Travel in Monaco – Hotels, Monaco Vacations, Lodging, Trips, Attractions and Travel Guide



Monaco

Vacation and Travel to Monaco
Picture of expensive Yachts in the harbor of Monaco

Monaco, officially known as the Principality of Monaco and is located in Western Europe. Monaco is a sovereign city-state, that lies in the Mediterranean Sea. Many of the people who dwell in Monaco are wealthy and from other foreign countries, they comprise approximately 84% of the total population. The country of Monaco also has a royal family, the Grimaldi's, who have ruled over Monaco since 1279, with Prince Albert II as the recognized ruler. .

Monaco is an area rich in history and is home to many popular attractions. It is a tax free haven, where many people enjoy fine dining, gambling and a pleasant year-round climate. Monaco is home of one of the worlds most expensive nightclubs, Jimmy Z, which is located on Avenue Princess Grace, named after the late American actress Grace Kelly who was married to Prince Ranier.

Monaco, has been the home of the Monaco Gran Prix car race since 1929, which is one of the most respectable and preeminent auto races in the world. The Monte Carlo Rally began in 1911, at the request of Albert I, Prince of Monaco, and has long been recognized as one of the most difficult and respectable racing events in the world.

Monaco is also home to other popular tourist sites such as the Jardin Exotique, which means “Exotic Gardens”. There is a wide array of beautiful, delicate exotic plants and foliage that thrive in the warm climate. There are beautiful grottoes where fossils can be viewed and in the park there is the Musee d'Anthropologie and Prehistorique, a museum of Prehistory and Anthropology, which has exhibits of bones, coins and ornamental items from the pre-Roman and Roman time period.

In western Monaco, there is the Place du Palais, it has bronze cannons dating back to the reign of Louis XIV; it also has a fabulous view of Monte Carlo from this vantage point. The Place du Palais was built in the 13th century as Genoese fortress. It is interesting to watch the changing of the guard every day at 11:55 a.m. The Palais has glorious apartments, a throne room, the York bedroom and wonderful 17th century frescoes. During the summer time, concerts take place making the grounds come alive with the sounds of music and entertainment.

Monaco is a veritable haven for art-lovers, it also has the Monaco Cathedral. It is called the Rue du Tribunal, and it leads from the palace to the cathedral. Built between 1875 and 1884, it reflects the Roman-Byzantine style that was popular during that time period. Inside the cathedral an altarpiece by Louis Brea, artworks by the Nice School and tombs of the princes of Monaco, the grave of Princess Grace is also located there.

Monaco boasts a mild Mediterranean climate that has about 300 days of sunshine per year. The average temperatures in Monaco in summertime are around 80-84 degrees, during the winter months the range is between 48-58 degrees. The months of July and August are the most hot, with spring and fall are the ideal travel season, when temperatures are the best.

Appropriate attire for churches, mosques, casinos and restaurants is required, with men wearing a jacket and tie when visiting a casino. Most hotels will add a service charge to your bill, but extra tipping is a good idea when you want to show appreciation for receiving good service. It is unnecessary to tip a taxi driver, because they are self-employed. French is the official language of Monaco, however some English is spoken in certain areas. For many years Monaco has been the playground for the rich and famous, but there are also many other attractions that make it ideal for a vacation destination.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: