Monaco - Green is the New Glam
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera close to the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe. Bordered by France to the north, east and west, it is lapped by the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Getting around on foot
Walking is the best way to explore Monaco, its heritage and the local way of life. There are numerous public lifts and escalators, allowing you to reach each district within minutes. It takes just 45 minutes to cross Monaco from east to west on foot. Everything in the Principality is quite literally within walking distance!
Monaco is offering a total capacity of more than 2,500 rooms and suits, the luxury and regular hotels of the Principality all cherish the values of hospitality and personalised service with the same level of care.
History of Monaco
The Phoenicians, and after them the Greeks, had a temple on the Monacan headland honoring Hercules. The principality took its name from Monoikos, the Greek surname for this mythological hero. After being independent for 800 years, Monaco was annexed to France in 1793 and placed under Sardinia’s protection in 1815. By the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 1861, Monaco went under French guardianship but continued to be independent. A treaty made with France in 1918 contained a clause providing that, in the event that the male Grimaldi dynasty should die out, Monaco would become an autonomous state under French protection.
Monaco has a tourist business that attracts as many as 1.5 million visitors a year and is famous for its beaches and casinos, especially world-famous Monte Carlo. It had gaming tables as early as 1856.
Prince Rainier Marries Grace Kelly
Prince Rainier III, born on May 31, 1923, succeeded his grandfather, Louis II, on the latter’s death, on May 9, 1949. Rainier was married, in 1956, to American actress Grace Kelly and they subsequently had three children. Their son, Prince Albert Louis Pierre (b. 1958) was heir to the throne. Immensely popular, Princess Grace died on Sept. 14, 1982, of injuries sustained in a car accident near Monte Carlo. She was 52.
Geography of Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is located on the French Riviera, about 15 km away from the Italian border and 13 km away from the city of Nice. With an overall area of 2.02 km2, it is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican. Monaco is bordered by the French towns of La Turbie, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Cap d’Ail, and Beausoleil. Monaco’s elevation never exceeds 70m above sea level, with the Palace being at 62m. However, the Mont Angèle, which towers over the Principality, reaches 164 above sea level.
Monaco has always struggled with a lack of land. However, years of large-scale construction works have allowed the country to expand its territory on the sea.
Visit Monaco And Discover a Jewel Of The Mediterranean!
Ideally situated on the shores of the Mediterranean, the Port of Monaco looks forward to welcoming you for a magical stopover in a unique setting.
Disembarking in the very heart of the Principality, you are just a short walk from the boutiques, cafes, restaurants, museums, and of course the iconic Rock of Monaco, where you’ll find the Prince’s Palace at the Oceanographic Museum. Opposite, on the far side of the bay, is the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.
A stopover in Monaco is an invitation to relax and drink in the glamour and style of a city steeped in history. Monuments from the past mingle harmoniously with modern architecture, and world-famous gastronomic cuisine blends with traditional fare.
The Principality is also perfect for a unique shopping experience, with a host of luxury names and of course the unmissable souvenir stores.
With over 300 days of sunshine annually, Monaco is the ideal year-round destination, with a stunning array of things to see and do for visitors in search of a truly unique experience. So step ashore and prepare to be thrilled!
