Monte Carlo is one of the eleven districts of the principality of Monaco. It is the most famous, especially because of its casino. Indeed, Monaco is not only luxury, glamour, great fortunes, top models and other celebrities. It is above all the business that is important. Concerning the games, already in 1856 the sovereign Florestan wished to ensure the development of the principality by associating them to the thermalism. The Société des Bains de Mer, which has a monopoly on gambling in Monaco, has succeeded. The SBM Casino is in fact made up of five casinos. The best known is the Grand Casino, a magnificent building built in the last century, a veritable den of games. The Café de Paris Casino is just a stone's throw away and was remodeled in the late 1990s with the Grand Prix theme in mind. The plasma screens show images of racing cars, cups, flags, license plates and even car kits hanging from the ceiling... A place full of emotions.

While 80% of the turnover of French casinos comes from slot machines, in Monte Carlo it is the opposite: two thirds of the turnover is made by traditional games, table games - roulettes, 30-40, chemin de fer, blackjack... - and one third by automatic machines.

Among the must-see sites in Monaco are the Oceanographic Museum, the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate and the port. Monaco hosts the F1 Grand Prix every year and the Historic Monaco Grand Prix every two years.

What to see, what to do Monaco?

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Discover Monaco

Far from being confined to the clichés of a territory solely focused on pomp and luxury, the Principality of Monaco has many other assets to offer. Its exceptional historical, geographical, artistic, culinary and architectural heritage make this tiny state of two square kilometers an authentic land, full of hidden surprises. Not a day goes by without a cultural, sporting or official event taking place in the Principality, which brings together nearly 140 different nationalities every day. With a mild and sunny climate and a very high level of security, Monaco attracts its share of tourists every year and does everything possible to make them experience a unique moment in its delicious restaurants and sumptuous palaces. So don't hesitate to discover Monaco, an idyllic part of the French Riviera, where French, Provencal and Italian cultures intermingle.

Pictures and images Monaco

Opéra de Monte-Carlo emperorcosar - shutterstock.com
La relève de la garde au Palais de Monaco Oliver Chan - iStockphoto.com
Monaco. trabantos - Shutterstock.com
Les Thermes marins Monte Carlo. Centre de Presse de Monaco

The 12 keywords Monaco

1. Arts

Painting, music, dance, theater, architecture, sculpture... The Principality enjoys an exceptional heritage and is a lover of art in all its forms. From the Philharmonic Orchestra concerts to the Monte-Carlo Ballet and the Printemps des Arts, Monaco offers at least one artistic event every day

2. Automotive

Monument à Juan Manuel Fangio, Monaco © Cezary Wojtkowski - Shutterstock.com.jpg

Between rallies and Grand Prix, the Principality gives to the automobile competition a place of choice in its sporting events. Despite the small size of Monaco, the streets are laid out to accommodate the drivers and the thousands of spectators who do not hesitate to make the trip, especially for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

3. Carabinieri

La relève de la garde au Palais de Monaco © Oliver Chan - iStockphoto.com.jpg

As you approach the Princely Palace, you will see guards in white clothes and helmets. These are the Carabinieri, who guard the Princely Family on a daily basis. They are relieved every day in the Palace Square at 11:55 am. Created in 1817, the company has 124 Carabinieri whose motto is "Honor, Fidelity, Devotion".

4. Casinos

Casino de Monaco © Bumble Dee - Shutterstock.com.jpg

It is difficult to talk about Monaco without mentioning its famous casinos, where tourists from all over the world flock to try their luck on the green carpet. Since 1863, beginners and experienced gamblers alike have been visiting these luxurious gambling houses, with the exception of Monegasques themselves, who are forbidden by law to gamble

5. Extension at sea

Very attractive thanks to its living environment and events, the Principality has had to face certain challenges in order to meet the growing demand for housing, on only two square kilometers. The Fontvieille district, under the reign of Rainier III, was built on the sea, as was the future residential and commercial area Mareterra.

6. Princely family

From Francesco "Malizia" Grimaldi in the 13th century to the current Prince Albert II, via Albert I and Grace Kelly, the Princely Family of Monaco is both close to the residents and very involved in local life. Many businesses display a photo of the princely couple in their window, so appreciated is the House of Grimaldi.

7. Luxury

Elegance, prestige and refinement contribute greatly to the Principality's international reputation. Starred restaurants, yachts, casinos, palaces, spas, beautiful cars and luxury boutiques make Monaco a sumptuous setting, without vulgarity, where you can put down your suitcases and enjoy a magnificent setting, which makes the whole world dream.

8. Monte-Carlo

Often confused with Monaco, Monte Carlo is a district created in 1860 by Prince Charles III. First called Plateau des Spélugues (caves, in Monegasque), it became famous for its hotels, stores and casino. In 1866, the district was renamed in honor of the Prince and became Monte-Carlo, the Mont-Charles

9. Nautical

Insigne du Yacht Club de Monaco © Craig Hastings - Shutterstock.com.jpg

With its Oceanographic Museum and the famous Yacht Club, the Principality has woven a true love affair with the Mediterranean. Challenges, cups and championships are regularly organized in Monaco to honor the various sailing or motor boats that come from all over the world to sail off the Monegasque coast.

10. Rock

Overlooking the Monegasque territory, it is on the Rocher, or "Monaco-Ville", that one finds the Princely Palace and the other political authorities. With its old and narrow streets and historical buildings, the Rocher is the oldest district of the Principality, whose authentic charm attracts its share of tourists every year

11. SBM

The Société des Bains de Mer is an essential company in Monaco. Founded in 1863, it has contributed to the growth and influence of the Principality internationally, thanks to the construction of casinos, which were forbidden in France at the time. Today, SBM manages several high-end establishments such as palaces, restaurants and spas in Monaco.

12. Sun

Halfway between Nice and Italy, Monaco enjoys the exceptional climate of the Côte d'Azur, with an almost omnipresent sun, a perfectly blue sky, and beaches to enjoy the good weather and the warmth of the Mediterranean in spring and summer. In autumn and winter, the climate remains pleasant with rather mild temperatures.

You are from here, if...

You know the genealogy of the Princely Family by heart. Who was the mother of Prince Albert II? Who are the children of Princess Caroline? Did Prince Albert I reign before or after Prince Charles III? If you are from here, the backstage of the Princely Family has no more secrets for you!

You know that H.S.H. stands for His Serene Highness, an appellation reserved for members of the Princely Family, but you also know that "HRH", His Royal Highness, will be used for Princess Caroline, because of her marriage to the Prince of Hanover.

You speak (at least a little) Monegasque. Bungiurnu, merçì, a se revëde... The Monegasque language has its origins at the end of the 12th century and has never stopped evolving, inspired in particular by Ligurian. Protected since 1924 by the Comité des Traditions Monégasques, it is now compulsory to learn it at school.

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