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Monaco

Visit Monaco, Provence

Monaco is an independent principality, with its own royal family who have ruled Monaco since the 13th century, tucked away on the Cote d'Azur.

Hence it is not part of France, but we include a quick guide to the highlights since visitors to the Riviera will often spend a day visiting Monaco. Despite its independence from France, most laws, and the defence of Monaco, are linked closely with those of France.

There is no income tax for the inhabitants of Monaco, and there are more police per square metre than any other country in the world, to help control an extremely minimal crime problem. Monaco makes its money by being a tax exile for the rich and for businesses, and from tourism.

Exploring Monaco

As soon as you arrive in Monaco you will realise that it is a very rich place, where fast cars, big diamonds and flashy yachts are the norm (along with backpacking tourists). Monte Carlo, in the central part of Monaco, is the place to go and be seen if you are really wealthy.

First stop on your visit might be a visit to the Monte Carlo Casino and Opera. Built in the 19th century by Charles Garnier (also responsible for the Paris Opera), the inside of the building really is worth seeing for its opulence and grandeur (there is an admission charge of about 10 euros for the visit). The gardens around the casino are also very lovely (and free to enter).

The other important monuments in Monaco, most of which are less than 200 years old, include the Byzantine style cathedral, the imposing Palace Princier, and the curious design of the Palace of Justice (inside not open to the public).

The eastern part of Monaco, on a rock promontory on which the palace is perched (guided visits available), is the most interesting part of town for casual visitors. You can admire the enormous yachts pulled up in the harbour for a while, then visit the Oceanography Museum and the aquarium.

Lacking open countryside Monaco has preserved a significant amount of space for parks and gardens. Principal among these, the Exotic Gardens on the hill above Monaco are exceptional, both for the cacti and plants and for the very impressive views out across the rooftops and the sea.

Not surprisingly, eating out, drinking, and staying in a hotel in Monaco will all make sizable holes in your budget, and most visitors stay elsewhere on the Riviera and visit Monaco as a day trip.

The internationally renowned Monaco Grand Prix is held in the second week of May.

Suggested places to visit near Monaco, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Sainte-Agnes 7km; Menton 8km; Villefranche-sur-Mer 9km; Cap Ferrat 10km; Nice 13km; Sospel 15km; Coaraze 16km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 23km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 24km; Vence 24km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 29km; Biot 29km; Saorge 29km; Antibes 30km; Saorge Monastery 30km; Juan-les-Pins 31km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Monaco

Monaco tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (2km) : La citronneraie - remarkable garden (8km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (8km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (8km) : Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild - remarkable garden (9km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (13km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (22km) : Le Vallon du Brec - remarkable garden (30km) :