Monaco - No modesty please

do not miss
Monte Carlo was a dry plain that stretched beneath the Spéluges hills when the principality was taken over in 1856 by Prince Charles III, a man named Francois Blanc, who then ran the Homberg casino and is Charles III. persuaded to expand a small casino into the world's first casino-based resort. The railway connection with France allowed development and two years later Spéluges became Monte Carlo, named after the prince. The princely family founded the company together with Blanco Société des Bains de Mer, which manages the legendary casino, and 70% of the company's owners are still princes today The Grimaldis. Just a few meters from the casino stands a hymn to luxury, Hotel de Paris, in which wine lovers must visit the largest winery in the world. The wines are still sealed in the cellar, where they were brought and stored during the Second World War, so that the stock would not go out when the hotel was occupied. After the tour, we can even taste some of the wines, but for such a tour we will have to shell out quite a lot of money, as the winery is not on the regular schedule of tours. In fact, the greatest attractions of Monaco are owned by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM): in addition to the casino, five of the best hotels (Hôtel de Paris, Hôtel Hermitage, Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel and the last Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort), 32 renowned restaurants, Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo – one of the most beautiful European thermal baths and many other entertainment venues.

Monaco is not only visited by spendthrifts, but also lovers of the underwater world. Oceanographic Museum and the aquarium, which are located in a beautiful palace 85 meters above the sea, were built for 11 years, and today it is one of the most important museums and scientific centers of the Mediterranean underwater world. But no one should leave Monaco without walking through the port, which, according to legend, he built himself Hercules. It is not known if Hercules really wandered around here, but we do know that the Greeks already occupied this part of the Mediterranean in the fifth century BC. n. š. called Monaco, after the Greek god To Monokios (unique). Even at the first sight of the megayachts of the famous and the rich, we will agree that the port of Hercules is truly unique.

For under the teeth
Where luxury resides, fine cuisine is also at home, and Monaco certainly confirms the latter statement. Prestigious hotels are proud of several awards, and among them the restaurant stands out in particular Louis XV., under the patronage of one of the biggest stars of world cuisine Alain Ducassom. Hotel Hermitage boasts the restaurant Le Vistamar, which has one of the most beautiful views in Monaco. Lovers of fish dishes like to visit the Le Saint Benoît restaurant. But not all that glitters is gold in Monaco either. For example, dinner at Sass Café will cost no more than a regular restaurant in Paris, but you will still be able to watch models and rock stars around you. We will watch the stars to our heart's content in the Rampoldi restaurant, which is famous for its Italian and French cuisine, and owner Luciano Disaro swears by fresh organic products from the French hills. Let's mention two more restaurants that please the stomachs of the culture-hungry: the first is Zebra in the Grimaldi-Forum complex, and the second is Le Terrasse at the top of the Oceanographic Museum. In addition to light lunches at moderate prices, both offer above all a wonderful view of the sea and the Monaco coast. Formula 1 fans should stop by Maison du Caviar, where they will be served steak Villeneuve, named after Formula 1 driver Jacques Villeneuve.

For spendthrifts
Luxury is everyday in Monaco, so at least for a few hours let's transform into the shoes of the immensely rich and walk with them along the main shopping area near the square Place du Casino. More reasonable prices can be found at Boulevard des Moulins. One of the trendiest shops in the principality is Eleven Monte Carlo near the Place du Casino, which sells creations by Gaultier, Versace, Dior and many other haute couture designers. Even big children find their joy in Monaco. Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, who found his new home right in Monte Carlo. He prefers to visit Fnac, a large French electronics store, where they always have a wide selection of the latest gadgets and electronic toys.

What's happening
If it's big, dangerous, expensive or attractive, then it's happening in Monaco. World circus festival, tennis tournaments, marathon, Formula 1, charity dances and events and hundreds of other excuses for the famous and rich to socialize. Opera and ballet events have been held in the Salle Garnier since 1892, and it probably goes without saying that all the biggest names in classical music have performed on the stage of this opera house. Since 2001, many events have also been held in the cultural center Grimaldi Forum. Between March 28 and April 13, a spring art festival will take place in various locations across the principality. This year's festival, already the twentieth, will be held under the theme of music from the 11th to the 21st century. The peak of the events in Monaco is represented by the race for the Formula 1 championship, which again this year, from May 22 to 25, will turn the narrow and winding streets of Monte Carlo into a racetrack for the fastest cars. Tickets (if still available) can be purchased through the Automobile Club de Monaco.

Nightlife
After a day on a yacht, in prestigious restaurants, next to the Formula 1 track or after a hard spending spree, a little bit of luck in the casino fits the bill. In addition to the already mentioned casino, you can also challenge your luck in other casinos: Le Café de Paris, Le Sporting Monte-Carlo and Only Sun Casino. Mainly renovated in 1999 Sporting Monte-Carlo is perfect for young, dynamic gamblers who like to chase their luck in a fresh, modern environment. After winning (or losing) a game, we can let the stress or joy go free in the Jimmy'z Club or applaud the international stars in the Salle des Etoiles. The Black Diamond Bar, just a stone's throw from the Grimaldi Forum, is where the international jet set party over cocktails and dance. At night, we will also be delighted at the restaurants Zebra Square, Le Living Room and Sass Café, which become famous clubs in the late evening hours.

Stay
In addition to all the hotels already mentioned, there is also a boutique hotel worth highlighting Columbus, located in the Fontvieille area, is a wonderful example of fresh minimalism in the capital of excess. Its owner is Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, and all 153 rooms and 28 suites have been furnished by renowned interior designer Amanda Ross. There is another boutique hotel, opened in 2003, above the Monte Carlo marina Port Palace. 50 spacious apartments were designed by Leïle Menchari, chief designer at Hermès.

How to get there
The nearest major airport is in Nice, where all major international airlines fly. The approximately 20-kilometer long journey to Monaco can be done by taxi, rented or public transport, and the more demanding can book a 10-minute helicopter flight to the chosen destination. Monaco itself can also be walked, thanks mainly to the many elevators that help to climb to points that offer attractive views.