To begin this journal entry, I want to think back to 1997, when I was learning to drive. As I prepared to take my driving test, I felt good about most aspects of driving. However, I was not 100% confident with my parking, either reverse…Read More

To begin this journal entry, I want to think back to 1997, when I was learning to drive. As I prepared to take my driving test, I felt good about most aspects of driving. However, I was not 100% confident with my parking, either reverse parking or parallel parking. To rectify this problem, my father too my to a quiet side-street to practice. I found this a disturbing experience as – with my test looming – the pressure was on. However, my experiences were nothing compared to those of a gentleman I saw in Monte Carlo.

Allow me to set the scene. My girlfriend and I are strolling pats the Cafe des Paris towards the Casino, We were not planning to spin the roulette wheels, rather we just felt like absorbing a little bit of the atmosphere. The small square outside the casino is renowned for the cost of the cars that you see driving around it. It is common to see a Bentley following a Rolls Royce and being shadowed by a Porsche. On this particular day, though, it was a bright yellow Ferrari that caught ours attention – and everyone else's attention.

As we strolled towards the casino, the Ferrari signalled its arrival with the powerful throbbing of the engine. It had come up the hill from the port of Monaco and the driver was looking for a place to park. With his choice of car, it was clear the driver was happy to attract attention and was not looking to blend in to the surroundings. Having made such a decision, he maybe should have re-considered his decision to forgo services of the valet and attempt to park his car himself – because when it started to go wrong, there was nowhere to hide.

The Ferrari went past the entrance to the casino and identified a space between a BMW and an Aston Martin. The driver then decided to slide his expensive machine in between the two. However, his first attempt ended badly as he had to break sharply to avoid breaking one of the BMW's headlights. His second attempt produced a similar lack of success as he flirted with the front wing of the Aston Martin. By this point, a crowd was beginning to grow. Not only were passers-by stopping the watch the show, but customers at the Cafe de Paris were getting to their feet to watch,.

It was clear that the driver was growing frustrated at his inability to control his car. As he sat behind the wheel, he seemed in two minds. He certainaly did not want to damage his pr-ze-possession, but asking for the valet would mean admitting defeat and looking slightly foolish in fron of scores of people. It seemed quite the dilemma. In time – after two more failed attempts at parking – common sense prevailed and he signalled for the valet, who slipped the car into the spot in one swift movement whilst the man skulked quietly into the casino.Close

The South of France – and the Cote D'Azur in particular - is one of the wealthiest areas in the world. Nowhere is this clearer than in the principality of Monaco, where wealth seems to drift across the harbour on the breeze. Having lived in…Read More

The South of France – and the Cote D'Azur in particular - is one of the wealthiest areas in the world. Nowhere is this clearer than in the principality of Monaco, where wealth seems to drift across the harbour on the breeze. Having lived in Nice for five months before I actually ventured to Monaco, I was not expecting to be surprised by Monaco. However, there was considerable difference between Nice and its cousin just along the coast – there were far more sports cars and the density of stores selling luxury brands was far greater.

Considering the rather opulent nature of the region and the two cities in question, it is something of a surprise that the bus between Nice and Monaco, costs just one Euro for the 55 minute journey. However, a journey on Lignes D'Azur number 100 costs just that, and it is probably the best single Euro you could spend in the whole region (to be honest, one Euro doesn't really go very far on the Cote D'Azur aside from on public transport). The 100 leaves from Station JC Bermond just outside Nice's Old Town. The buses run every ten minutes or during the day – less frequently on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Tourist and commuter traffic permitting, the journey takes just under an hour. And, on the way, it takes in some of the most stunning scenery in Europe.

The journey begins with the bus shuffling out of the centre of Nice, which is nothing particularly special. However, as it climbs out of the city and rises above the port, it provides a wonderful view of the city. You can stare down at the ships and boats in the city's port – although by the end of the day multi-million dollar yachts and cruisers will be old news – and out along the coast at the Promenade Des Anglais and the stunning blue of the sea as it laps against Nice's rocky beach.

