanese decor on the other side.
A great way to get a taste of the Far East.
Blue Bay -- the crowning glory restaurant inside the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort
La Piazza -- indoor/outdoor dining on a quiet street serving simple traditional Italian fare
Le Perigordin -- on a small street just two minutes away from the Casino specializing in food from the Perigord Region of southwest France
Cafe de Paris -- a landmark for over 100 years and is the best place in town to sip on espresso or enjoy a meal while soaking in the fascinating people of Monte Carlo
Buddha Bar -- a popular bar housed in an old concert hall with restored 19th century woodwork covered in gold leaf with a restaurant on the mezzanine level
Noteworthy places to rest your royal head at night are:
Hotel de Paris (see all of my drooling about it above)
Columbus Hotel (Riveral chic contemporary boutique hotel within walking distance to casino and marina in the Fontvielle area of Monaco)
Monte Carlo Beach Hotel (a 47 room luxury resort is tucked away by the sea on the northern tip of the bay of Monaco just outside the Principality's borders)
Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort (75% of the 300+ rooms have sea views and it is nestled on a peninsula with beautiful gardens and gardens)
Fairmont Hotel (see my photos above)
Hotel Metropole (one of Monaco's most romantic hotels resembling a Venetian palazzo in the interior)
Janet,
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you!!! This is incredible! There's no one I trust more on travel knowledge and planning trips than you!!!!
Love you, Anne