|
Monaco
[Presentation]
[History]
[Surrounding area]
[Visit]
[Virtual Tour]
|
|
Presentation |
|
|
Looked upon as a temple of luxury and prestige, the Principality of Monaco
is a world set slightly apart from the rest of the Côte d'Azur. Because of its
economic boom, many sky-scrapers have appeared in the last decades, the only
ones you'll see on the Riviera. |
The Principality of Monaco is comprised
of three main parts : Monaco (the Rock and Prince's Palace), La Condamine
(a bustling shopping area at the foot of the Rock) and Monte-Carlo, the
central area around the Casino with the classiest hotels. |
|
A town that thrives on prestige, Monaco is a showcase of de-luxe boutiques
with renowned designer names, and the most impressive collection of really
enviable cars.
The new neighbourhood of Fontvieille, partly reclaimed from the sea, plays host
to many business premises and a yacht harbor.
|
|
History |
|
|
Though the site was probably occupied by the Ligurian people of Monoïkos
as early as the 6th century B.C., it was the Romans who seized the Rock
in the 1st century B.C. In later years, it was the turn of the Barbarians
and Saracens to conquer this tiny part of the coast. In the 10th century A.D.,
the Count of Provence won back the little township, which then passed under
the protection of Genoa.
|
 |
In the 13th century, the Grimaldi family took possession of Monaco and
fought hard to keep it until the present day. In 1998, the Grimaldi family
celebrated the 700th anniversary of its extraordinary reign.
|
Initially extending over a territory much larger than that of today,
the Grimaldi dynasty succeeded in managing the city's fate and fortunes
throughout the centuries through a subtle game of alliances. Under French
protection in the 17th century, the Grimaldis were given back their territory
under the Treaty of Paris (1861). The Principality of Monaco gave back to
France its rights over Menton and Roquebrune, thus recovering its complete
independence. |
Today, the Principality has about 30,000 inhabitants, of whom
less than 5,000 are of Monégasque nationality. It is still governed by the
Prince Albert II.
|
|
The
surrounding area |
|
|
|
|
Coaraze : according to legend, the inhabitants of this small medieval village captured the devil and glued his tail. To free himself, the devil had to shave off his tail, which is how the village got its name: "coa" "raza" means "shaven tail".
Known as "the village of sunshine", Coaraze is well-known for its large number and variety of sundials, one of which was designed by
Cocteau. You must pay a visit to
the Chapelle Bleue and Chapelle Saint Sébastien.
Peillon : a superb hill-top
village halfway between Monaco and Nice. Visit the White Penitents' Chapel, dating from the 12th century, and admire the magnificent frescoes.
Peille : if you enjoy visiting medieval villages, Peille occupies an unspoilt site: narrow streets, a Gothic fountain on Arcade Square, the remains of a fortress, the Wise Judge's Palace (also known as the Consul's Palace) dating from the late 13th century, the home of the Lascaris family, built on the cliff edge in the 14th century. Peille, in the shadow of Mount Agel and the Rastel Peak, is an interesting destination for
excursions : the mountain-pass of Le Col de la Madone and the road to Sainte
Agnès.
Cap d'Ail : at the foot of the "Dog's Head", Cap d'Ail is a haven of greenery stretching along the "Basse Corniche" coast road: palm trees, olive trees, mimosa, pines, cypresses... the "Sentier des Douaniers" follows the sea shore for 3 km from the Mala beach to Monaco heliport.
Eze
: The village of Eze stretches from the seashore to the hilltop "Grande Corniche"... A steep footpath leads from Eze village to the seaside resort. Eze is one of the most beautiful villages on the French Riviera and boasts a stunning view over the whole of the Riviera... On clear mornings in the middle of winter, it is sometimes possible to see Corsica from the top of this tiny village.
Wander along the ramparts, admire the view from the ruins of the castle and shelter from the sun in the shady, winding streets. Discover the Mediterranean flora in the Tropical Garden which was opened in 1950.
La Turbie : this small town at the foot of Mount Agel is famous for the "Trophée des Alpes". Built in the
7 - 6 years B.C. to commemorate the 44 tribes subjugated between 44 and 29 B.C. the monument was destroyed by the monks from the Lerins islands who considered it was too pagan. It was not until the 1930s that an archaeologist decided to begin digging and partially restored the monument. La Turbie overlooks Monaco.
|
|
Visit |
|
The Prince's Palace and the Old Town on the Rock of Monaco
(breathtaking views from both sides of the Palace Square), the Casino and
Casino Gardens, the Museum of Oceanography, the Exotic Gardens.
|
|
Strolls
2-hour tour - 1-day
tour - 2-day tour
|
|
|
|
|
|