From Nice, the bus out into the less built up areas of the countryside passing first through Villefranche, a small seaside town with a harbour packed full of rather expensive looking yachts. The sea again is rather fantastic shade of blue – as it is in much of the region. However, in contrast to Nice, Villefranche has a sand beach, which makes it a popular destination for sun-seekers. The bus conveniently runs just a few meters above the beach, giving a perfect view of the sand and water. Just after Villefranche is St Jean Cap Ferrat, a peninsula that, at various points of the last century, laid claim to being home to some of the most expensive plots of real estate in the world. The bus gives an adequate view of some of the stunning villas on the cape – there is one designed by famed British architect Lord Norman Foster – but to fully appreciate it, it is best to get off and go for a stroll.

After Villefranche and St Jean Cap Ferrat the bus winds its way three or four small sea-side towns (all with wonderful scenery) and through two or three tunnels that are cut into the cliffs before it descends into Monaco. Once in the principality, there are two choices. First, you can get off at the first stop and climb the steps to the Palais and Oceanography Museum. Or, second, ride the bus into the town and along the front of the port. The road there is instantly recognisable to Formula 1 fans as the Monaco grand prix runs along the front of the port. Both options are rather spectacular.

The only downside to the 100 is it can get frighteningly busy. A large proportion of the workforce in Monaco live outside the principality (mostly in Nice and the surrounding area) and commute back at around 6 or 7 o'clock. This means it is often standing room only.


Close

Monte Carlo is situated in the heart of the French Riviera within the city-state of Monaco close to the French-Italian border. Often regarded as the playground for the rich and famous it is small but far from unassuming. Monte Carlo is exactly what you would…Read More

Monte Carlo is situated in the heart of the French Riviera within the city-state of Monaco close to the French-Italian border. Often regarded as the playground for the rich and famous it is small but far from unassuming. Monte Carlo is exactly what you would imagine it to be: opulent and affluent, ostentatious and brazenly glitzy with everyone wearing their money on their sleeves. People walk the streets of Monte Carlo rarely, but when they do, often to take their poodle for a stroll, it's to be seen. Blacked out windowed BMWs and Ferrari's are commonplace here.

There is not all that much to Monte Carlo beyond numerous exclusive shops (every fashion darling boutique imaginable), hotels, restaurants, of course the casino, and many admiring tourists. As an experience, it's fascinating and worth spending a few hours there but I would suggest no more as either boredom or jealousy will take over.

I can recommend a day trip as access from many of the main resorts along the Riviera is easy by bus or by train. Although the whole area is hardly renowned for its economic value, you would still be better off staying in Nice and taking the train from there. It costs about 7 Euros return per person, runs roughly every 20 minutes and takes about the same amount of time to get there. The last one back usually leaves at about 11:30 pm so you can easily have a night out and return to Nice. Monte Carlo does have hotels, such as the famed Hotel de Paris, but you will need to re-mortgage your house to stay there.

So, things to see in Monte Carlo are, first and foremost, the people, their fur coats, elderly rotund gentlemen with their trophy wives, the wannabes and the hangers on. Best place for this is of course outside the casino. Like we did, take a pew outside the Cafe De Paris situated next door and sit and watch for hours. Front row seating is rare, even in October when we went, but even a few rows back it's worthwhile. Cafe de Paris is an interesting place. Never before I have I seen so many couples sitting and drinking and not facing one another. It really is like a show as you see every car of your dreams pull up and dark glassed persons emerge and hurriedly escape into the gambling Mecca.

Cafe de Paris itself is as expensive as you would imagine. You can drink outside facing the Hotel de Paris and adjacent to the casino. Dining happens inside and is a fine example of the traditional French dining experience. Here waiters are professionals and take pride in their job. There were 2 of us and we had 3 waiters between us checking, refilling, clearing and generally fussing, but in a good way! You pay for the privilege though, main courses are 20 Euros upwards but the quality is classic and very fine indeed. Is it worth the money? Probably not but when in Monte Carlo...

