Monaco (108)Join us in the principality of Monaco, the haven for sun-worshippers, gamblers and international jet-setters on the French Riviera. Take a trip around Monaco's famed grand prix racecourse, then spend some quality time at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel with general manager Michel Novatin.
Next, venture down to the famed wine cellar of the Hôtel de Paris to sample some of Monaco's finest varietals, then hit the clay courts with tennis pro Alex Corretja. Afterward, check out one of Monaco's most famous addresses—the Hôtel Hermitage—and head out onto the water for a sailing lesson.
Finally, visit the Musêe Oceanographique for a close look at what lies beneath. Varun wraps up the whirlwind tour with some shopping with the designer Isabell Kristensen and the obligatory stop at the famed Monte-Carlo Casino.
Monaco Facts:
- The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297.
- Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state—the first is Vatican City.
- Monaco has 2,259 hotel rooms, 75 percent of which are classified as four-star.
Resources:
Time Out South of France: Marseille to Monte-Carlo
by Time Out (Editor)
Monaco Grand Prix
www.monaco-flgrandprix.com
Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel
www.monte-carlo.mc
Monaco Wine Cellar Facts:
- Madame Marie Blanc built the Hôtel de Paris wine cellar in 1874.
- A "varietal" is a wine made chiefly from one variety of grape and bearing the name of that grape.
- One of the most expensive wines in the world is the 1924 Rothschild, which costs up to $200,000 a bottle.
Contact:
Monte-Carlo Country Club
155 Avenue Princesse Grace
06190 Roquebrune Cap Martin
France
04-93-41-30-15
info@mccc.mc
www.mccc.mc
Resources:
The World Atlas of Wine
by Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson
Wine Friendly Hotels
www.winostuff.com
Hôtel Hermitage Facts:
- Hôtel Hermitage room rates range from $300 to $725 per night.
- The hotel's stained-glass lobby, known as the winter garden (jardin d'hiver), was built in 1900 by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower.
Contact:
Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo
Square Beaumarchais
98000 Monaco
France
hotel-hermitage@monte-carlo.mc
Resources:
Learn more about Gustave Eiffel
www.icivilengineer.com
Yacht Club de Monaco
www.yacht-club-monaco.mc
Monaco Culture Facts:
- The Musêe Oceanographique, founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, has 90 different aquariums. Jacques Cousteau was the museum director for many years.
- Designer Isabella Kristensen also has shops in London and Paris.
- In 1866, Spêlugues Plateau was named Monte-Carlo ("Mount Charles") in honor of Prince Charles III.
Contact:
Musêe Oceanographique de Monaco
Avenue Saint-Martin
98000 Monaco
France
377-93-15-36-00
Resources:
Aquarium Atlas (Vol. 1, 6th Edition)
by Hans A. Baensch, Rudiger Riehl, Hans A. Smith (Translator), eberh Schulze
Monte Carlo Casino
www.montecarlograndhotel.com
