Monaco.The second smallest independent state in the world. Interesting for everyone
18:40 Monaco.The second smallest independent state in the world. Interesting for everyone | |
 Monaco is not a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area, however it maintains an open border and customs union with France and is treated as part of the Schengen Area. Both French and Monégasque authorities carry out checks at Monaco's seaport and heliport. The principality of Monaco offers a great balance of historical and modern attractions. There are various museums and palaces to visit as well as shopping malls and casinos. Monaco also offers relaxation spots along the harbor and even around the attractions. It is relatively easy to navigate Monte Carlo and Monaco if you take the time to learn where the various "short cuts" are. City maps are generally available at most news vendor stands and shops for a small fee. See ` Take a walk through Monaco-Ville, also known as "le rocher” or "the rock.” Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart and an astonishingly picturesque site. It is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and most previous century houses still remain. There a number of hotels, restaurant and souvenir shops tourists can stay, eat and shop at. You can also visit the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, the City Hall, and the Saint Martin Gardens. The Palais Princier (Prince's Palace) is in old Monaco-Ville and is worth a visit. There are guided tours of the palace each day and usually run around the clock. The Palace also offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo. Everyday at 11:55 AM, in front of the Palace's main entrance visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the "Carabiniers." "Carabiniers” are not only in charge of the Princes’ security but they offer Him a Guard of Honor and on special occasions, are His escorts. The "Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince” has a military band (Fanfare); which performs at public concerts, official occasions, sports events and international military music festivals. The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction. Located 279 above sea level, the museum contains stunning collections of marine fauna, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craft ware made from the sea’s natural products. On the ground floor, exhibitions and film projections are presented daily in the Conference room. In the basement, visitors can take pleasure in watching spectacular shows of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. Lastly, visitors can have lunch in "La Terrasse” and visit the museum gift shop. The entrance fee is 15€ for adults. Students can get discount by showing valid student ID. You need to take bus number 1 or 2 from the Monaco Monte Carlo train station to reach this aquarium. The Jardin Exotique (Exotic Gardens) is one of the many gardens Monaco has to offer. It is also one of Monaco’s finest tourist attractions. Several thousand rare plants from around the world are presented in a walking tour that is quite memorable for the views as well as the flora and plants. Due to the rise in altitude, not only are there many displays of desert plants but there are a handful of subtropical flora displays as well. There is also a grotto (cave) that has scheduled guided tours. The tour starts at the beginning of every hour and lasts for around 25 minutes. In the cave, you will have to climb the stairs equivalent to around a 6 storied building. The entry cost is a bit steep (€8) unless you're under 16 or a student (€3.50). You need to take bus number 2 to reach this Garden. You can take this bus either from the train station or from the Oceanographic Museum. Monaco has the euro (EUR, €) as its sole currency along with 23 other countries that use this common European money. These 23 countries are: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain (official euro members which are all European Union member states) as well as Andorra, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, San Marino and the Vatican which use it without having a say in eurozone affairs and without being European Union members. Together, these countries have a population of 327 million. One euro is divided into 100 cents. While each official euro member (as well as Monaco, San Marino and Vatican) issues its own coins with a unique obverse, the reverse, as well as all bank notes, look the same throughout the eurozone. Every coin is legal tender in any of the eurozone countries. Shopping in Monte Carlo is usually quite exclusive and is certainly no place for a budget holiday. There are plenty of places to melt the credit card alongside Europe's high rollers. The chic clothes shops are in the Golden Circle, framed by Avenue Monte Carlo, Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Allees Lumieres, where Hermes, Christian Dior, Gucci and Prada all have a presence. The area on and around Place du Casino is home to high-end jewelers such as Bulgari, Cartier and Chopard. You will find, however, that most tourists will simply enjoy wandering the area and window shopping, even if you don't buy anything. The normal shopping hours are from 9AM to noon and 3PM to 7PM. Monaco is one of the best places fot those people , who like warm climate. Monaco has an amazing Mediterranean climate with sunny summers and fairly mild winters. Throughout the year Monaco enjoys at least 300 days of sunny