After dinner you should head over the road to the Hotel de Paris and sip on an overpriced (yes, there is a theme here isn't there?) champagne cocktail in the plush bar. We found this place to be fairly characterless but worth going so you can tick the box. The bar at the Hermitage hotel (about 100 meters away) looked a much better bet but was closed for a private function when we were there so couldn't go in. Overall, this hotel looked to be much more fun and less stuffy so if you want to stay in Monte Carlo, although we didn't stay there, this would have been top of my list.

Tourists can venture into the casino too, which opens its doors from 2pm. You have to pay to go into the gaming rooms themselves (10 Euros and you need ID with you). I didn't as they were very quiet (it was a Monday night at the end of October) and I could see just as well from the main lobby (they call it the Atrium) and this is free to enter. If it had been busy I think the premium would have been worth it. The building itself dates from the late 19th century and is exquisitely beautiful - this is no Brighton casino! The Atrium is free to wander, as are the toilets (to use rather than wander). I can highly recommend both as being marvellous experiences.

That about sums it. Hop the train back to Nice for a nightcap in the Negresco. More on that in a separate review...

So, that's Monte Carlo. I don't think you will need more than a day there but it's worth seeing just to check out how the other (or autre) half live.Close

The Principality of Monaco is about the size of a tomato patch and is situated ideally on the south coast of France It is kept solvent by sporting one of the grandest and most famous gambling casinos in the world. Over a hundred…Read More

