Principality of Monaco is Storybook Destination
Home of Princess Grace, Monte Carlo and Monaco-Ville Key Attractions
Jul 29, 2009
Poets, jetsetters, tycoons, and moviemakers have long been drawn to Monaco. Director Alfred Hitchcock chose it as the location for his 1955 movie "To Catch A Thief," starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. A year later, on April 18, 1956, Monaco's Prince Rainier III married Ms. Kelly in a fairy tale wedding that brought the world's attention to the Principality. The rest, they say, is history, and for more than 25 years-until the death of Princess Grace in 1982-the Grimaldi family lived happily ever after.
Long before the wedding, however, an earlier Grimaldi, Prince Charles III, realized the need to reestablish an economic base in the Principality, one he found in tourism and gambling. In 1863, he formed the "Societé des Bains de Mer" consisting of a handful of hotels, a theater, and a casino, which would soon flourish and become the foundation of the magnificent district of Monte-Carlo.
Prince Rainier and Princess Grace
Prince Rainier ascended the throne in 1949, and he, too, was dedicated to establishing the Principality's status in the international community. He was quick to offer his patronage and financial support to many social, humanitarian, scientific, and environmental issues, and with the invaluable contribution of his beloved Princess Grace, they transformed this idyllic Riviera holiday spot into a thriving international financial, cultural, sports, and luxury tourist destination.
Monaco is Constitutional Monachy
Not to be confused with the south of France, Monaco is a constitutional monarchy that is not part of France as many people think. Although French is the first language of the Monégasque and it's bordered on its landward side with several communes of the French Department of the Alpes-Maritimes-Cap d'Ail, la Turbie, Beausoleil, and Roquebrune Cap Martin-Monaco has its own strong cultural, historic, and geographic identity.
Beautifully situated between the Italian Rivera, the Alps, and the Mediterranean, this fairytale destination is delightful for day-trippers who might be visiting Cote d'Azur or for those lucky enough to enjoy a longer stay.
Monaco is Pleasant Year-Round Destination
Although "luxury" is the operative word for travelers to Monaco, a stay there is no more expensive for Americans than other tropical destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean. With an ideal climate throughout the year (80º in summer, 50º in winter ), it's attractive for Europeans who want to escape the cold or for skiers who can reach Alpine slopes within an hour's drive.
Tourist Attractions Include Monte Carlo and Monaco-Ville
Some of the world's largest and most luxurious yachts call into the port-quarters of Condamine and Fontvieille. Travelers on foot, however, can visit Monaco's other two neighborhoods, Monte-Carlo, the business and recreation district, and Monaco-Ville on the Rock, the old fortified city that includes the Oceanographic Museum, Aquarium, Palace, and the Cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married and are buried.
Most day-trippers head to Monte Carlo's posh shopping streets around Avenue President J.F. Kennedy, Avenue Louis-II, Avenue Monte Carlo, and eventually to Place du Casino, where the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Salle Garnier are located.
There are some pretty steep inclines to maneuver to reach Monaco-Ville on the Rock, but it's worth it. Most visits begin at the Prince's Palace, which contains the State apartments, a Napoleonic Museum, and lots of Princess Grace memorabilia. Daily changing of the Guard takes place at 11:55 a.m. Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, a place that looks a lot like a French or Italian hill town, to the Cathedral.
The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, under the direction of Jacques Cousteau for 30 years, houses one of the world's best collections of marine life, fitting for a place like Monaco with generations of ocean-loving monarchs. The sightseeing trolley tour starts here and swings along the yacht-filled harbor, passes by the Casino and Grimaldi Forum (a new state-of-the-art exhibition center), and back through the streets of the Condamine area. Interesting narration and tidbits about local history are provided in several languages, and the trolley is an exertion-free way to maneuver all those hills.
Travel Bargains at Club Diamant Rouge
An exertion-free way to prepare for a visit to Monaco is to join Le Club Diamant Rouge, a terrific plan that lets members take advantage of the many delights the Principality has to offer. Le Club entitles members to newsletters and updates on Monaco events before visiting, along with exclusive privileges, special discounts, upgrades, and welcomes at Monaco hotels upon arrival.
Members are also entitled to complimentary admission to the Casino de Monte-Carlo, many museums, attractions, and gardens, along with a helicopter transfer from the airport. Members can also sigh-on to Monaco Auction to bid on incredible vacations at the best possible prices.
For additional reading on this area of Western Europe, check out Commoners Also Love France's Cote d'Azure.
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