Monaco & Around
The Principality of Monaco
Monaco is a tiny principality on the Côte d’Azur about half-way between Nice and the Italian border. It epitomises the Riviera with its palm trees, lush gardens, luxury hôtels and glamorous lifestyles.
The Grimaldis of Monaco
Monaco is ruled by the Grimaldi family – the present Prince Albert II is a well known environmentalist. His father and predecessor Prince Rainier, famously married the film star Grace Kelly in 1956. The first Grimaldi, François, is renowned for taking Monaco by stealth in 1297 while dressed as a monk. However, he lost it soon after only for his family to buy it back a few years later.
The citizens known as Monégasques are exempt from taxes as the state receives its income from its famous Casinos. Strangely enough, the State does not allow those same citizens to gamble in them! The Casino everyone is familiar with is actually in the Monte Carlo Quarter of Monaco which is on the north side of the harbour. An impressive building designed by Charles Garnier of Paris Opera House fame who constructed this one at the end of the 19th Century.
Monaco Ville