The Principality of Monaco is about the size of a tomato patch and is situated ideally on the south coast of France It is kept solvent by sporting one of the grandest and most famous gambling casinos in the world. Over a hundred years ago Monaco abolished all taxation, making it a haven for many who have amassed a considerable wad and seek not to share it.
Once a year Monaco hosts the most spectacular automobile race in the world. Since 1929 world championship races have been run on a course that snakes through Monaco’s winding streets. To emphasize just how winding, note that cars capable of topping 200 miles per hour manage to average just 88 miles per hour around the two-mile circuit. Challenges to drivers include a top-gear bend through a sea-side tunnel and a series of goose neck turns that has the drivers steering lock to lock. Buildings and other manifestations of civilization line the full length of the course. A mechanical malfunction or a momentary lapse of concentration anywhere and a driver will find himself parked against something solid. If ever there is a driver’s course, this is it.
Famous as it is, the best known Monaco Grand Prix was a race that never happened.
In 1966 director John Frankenheimer followed the world championship Formula I racing circuit to film the movie Grand Prix. He brought his film crew to the races that year and filmed the action on some of the top courses.
The movie cranks up with the starting of engines for the Monaco Grand Prix, and the opening scenes follow the cars in a breath-taking chase through the streets of Monaco. The aerial shots, background set pieces, and views from on-car cameras in the first few minutes of the film give the viewer a virtual tour of this tiny country. Although time has not stood still in the years since the movie was shot there, today’s visitor will have no problem touring Monaco’s principal attractions using scenes from the movie as a guide.
The cars race up Boulevard Albert 1st and Avenue d’Ostende, to the famous Casino Square and sweep to the left around the Hotel de Paris. Leaving the square drivers plunge down the tree-shaded Avenue des Spélugues, with its famous gooseneck bends. In the distance of three city blocks this quirky street takes the drivers all the way back down to sea level. On any other day a casual stroller can stop to examine the menus of restaurants that line the left side of the street, but during the race steel barricades block the sidewalk, and these inviting places flash by too quickly to be noticed by the drivers.
Frankenheimer’s car-mounted cameras take the viewer on a white-knuckles ride through here as the course heads straight into a dead end before turning sharply to the right, then to the right again before doubling completely back to the left as it continues to cascade down from the heights above. Turning hard right again the cars streak beneath a road viaduct and toward the waterfront. At the waterfront another right turn leads to what may be the most famous feature of the course.
Boulevard Louis II hugs the shoreline here, and plunges into a tunnel. Today the tunnel is an artificial construction that has resulted from expansion of the Casino Square above. When the movie was filmed in 1966 it was a real tunnel and not so long as now.
Drivers emerge from the tunnel and streak right along the water’s edge, doubling back almost parallel to the uphill portion of the course above. It’s along this sunlit stretch that Frankenheimer’s fictitious race has its dramatic conclusion.
The movie stars American actor James Garner as one of the drivers. Garner’s car mixes with his team mates BRM here, and Garner’s BRM goes into the harbor while his team mate’s car tries to climb the cliff face before falling back onto the street. Garner is quickly from the water, and his team mate has to be extracted from his mangled BRM
Scenes from the film show the cars doubling completely back to the right around a traffic median as they exit the waterfront section and start the climb to Casino Square. These days the cars leaving the waterfront proceed almost to the row of official government buildings along Quai Antoine 1st and hook to the right around the Grand Prix Café.
The drivers also pass close by a life-size bronze of Juan Manuel Fangio and his Mercedes Benz racing car. The sculpture is located on a grassy traffic median across the street from the Grand Prix Café, and a sunny afternoon will find tourists posing for photographs alongside this racing icon and affectionately touching it, despite a posted sign to the contrary.
Most of the actors did their own driving for the movie. Additionally, a number of well-known drivers played themselves or else fictional characters. Knowledgeable race fans can quickly spot American drivers Richie Ginther and Phil Hill. British racing star Jim Clark played himself, and the fictional character of Bob Turner was played by Graham Hill. A slew of other famous drivers participated uncredited in the filming. Even the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, long retired, worked as a driver.
The story of the race that wasn’t would not be complete without mentioning the terrible irony that followed the following year. In 1967, while the film was playing in theaters, many of the same drivers were back competing in Monaco. Up and coming Italian driver Lorenzo Bandini was one of the uncredited drivers in the film, and in 1967 he was leading the race in a team Ferrari when disaster struck. To complete the irony, Bandini crashed in the same spot as James Garner’s fictional crash of the year before. Unfortunately, Bandini was killed, the only fatality in the history of the race.
As a great fan of the movie, I longed to retrace these famous scenes. More than that, having been born in the small town of Tolar, Texas, I had a hankering to see a country that was smaller than Tolar.
And so it is. A quick geographical fact check shows that all of Monaco covers just 0.76 square miles while Tolar stretches 0.90 square miles out on the Texas prairie. Of course, Monaco is built on a steep mountain side, so most likely if you laid it all out flat like Tolar, Monaco would be just as large.
Monaco also seems to be a much better tourist draw than Tolar. So it was that my brother and I, two boys from Tolar, dropped by with our wives to check it out. No contest. Monaco beats Tolar hands down.
To the new visitor it immediately becomes apparent why the original inhabitants, and subsequently the Grimaldi’s, chose this site as their base. In early times it was so difficult to get there that defending the place probably amounted to not telling people where it was. Even after the casino was built in 1863, patrons got in by means of a mule trail.
What really opened Monaco up to visitors was the completion of a rail connection to Nice, and now there are a number of ways to get there by road. You can take the A8 toll highway and get off at the Monaco exit. Or you can take the scenic route. Driving out through the suburbs of Nice on N7 or N98 you will see signs prominently posted telling where to turn to stay on course. Once out of Nice the choice of routes dwindles precipitously, and there’s no question of getting lost. It’s either go to Monaco or look for some place to turn around.
In Nice the N98 coast road is "La Promenade," where it serves the beachfront properties. If you arrive at the Nice airport, it’s the first street you encounter, and you can follow it directly to Monaco, about 11 miles from Nice. On the way to Monaco N98 twists along the cliffs and through the picturesque towns of Villefranche sur Mer and Bealieu sur Mer. This route is particularly painless and offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the French Riviera. Tolar has nothing to compare.
If you are not into driving you can catch the SNCF rail line to Monaco. Beyond Nice it follows close by N98, with stops at Villefranche and Bealieu. In Monaco the trains stop a few blocks from the Casino, which really describes just about everywhere in the country. Beyond Monaco the rail line connects to nearby Menton in France, and Ventimiglia and Sanremo and beyond in Italy. Close

