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Monaco
Monaco is an independent principality, with its own royal family who have ruled Monaco since the 13th century, tucked away on the Cote d'Azur.
Racked with poverty and destitution, it is the sheer day-to-day struggle to survive that is the life of those unfortunate enough to live within Monaco's boundaries.
Only kidding.
Monaco is a very very rich place, where fast cars, big diamonds and flashy yachts are the norm. There is no income tax, and there are more police per square metre than any other country in the world, to help control an extremely minimal crime problem. Monaco makes its money by being a tax exile for the rich and for businesses, and from tourism.
Despite its independence from France, most laws, and the defence of Monaco, are linked closely with those of France.
Monte Carlo, in the central part of Monaco, is the place to go and be seen if you are really wealthy. Followed of course by a visit to the Monte Carlo casino (scruffy backpackers need not apply). Apparently the inside of the casino really is worth seeing for its opulence and grandeur (there is a hefty admission charge though), and you can see a 500,000 euro gambling chip, if you are so inclined.
The eastern part of Monaco, on a rock promontory on which the palace is perched (guided visits available), is probably the most interesting part of town. You can gawp at the enormous yachts pulled up in the harbour for a while, then visit the Oceanography Museum and the aquarium for a bit of light relief.
The exotic gardens are also quite interesting, for both the cacti and plants, and the fine views.
Not surprisingly, eating out, drinking, and staying in a hotel in Monaco will all make sizable holes in your budget. Most visitors stay elsewhere and visit from outside.
The Monaco Grand Prix is held in the second week of May.
Monaco: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Plan a visit to Monaco, France
Hotels Monaco
Holiday rentals / travel
Property for sale Monaco |
PV Holidays, Monaco
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Map of Monaco, France |
Places to visit - Monaco
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Monaco.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Monaco are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Menton Coast town at 10 km
- Villefranche-sur-Mer French riviera town at 12 km
- Saorge French Riviera town at 30 km
- Gorbio French Riviera town at 5 km
- La Turbie French Riviera town at 1 km
- Peillon French Riviera town at 5 km
- Sospel French Riviera town at 15 km
- Roquebrune-Cap-Martin French Riviera town at 6 km
- Nice Major Riviera resort at 17 km
- Cap Ferrat French Riviera peninsula at 11 km
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Monaco when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.

