Monaco Vacations

The Grimaldi family has ruled the principality for centuries and plays a significant role in the culture. Prince Albert II plays a central role as his events are popular, and he is seen to work hard at his charity work and environmental interests.

The New National Museum of Monaco, Oceanographic Museum, and the Prince’s Palace Museum offer in depth looks into the history and culture of the past. 

The port of Monaco has long been a strategic location. Italians, Phoenicians, and Greeks have each taken their turns as rulers, and legends say Hercules once passed through the area – the ancient port is named for this god of strength and heroes. 

The palace fortress on the rocky promontory, with an excellent natural defensive location, was first built when German Emperor Henry IV gave it to Genoa. The Grimaldis were one of the aristocratic families in the 12th century and had an interest in leading. In 1297 Francesco Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, entered, killed a guard, and seized the fortress – thus began the dynasty. Over these centuries the Grimaldis have successfully fought to keep their land and sovereignty against the attempts from England, Spain, France, Naples, Germany, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice. Since the takeover, other than a brief time of French occupation during the French Revolution, the Grimaldis have been rulers of Monaco. 

The Grimaldis created alliances with France, and finally reached full independence in 1480.

The princes of Monaco ruled absolutely for centuries until the people demanded, through action in the Monegasque Revolution of 1910, that a constitution be proclaimed. This occurred the following year and today the nation stands as a constitutional monarchy where the Prince has a significant role in leading the government.

The official language is French, but there is a Monegasque language spoken by some residents.

The prestigious F1 event, the Monaco Grand Prix, takes place on the Circuit de Monaco winding through Monte Carlo. The first Grand Prix was in 1929 and the event has been held annually since 1950. The race is challenging and the iconic race has the slowest average speed on the F1 timetable because of the winding streets the cars must navigate. The event is filled with glitz, glamour, and elegant parties and it occurs in late May.

Larvotto Beach is a stunning sunbathing and swimming destination by the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean with a white sandy beach and a wonderful assortment of restaurants and cafes. It’s the only public beach in Monaco and offers lots of water sports like surfing lessons, kitesurfing, yacht cruises, kayaking, jet skiing, scuba diving. It’s best from June to September when the weather is at its warmest.

The International Fireworks competition features spectacular pyrotechnic displays from countries around the world set to music. It lights up the skies with several nights of explosions in July and August. Beginning in 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show draws 30,000 in Port Hercules and showcases luxury yachts, super yachts, marine technology, and eco-friendly sea faring vessels. The high-end nautical experience takes place in September.

In late January, the legendary auto race, the Monte Carlo Rally, is a part of the World Rally Championship and features stages through the French and Italian Alps. This technical and challenging race often faces unpredictable weather, starts in various nearby cities, and its finish line brings the racers to Monaco.

An annual international Circus Festival that began in 1974, also occurs in January. This fun event features acrobats, clowns, animal trainers, and breathtaking stunts and acts. Princess Stephanie, daughter of Grace Kelly, is heavily involved in putting on this event. 

And the Rose Ball, an institution since 1954, is a prestigious and elegant charity event organized to raise money for the Princess Grace foundation. In March or April, celebrities, royalty, and philanthropists attend an evening of elaborate decor, music, and floral themes.

The Principality of Monaco is made up of several neighbourhoods. At its heart is Monaco-Ville known as the Old Town. Also commonly known as The Rock, or Le Rocher, it sits on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, with a labyrinth of small medieval winding lanes and squares with shops and restaurants. The Prince’s Palace, the Palais Princier, was built in the 13th century and remodelled in the Renaissance with a mixture of styles from over the centuries, with 16th century frescoes. It’s the residence of the reigning monarchy, and regularly hosts open-air summer concerts.

Monte Carlo is situated at the base of the Rock and stretches along the sea wall. This part of Monaco is dazzling, and hosts famous casinos and hotels like the Casino Monte Carlo complex, the Hotel de Paris, and the Hotel Hermitage.

The Casino Monte-Carlo  was built in 1863, created to bring in money when Monaco needed it most by SBM, Monaco’s biggest employer. The company has created several luxury hotels that attract people from all over the world. Tourism is the nation’s primary source of income., and today SBM runs most of the country’s tourism related activities including the casino complex,  Monte-Carlo Opera House, and many deluxe hotels and restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs. Monegasques (locals) are not allowed to gamble in the casinos to prevent citizens from losing their money.

Monte Carlo also features Notre-Dame-Immaculee de Monaco Cathedral where Prince Rainier III wed Grace Kelly in 1956, the Oceanographic Museum built in 1910, also known as the Temple of the Sea, a marine research and environmental protection hub that Jacques Cousteau administered from 1957-88.

La Condamine in the port quarter has traditional markets, the bustling Port Hercules, many yacht marinas, restaurants, shops, bars, and the Condamine market where you can pick up fresh food like produce and fish. 

Fontvieille is a newer residential and commercial district, built on reclaimed land from the sea.

Stadium Louis II is where AS Monaco Football Club plays, and you can also explore the stunning Princess Grace Rose Garden, with a wide variety of roses and sculptures.

Like everything else in Monaco, the food scene and cuisine is second to none. Gastronomical feasts and tasting menus, push the boundaries of what food is, but you can also find the most delicious versions of Italian and French dishes you love. Not only is the food delectable, but the restaurants themselves are works of art, housed in the most grand hotels.

The Hotel de Paris (1864) is one of the most prestigious, historic, and glamorous hotels in Monaco. Its opulent decor, world-class service, and Michelin starred restaurant Le Louis XV has been featured in several films. The wine cellar hosts one of the world’s most extensive wine collections dating to the 19th century.

And the Hotel Hermitage, built in the early 20th century has an old world charm juxtaposed with modern luxury. The hotel’s Belle Epoque architecture is defined by its elegant and creative curves throughout the structure. In heart of Monte Carlo, elegance and tradition grace the Winter Garden that features a crystal chandelier with 10,000 pieces of crystal.

There are gourmet dishes here and everywhere across Monaco where French and Italian culinary traditions fuse with Mediterranean olive oil, fresh herbs and vegetables, and a light and health conscious vibe. Fish, the only local natural resource, plays heavily in the local diet. There’s a rich variety of fresh fish, shellfish and crustaceans, and of course, the fresh catches of the day.

Local specialities include barbagiuan, a savory pastry with ricotta cheese and Swiss chard, and a chickpea pancake called Socca. Because Monaco welcomes the rich and famous, and everyone else too, you can find the best food from around the world here. Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and African food is available and popular.

The Brasserie de Monaco in the heart of the principality is its most well known brewery and has been creating lagers and ales since 1905. Known for its quality and sophistication, the wine scene is everywhere, due to its well developed network of wine shops. Wine is imported from around the world, but especially from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Cote d’Azur.