Millionaire’s playground

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Cosily nestled under the arm of the french alps, on the fringe of the Mediterranean Monte Carlo is the holiday hub for the rich and famous, but as Lisa Hodge discovers the unofficial capital of Monaco has a wealth of other attractions on offer.

Internationally renowned as the playground of the rich and famous, you would be forgiven for thinking Monte Carlo is nothing more than a superficial holiday hotspot for millionaires.

But you'd be wrong.

Nestled in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, Monte Carlo is widely regarded as the lifeblood of the country and as its most famous district, has become recognised as its unofficial capital.

Monaco itself basks between the captivating French Alps and the vast Mediterranean Sea. Measuring approximately one and a half miles in length and three miles in width, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. Only the Vatican City is smaller.

But what it lacks in size it makes up for in history, culture, wealth and beauty. The independent principality has the longest ruling royal family in Europe. The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco for more than 700 years and is still as revered and respected by the people of Monaco, as ever.

The population of Monaco is somewhere in the region of approximately 30,000, but because of the country's unique appeal, it has attracted residents from around the globe, meaning only 25% of the total populace are Monegasques.

Monte Carlo sits on the rock of Mont Des Mules and enjoys the unique position of being enveloped by enchanting French Medieval villages and the ski trails of the Alps.

Only a simple road separates Monaco from France, but you would barely realise it when you're travelling between the two countries. The relationship between Monaco and France is an interesting one. Any new law passed in France is automatically sent to the ruling Prince (currently Prince Albert II) and he decides whether or not that law becomes applicable in Monaco or not.

Monte Carlo rests on the French Riviera between Provence and Italy, close to the museums of Nice (Matisse and Chagall) and the glamorous shopping boulevards of Cannes.

Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures for the remainder, Monte Carlo is a magnet for tourists, and, in particular, a favourite holiday spot for the rich and famous.

But, as well as the good weather and stunning location, Monte Carlo has much more to offer the visitor, including a location steeped in history, outstanding cuisine, adrenaline-fuelled activities like the Formula One Grand Prix, land and water sports and, of course, exciting nightlife.

Any visitor to Monte Carlo has a world of culture to explore. The Picasso Museum and world-famous Maeght Collection are nearby as well. Trips to the medieval villages of St. Paul de Vence or Eze, the perfume factories of Grasse, Italy's ski slopes and the boutiques and markets of nearby San Remo are a must, as are private parties at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St. Jean Cap Ferrat or La Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu.

Getting around is simple too. Since Monte Carlo is so small geographically, it is relatively easy to navigate your way around it, but it is definitely worth finding out the city's shortcuts before you go, if only to make exploring easier.

Monte Carlo has an efficient public transport system, with five bus lines. A good way to save money is to buy the daily tourist pass, which at a flat rate, allows unlimited travel all day. A series of elevators also operate to transport visitors and residents up and down the steep streets
of the city. Perhaps the best way to explore the city, however, is on foot.

Along the western side of the harbour, there is an elevator that will take you up to Monaco-Ville and bring you near the Musee Oceanographie (Oceanographic Museum).

This is a must-see if you have the time. Explorer Jacques Cousteau was the director of the museum for over 30 years, and it has a wonderful aquarium with both tropical and Mediterranean species of marine life.

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