Most of the time when you arrive at an international airport, the normal way to get to your hotel is usually taxi, bus or train or maybe even boat in the case of Venice. Not when you arrive at Nice international however and are travelling…Read More

Most of the time when you arrive at an international airport, the normal way to get to your hotel is usually taxi, bus or train or maybe even boat in the case of Venice. Not when you arrive at Nice international however and are travelling onto Monaco! The most spectacular way to travel to Monaco is via helicopter!

Nice international airport takes in most of the passengers arriving in this region with daily flights from most corners of Europe, the US (often via Paris) and further a field. As you step off the place and collect your luggage, follow the signs for helicopter transfer to Monaco.

There are a variety of firms operating helicopter flights out of here including Heli Air Monaco who we flew with although it appeared to me that the number of companies operating at any one time varies very much according to time of day and time of season that you visit.

At the desk they will take payment (via credit card only), check your details etc and then walk you through to the departure area. Your luggage is all taken care of from this point, so relax and enjoy your holiday!

The facts:

The flight time from Nice airport to Monaco (only one heli-pad) is approximately 6 or seven minutes one way.

Flights take off approx every 15 minutes running in both directions.

You need your passport when you fly and you and your luggage goes through security checks as with any flight. You do take your luggage onto the flight with the you and the helicopters seats up to six persons with luggage although we had one to ourselves!

You can book in advance or just turn up at the airport as we did and only had to wait 10 minutes for the next flight.

Tickets are approx 80 euros per person one way and include ground transfer to your hotel once you land (if you travel back then ring the company and they will collect you and your luggage from your hotel).

Once you have bought your ticket you will be walked to the departure gate and then driven across the air field before boarding your helicopter. You don’t need to touch your luggage as it is all taken care of for you!

The flight:
You take off from the airport and head out over sea to take in the fantastic views of the coastline and water in this wonderful way to travel!

It’s a great way to feel like the rich and famous and a really interesting way to see what Monaco has to offer from an unusual view point!

The helicopters used are small with one pilot, 2 smaller seats up front (great for kids) and four larger seats in the back. It’s very comfy and although take off is strange as you kind of glide and pivot, it’s very smooth once you are in the air and landing is great fun!

Other modes of transport?

A taxi takes approximately 40 minutes and costs 80 euros and is actually a very nice journey through some spectacular mountain backdrops. We took a taxi on the return journey and very much enjoyed the contrast.Close

I try to be more of a realist when discussing places I visit. We talk about the highlights, the things we could have done with out, and what we want to do the next time. One of the highlights was the public toilet in the…Read More

I try to be more of a realist when discussing places I visit. We talk about the highlights, the things we could have done with out, and what we want to do the next time.

One of the highlights was the public toilet in the garden on the rock. The toilet smelled like FLOWERS - now that was a highlight!

I could have done without the rain, but C’est la vie!

Next time I would like to see the changing of the guards!

It is very pretty and very clean.