weather. The day time temperatures during the summer months from June to August remain in between 20°C and 23°C, the hottest months being July and August. The Monaco winter is from December through to February and has an average temperature of 9.5°C with January generally being the coolest month with an average minimum of 8°C and an average maximum of 12°C. Monaco has an amazing Mediterranean climate. Due to its ideal geographical location between the Mediterranean and the foot of the Southern Alps, Monaco flourishes in amazing sunny summers and fairly mild winters. Monte Carlo's weather is fairly typical of a coastal Mediterranean city. Monaco boasts of 300 days of sunshine per year, glorious summers and nights which are cooled by sea breezes. Also a famous country for his hotels. There're not so many , but there are wonderful. Look here ! 1. Monte Carlo Bay Resort and Hotel The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is a luxury hotel constructed on four hectares at sea level. Waterfalls, luxuriant gardens and a solarium are integrated into this new Eden of pleasure. The resort offers 334 rooms with loggia, three bars and up to four restaurants. The resort offers a myriad of activities including a sandy bottom blue lagoon unique in Europe, a casino and the Spa Cinq Mondes. The Monte-Carlo Bay is an irresistible alchemy of fairy tale and fantasy in a pleasant and friendly ambience, and an experience that clients will remember for a long time. Prices $100-$450. 2. Hermitage - Monte Carlo Charm and refined elegance characterise this Belle Epoque historic monument. The hotel is only steps from the Casino de Monte-Carlo and directly connected to the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. One of the finest palaces in the world, the Hotel Hermitage proposes 280 rooms, of which 20 suites, 15 junior suites and 8 Monte-Carlo Diamond Suites. Most of them benefits from a breathtaking view on the Monaco's harbor and the Prince's Palace. Acclaimed chef Joel Garault invites guests to experience true Mediterranean flavour at his restaurant, Le Vistamar, with its spectacular view. Prices $190-$510. 3. Hotel De Paris - Monte Carlo A traditional grand hotel built in 1864, the Hotel de Paris is set directly on the Place du Casino, adjacent to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo and connecting directly to the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. Exuding an atmosphere of a bygone era, this lavish palace hotel earned its reputation by exceeding all of the standards set by the traditional luxury hotel. In addition to a world-renowned bar and the largest hotel wine cellar in the world, the hotel offers four exquisite dining venues totaling no fewer than 3-Michelin Stars. Prices $160-$360.  4. Metropole Hotel - Monte Carlo The Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, just a few steps from Casino Square, was entirely refurbished in a fresh Mediterranean decor, combining classic elegance with modern design. Spacious accommodations feature timeless furnishing and interactive services. Penthouse Golden Square suite with a private terrace has views of the Principality and the sea. Metropole ESPA Monte-Carlo reflects the exceptional levels of service and attention to detail that are synonymous with the hotel. Restaurant Joel Robuchon, a gourmet restaurant acclaimed by gastronomic guides, with an open-plan kitchen and terrace with stunning views (2 star Michelin)is on site, along with a Japanese restaurant, Yoshi (1 star Michelin) based on a concept devised by Joel Robuchon. The lobby bar, the Principality's most sparkling venue, and the pool restaurant are a real haven of peace in the heart of the Carre d'Or. With the recent opening of Yoshi, the hotel is a Focus of Flavors. Metropole ESPA Monte-Carlo is a sophisticated space dedicated to the guests total well-being with ten treatment rooms including two private spas, relaxation areas with a solarium, outdoor heated seawater pool, fitness studio, heat experiences, poolside bar and restaurant. Guests receive Metropole Lifestyle card with exclusive access to the heated outdoor sea water pool, sun deck, fitness studio, complimentary transfers to a private beach in Monaco and entrance to the Monte Carlo Casino. Prices $200-$500. 5. Le Meridien Beach Plaza - Monte Carlo Ideally situated, Le Meridien Beach Plaza Monte Carlo has the luxury, calm and elegance that befits one of the most prestigious hotels in Monaco. The only hotel in the principality with a private beach, Le Meridien Beach Plaza also offers a well-equipped health and fitness center with indoor swimming pool and two outdoor pools. Le Meridien Beach Plaza has unequalled views over the sparkling, azure Mediterranean Sea. Its gardens are delightful as are the seaside terraces. Most of the rooms have been completely renovated, some of them having a private balcony that opens onto a sea view. The Sea Club, a 3,000 square meter state-of-the-art conference center overlooking the sea, can host events of up to 2,000 people. In January 2005, the hotel unveiled the completion of the Cristal Concept Project: the opening of the new Lobby and Cristal Bedrooms. Two magnificent glass columns have been erected on the existing facade of the hotel facing the sea, allowing the light of the Mediterranean to flood them. These columns contain 66 rooms across 12 floors, including two Penthouse Suites on the top two floors. Prices $180-$350. | |
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