Monaco

The Kingdom of Monaco, which after the Vatican is the smallest sovereign state has two centers. One sits upon the rock outcroppings along the sea, and is called Monacoville. The other is across the harbor, a sophisticated new city, Monte Carlo. In between lies the harbor and central business district La Condamine.



The western border of the territory rounds out the districts with the industrial burrow Fontvieille. However, Monaco does not limit itself to its own borders. Beausoleil, on the slopes of Mont des Mules, north of Monte Carlo, which is completely on French soil, and has a larger population than La Condamine or Monte Carlo, is where most people live. Also the great sporting sites of the princedom, the golf course, country club and the beach of Monte Carlo are all outside the international borders.



Attractions:

Palais du Prince

Above the picturesque old town, with its narrows alleys and shady squares, sits the prince’s palace. Parts of the castle date back to the 13th century. The potent fortification walls originated in the 17th century. In the forecourt with its canons, you can witness the changing of the guard daily at 11:55.

(Open June – September: 9:30am – 6:30pm, October 10am – 5pm)

Grand Casino, Monte Carlo

Without doubt one of the greatest attractions of the city. Built, by the same constructor of the Paris Opera Hall, in the year 1878, the casino lies in the middle of large gardens on a bank above the sea.

Harbor

The harbor is situated in the high rise area of La Condamine. Here you will find the largest and most luxurious yachts anchored.

Jardin Animalier (Zoo)

On the western beaches of the princedom you will find the terraces of the zoo, with a beautiful view of the sea and Cap d’Ail.

Opening hours:
Daily 10:00 – 12:00Uhr / 14:00 – 17:00 (June – September open until 19:00)

Jardin Exotique (Tropical Garden)

On a steep slope above Fontvieille, this park contains a unique collection of tropical and sub-tropical steppe and desert plants of unusual grandeur. A point of interest among the many plants is the variety of cacti and other succulent plants originating from many far away regions including mexico, southwest US, central and southern America as well as from southern and eastern Africa. Due to the various origins of the plants the garden is in bloom year round. The most impressionable blooming flowers in winter are those of the aloe plant and the African Crassula and in spring and summer the flowers from plethora of cacti are unbeatable, some of which reach gigantic proportions. Also from the gardens there is a spectacular view of the principality and of the Italian and French rivieras.

Included in the entrance fee and also recommended is a visit to the Observatory’s Grotto and the museum of prehistoric anthropology. In the grotto one can see a multitude of formations such as stalagmites, stalactites, columns and more at depths of 48 – 90 meters.



The museum for prehistoric anthropology was founded in 1902 by Prince Albert I and is located near the grotto. On display are a variety of fossils found in the principality and in neighboring regions.

Opening Hours:
May - September 9:00 – 19:00
October – April 9:00 – 18:00

Le Musée Océanographique

The oceanographic museum in Monacoville is spread out over 3 floors. On the lower floor you will find a multitude of aquaria with many of the Mediterranean’s inhabitants.





In the micro-aquarium one can see live plankton and other microscopic fauna projected onto a large screen. On the middle (ground) floor there are many informational booths and every few steps organized shows as well as a gift shop. The top floor is home to a plethora of organism fossils and was founded over 100 years ago by Prince Albert I.



This collection offers many smaller and one large skeleton of Mediterranean inhabitants as well as a good collection of antique instruments that were used when the ocean was still very unknown and research into the depths was taking its first steps.

The museum is open year round except on days of the formula 1 grandprix.

October - March: 10am – 6pm

April - June: 9am – 7pm

July - August: 9:30am – 7:30pm

September: 9:30am – 7pm

Entrance fees: Adults: 11 Euro

Children/students(with valid I.D.): 8 Euro