Overall, Monaco wasn't as glitzy and glamorous, as it is portrayed to be. I'm sure the nightlife has something happening, but the daytime is the same as any other place in the world people dress regular, they go to the supermarket, they walk their dogs - don't clean up after them, but they are walked... Close

If you are planning to go to Monaco, check with someone to find out if there are any special events going on. There is the Monaco Grand Prix car race, when I was there, there was a pre Olympic track meet in the big…Read More

If you are planning to go to Monaco, check with someone to find out if there are any special events going on. There is the Monaco Grand Prix car race, when I was there, there was a pre Olympic track meet in the big athletic arena. The World Music Awards was held there too. Plan ahead if you want to go to these so you can either get tickets, or know that there will be limited parking in some spots. The best way to get around anyway is walking.Close

Although beautifully decorated with sculptures, paintings, and stained glass, I found this place very boring and stuffy. You have to pay 10 euros to get in to play and have to be suitably dressed. Men need to wear a jacket and tie, and no one…Read More

Although beautifully decorated with sculptures, paintings, and stained glass, I found this place very boring and stuffy. You have to pay 10 euros to get in to play and have to be suitably dressed. Men need to wear a jacket and tie, and no one under 18 is admitted. There is also a free casino, for which you do not pay to get in, which is a few doors away. Similarly, there was no excitement factor for me. I'd take Vegas anyday. You can, however, go there to people-watch and take pictures in front of the expensive cars, dreaming they are yours.Close

Monaco - a country with developed economy, a strong tourism industry, with its mild climate, the state, where the density of millionaires per square centimeter, the highest in the world.Monaco - a country rich, but wealth requires protection. In the Duchy operates a powerful system…Read More

Monaco - a country with developed economy, a strong tourism industry, with its mild climate, the state, where the density of millionaires per square centimeter, the highest in the world.

Monaco - a country rich, but wealth requires protection. In the Duchy operates a powerful system of police control. Guardsman in uniform and in civilian clothes on duty around the clock at their posts. They have the right to make inspections of suspicious objects and machines, checking phone bills, hotel rooms and homes. Cameras are installed at almost every post. Has experienced the excellent work of the police: wanted to visit a wax museum, the building was undergoing renovation, looked inward, to ask the workers where it can be the museum exposition. Do not have time to take a step, when suddenly the police came to the question: what do you want? What were they come from? The street was deserted at the moment ... The crime rate is extremely low. This is just the place where you can safely "walk their" diamonds and luxury garments. The most expensive in Monaco - the land and housing. Since there's nowhere to grow, can only grow up, apartment prices are quite high. Apartments in buildings located in France, but having access to the Monaco property market are valued at several times more expensive.

Modern Monaco were inhabited in the Stone Age, there lived the Ligurian tribes, they were replaced by Phoenicians. During the period of Phoenician rule here was built the temple Melkarth, which the Greeks and Romans identified with Heracles. Legend has it that this hero and founded the Monaco. Having decided to relax in this wonderful part of the Cote d'Azur, he gave it the name Portus Gerkulis Moneki - Hercules secluded harbor. From this dock though and went to town. There is another legend. At the time of the Romans was executed a young Corsican named Devoto, her body was placed in a boat and sent to Africa. A boat off course and ran aground off the coast of Monaco, where he founded the state in honor of this girl.

Legend tells that one of the Christmas day in 1297 the castle gate knocked humble Franciscan friar. Suspecting nothing, the guards let him warm up. Once inside, the monk took off his robe and pulled out his sword, broke in custody. Following him through the open gate of the armed men burst. This was disguised as a monk Francois Grimaldi, founder of the dynasty, and still ruling Monako.Grimaldi always been proud of its history. Not by chance on the arms of Monaco shows two monastic figures are extracted from beneath the robes swords.

Rhode Grimaldi - one of the few, who ruled from 13 century. Across Europe, it was famous for its once-scandalous reputation. Even after final approval from the authorities, the heirs of Francois Grimaldi continued to engage in piracy and robbery, attacking merchant ships. Later they decided to legalize the theft and brought to the merchants' right of way by Monaco. Fee equal to 2% of the cost provezennyh goods. The tradition of looting passed from father to son, and so did not last a century, only the Great French Revolution at the time curbed this nest of robbers. The family of the then Prince Honoré III was arrested, his sister died on the scaffold. Monegasque National Convention decided to join France, but after the fall of Napoleon the monarchy in the kingdom was restored, and returned to the Grimaldi right "to plunder".

