Monaco
Wednesday 1 July 2009
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Supporters coming to Monaco for the UEFA Super Cup at the Stade Louis II will find plenty of other attractions to distract them in glamorous Monte Carlo.
Iconic casino
While the stadium is in the new suburb of Fontvieille, a short journey west down the Côte d'Azur, it is fashionable Monte Carlo which is the real highlight of any trip to Europe's smallest nation. Long a byword for jet-set excess, the famous Monte Carlo Casino – built in the 19th century and designed by Parisian architect Charles Garnier – remains an icon of old-world splendour. Guests must be smartly dressed, with a well-stuffed wallet and a steely nerve essential for anyone wishing to break the bank.
Private collection
Those unwilling to gamble can take a punt on a day at Monaco's celebrated aquarium in Monaco-Ville, housed in a building almost as impressive as the casino, while another family-friendly option is the national museum near Larvotto beach which boasts displays on the history of dolls and mechanical toys. Elswehere, Prince Rainier III's private collection of scale models of ships is on display at the Naval Museum on the esplanade which takes his name.
Royal splendour
The splendour of Monaco's ruling House of Grimaldi, descended from Genoese statesmen, can be sampled at the royal palace in Monaco-Ville, where the state Carabiniers perform the changing of the guard at 11.55am every day. Inside are the luxurious state apartments, open for tourists between June and October. Monaco Cathedral is also worth a visit. Built on the ruins of a 13th-century chapel, it houses the tombs of, among others, Princess Grace – more widely known as Hollywood star Grace Kelly – the mother of current Sovereign Prince Albert II.
Stars and bars
Nightlife in Monaco has the reputation of being a glitzy merry-go-round, frequented by European royalty and international celebrities, epitomised by the discotheques and floor shows at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club, or the American Bar at the Hotel de Paris. Not surprisingly, dining out in Monaco is a lavish affair, but there are cheaper options to be found around La Condamine and the old town. Seafood and Italian are the most popular types of eatery.
Getting there
By air - Nice airport is 22km from the city.
Buses from Terminals 1 and 2 regularly make the 45-minute journey to Monte Carlo while a taxi may also be an option.
By train - Monaco-Monte Carlo station is a stop for many international trains and is connected to all the top resorts of the Côte d'Azur. The station is on avenue Prince-Pierre in La Condamine, adjoining Fontvieille where you will find the Stade Louis II.
By road - The principality is linked to all neighbouring countries by major motorways (principally the A8 highway). From Italy, take the 'Monaco-Roquebrune' exit. From France, take the '56 Monaco' exit.
For further details go to www.visitmonaco.com
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