Monaco – Monte Carlo Tourist information and photos

Monaco is famous for Cafe de Paris, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Circus, Monte Carlo Casino and as a fashionable resort and tax haven. Recommended!

Monaco

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world and is a very sophisticated resort and tax paradise. Always nice for a day out and a 1-hour drive from Valbonne when you take the motorway.

Must see is the old part of the city where you will find the Prince’s Palace and the Cathedral. Here is also the Musée Océanographique de Monaco.

Monte Carlo

And of course you have to go to Monte Carlo, known for the Casino and Café de Paris. Car lovers can indulge themselves here because the most beautiful cars are parked at the Casino. Several James Bond films have been recorded in the casino. Monaco is of course also well known for the annual circus and the Grand Prix Formula 1. The harbor is also well worth a visit – here are the ships and super yachts of the rich & famous.

Café de Paris

Café de Paris is located on Place du Casino, 98000 Monte-Carlo and is an absolute must for a drink. Look out for the rich & famous who stroll past or drive past in the most expensive cars. At this most expensive – probably the most expensive location in Europe – it is not cheap. With a view of the Casino, this is the place to be for lunch, drink or dinner. You can park just 200 meters from Café de Paris in the parking garage Parking Casino (parking on the street in the old center is virtually impossible).

The Tripadvisor reviews are not very good, many people complain about the price, unfriendly service and long waiting times, but for us it is always a highlight go here.

 

 

 

Shopping

In Monaco you can get rid of your savings. Not only the house prices are exorbitantly high (a 2 bedroom apartment for € 8,500,000 ..) also shopping in Monaco is not cheap. All major designers such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Gucci, Christian Dior, Piaget, Chopard, Celine, Stardust, Fred and Chanel have settled in Monte Carlo. The only advantage is that you shop without tax and VAT in this tax haven.

You can buy everything you can think of in the Principality of Grimaldis: from traditional souvenirs in the old part of the city to the more normal things you find in the shopping centers.

Art in Monaco

There are also many art galleries such as Fersen, Riblzi, Galerie Carré Doré (urban modern art), Opera Gallery and many others.

Christmas holidays in Monaco

If you are staying on the Côte d’Azur during the Christmas holidays, Monaco is an absolute must. Monte Carlo, the Casino is beautifully lit with beautiful Christmas decorations, light show and Christmas trees.

In Cannes and Nice there are also Christmas markets during the Christmas holidays and in Nice there is often an ice rink (with 15+ degrees ..) In any case, the Côte d’Azur is beautifully lit during the holidays.

Tip: Take the train to Monaco

We recommend traveling by train to Monaco. The train from Antibes station takes you in about 1 hour via a beautiful coastal route to the center of Monaco. Saves parking costs and toll and you enjoy a beautiful route! A train ticket costs around € 8.00 per person. You can park your car at Antibes station.

Christma in Monaco 2019

Monaco – Port and view of Monaco