The Principality of Monaco passed from hand to hand - they owned the King of Sicily, Duke of Savoy, the Spaniards, Napoleon. Have always been a Princes Grimaldi.

In the early 60-ies of the XIX century the principality of Monaco was a quiet village, where the main occupations were fishing and agriculture; principality was on the brink of ruin. It survived only by selling salt and taking duties to enter France. The economy of the Principality at the time was simply catastrophic. In that case do the rulers? Of course, they raise taxes and impose new ones.
The new bourgeoisie wanted a brilliant holiday, and in the conduct of the prince's Grimaldi was just several kilometers wonderful coastal zone. True, there's really nowhere to sit still, entirely too shabby fishermen's shacks and orange groves. But this can be corrected.

The idea quickly and a lot of money on the game of roulette came up with the ruler of Monaco during a trip to the resorts of Germany, where gambling has flourished then. However, unlike millions of other players "hungry" Prince Grimaldi, watching torsion roulette grasped the main "system gain". The game is won or someone who does not play into it at all, or one who organizes the game.

In 1863 the company was established by the Society of sea bathing "under the leadership of Francois Blanc. Karl III granted the company an exclusive concession for the construction and operation of casinos, hotels and restaurants for 50 years. The company exists to date, and is one of the largest in Europe.

In order for a casino to be repaid, rather than damages, Blanc implements the first rule of gambling business - the player must quickly get to the casino, to live next to a casino, should rest in the casino. In 1864, François Blanc holds the Monaco railway splits around the building the casino gardens and parks, reconstructs the port, next to the casino is building a luxury hotel "De Paris", which immediately became the most prestigious and expensive hotels on the coast. In 1865, the grand opening of new casinos, and in 1866 a new neighborhood is named Monte Carlo. During the first three years of the new casino has earned so much money that Prince Charles III abolished for the citizens of his country's direct taxation, which reached up to current times.

Rise of the casino leads to prosperity and most Principality of Monaco. Developed city, there are beautiful parks, there are many hotels, gyms and nightclubs. Monte Carlo has become a meeting place for the international elite - beau monde goes only there. At the prince and his subjects attacked not so much a "golden rain", but a real "golden rain".

Since then, the principality has become a legend, a symbol of grand entertainment, balls, receptions and gambling. They were waiting for guests. And guests do not have to wait. Already in 1869 Monte Carlo 170 thousand tourists visited, and many specially sailed from America. The numbers at the time the giant. But it is not for mass tourism sought Charles III Grimaldi. He wanted to see in his guest quite a crowd. Old Crown business manager did it. It`s sais that Las Vegas was built for those who do not have enough money to go to Monte Carlo.

History of Monaco - is largely the history of the Grimaldi family. There are many legends about the family, but among them one of which Grimaldi prefer to say nothing but superstitious people believe what they had on the fate of the kind of devastating impact. This is the famous "curse kind of Grimaldi. According to legend, in the 13 century the first Monegasque prince kidnapped in Holland a beautiful girl, seduced and abandoned her. Beauty has become a witch and cursed his abuser: "None of Grimaldi is not given to know happiness in marriage!". The history of the princely family confirms this prophecy. For centuries, a family chronicle studded quarrels, divorce, untimely death.

And then, finally, something happened that seemed to tear this fatal chain. In 1956, Prince Rainier III led to the altar of one of the most beautiful women of that time - the rising star of Hollywood's Grace Kelly. Joining the European aristocracy and American glamor of Monaco for a long time has become fashionable. The transformation of a Hollywood celebrity princess has caused huge interest in the principality, which after World War II began to forget.

In Monaco, a cult of Princess Grace, carefully maintained by her children: all pictures, posters, name prospectus and gardens. Close