Monte-Carlo
Glamour and splendour with great tradition
Categories: Cote dAzur Monte-Carlo Monaco Mediterranean region
"The ball is rolling" and "nothing's working" - "rien ne va plus". These are probably the sentences that one most associates with Monte-Carlo, the refuge of the rich and beautiful on the Côte d'Azur. Because the casino of Monte-Carlo is probably the most famous and also most glamorous sight in the glamorous city-state of Monaco. But also for those visitors who do not want to gamble their money in the casino, Monte-Carlo has a lot to offer.
© Boris Stroujko / Fotolia
700 years Grimaldi tradition
It was not immediately clear 700 years ago, when the Grimaldi family took over the helm of the former sea fortress, that the rock on which the princely castle and the old town are located today would one day become one of the most glamorous places in the world, where beauty, riches and stars cavort. For centuries, the Grimaldis, whose progenitor was able to conquer the old fortress by a ruse, were hired as
Buccaneers. It was not until the 19th century that the shortage of money forced the princes of the time to agree to the establishment of a casino. It was not until the 1950s that Prince Rainier ensured his final ascent - supported by his wife, the film actress Grace Kelly.
Picturesque old town
The old Monte-Carlo is only a small part of the city state Monaco. It is the historical core of the territory that in the course of the time got a little bigger by embankments. And while at the bottom of the harbour, a huge apartment building is lined up beside the others, up in the oldtown, at the Prince's Palace of the Grimaldis, one breathes history. Here, also the real Monegasques live - there are only approximately 40.000.
Not only the Prince's Palace is impressive, but also the Cathedral Notre Dame Immaculé. In the narrow cobbled alleyways there are souvenir shops, bistros and there is even a farmers' market. Part of the Prince's Palace is the beautiful botanical garden, which is also open to the public.
The sophisticated Monte Carlo
Quite different from the old town, it is further down - by the casino and the harbour. Car enthusiasts will also get their money's worth here away from the Grand Prix and the Monte-Carlo Rally, because a luxury limousine or super sports car is parked on every corner. The Grimaldis have always been car enthusiasts, too, which you can see for yourself in the princely collection of vintage cars that Prince Rainier started.
Luxury pure of course also down at the harbour: one yacht follows the other, servants in livery are waiting to be at the service of their rich ladies and gentlemen. More often than in other cities, helicopters rattle, often starting from the ship in order to pick up their feudal clientele at the nearby airport of Nizza.
© grutfrut / Fotolia
It does not have to be expensive
Anyone who thinks that Monte-Carlo is unaffordable for normal earners is mistaken. Of course, only with a big purse it is recommendable to order a fish plate and a bottle of wine in one of the harbour restaurants or to book a room in one of the chic hotels. But there are also more affordable accommodations with good comfort and restaurants that offer food at reasonable prices. So nothing stands in the way of a trip to Monte-Carlo.
