By Jessica Summers
WHERE TO VISIT?
Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House
The Casino and Opera House was built in 1893 by Charles Garnier,
the architect of the Paris Opera House. Its marble paved ‘atrium’,
surrounded with 28 Ionic columns made of onyx, gives access to the
Opera Hall which is entirely decorated in red and gold, with
bas-reliefs and sculptures. For more than a century, its stage has been
the setting for international operatic creations, concerts, and
ballets. Its series of ‘Gaming Rooms’ are marvellously decorated with
stained glass windows, sculptures, and allegorical paintings.
Tel : + 377 98 06 21 21
www.casinomontecarlo.com
www.opera.mc
Monaco Cathedral
Built in 1875, this Roman-Byzantine style building houses the
burial places of past princes. From the interior you can admire an
altarpiece by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa dating from 1500 as well as
the Episcopal throne of Carrara white marble.
Tel. +377 93 30 87 70
Free admission
(outside religious services)
8.30am – 7pm (6pm in winter)
Oceanographic Museum
With a world-wide reputation, this exceptional museum is
dedicated to all marine sciences. Its famous ‘Aquarium’ where the
rarest species of fish in magnificent shapes and colours swim about in
90 pools, offers a grandiose spectacle. Its latest creation, the ‘Shark
Lagoon’, a giant pool of 450-cubic metres, reveals the diversity and
extraordinary colouring of the coral reef and the creatures which
populate it.
Tel. +377 93 15 36 00
www.oceano.mc
WHAT TO DO?
The Monte-Carlo Cercle d’Or
The Cercle d’Or boutiques bear the most famous names in luxury
and offer you the latest creations from fashion designers such as
Hermès, Céline, Christian Dior, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Louis
Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Ichthys and more. The Place du Casino
and the neighbouring roads create one enormous jewellery shop with
Cartier, Chopard, Van Cleef Arpels, Bulgari, Piaget, Repossi and
others. For art lovers, the many antique dealers or designers are
available to you, including Fersen, Adriano Ribolzi, Gismondi and many
more famous names.
The Sculpture Path
Sculpture is placed throughout the town and gardens so that the
public can admire this heritage. Almost one hundred works by
contemporary artists rub shoulders with creations by sculptors. A
pedestrian walk has been created in the Fontvieille district where the
majority of these monumental works have been brought together so that
this unique collection can be discovered on foot.
WHERE TO EAT?
Le Beefbar
The Beefbar is a trendy semi-gastronomic eaterie, specialising
in high quality meat. The restaurant offers guests the opportunity to
choose their cut of meat from a specific origin, breed, feeding type
and age, adding a unique element to the whole experience.
Tel: +377 97 77 09 29
www.beefbar.com
Le Pacific
This upmarket restaurant is well-located on Monte Carlo’s famous
épingle de la Rascasse, or Scorpion’s Hairpin. A gathering spot for the
beautiful, rich and famous, visit Pacific at the right time and you
just might see the Formula One Grand Prix zoom right past the front
door.
Tel: +377 93 25 20 30
www.pacificmontecarlo.com
WHERE TO SLEEP?
The Fairmont Hotel
The splendid Fairmont Monte-Carlo has a worldwide reputation for
excellence. Hovering above the sea, the hotel is located in between the
Mediterranean and the legendary Casino of Monte Carlo. Complete with
602 rooms and a heated swimming pool the Fairmont is also situated
above the famous tunel of the Monte-Carlo racetrack.
Tel. +377 93 50 65 00
www.fairmont.com/montecarlo
hôtel de paris
The hotel de Paris is a luxurious spectacle, with 187 rooms, 31
junior suites, 34 suites and one presidential suite. Conceived in 1864
to go beyond known standards of comfort and refinement, the Hôtel de
Paris continues to celebrate the splendours of yesteryear. A simple
flight of stairs leads from the Place du Casino to the majestic lobby
of the Hotel de Paris.
Tel : +377 98 06 30 00
www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com
Hotel Hermitage
With 280 rooms which 24 junior suites, 22 suites and eight
exclusive suites overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Hermitage Hotel
cultivates elegance at its peak. Opened at the turn of the last century
this historic palace has an intimate and congenial atmosphere where
serenity is reborn with each day’s sunrise. There are also nine
comfortable and elegant lounges.
Tel: +377 98 06 40 00
www.hotelhermitagemontecarlo.com
Monte Carlo Beach Hotel
Located in the heart of a sheltered bay on the outskirts of the
Principality, the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel is almost suspended between
the seas and the sky. With 47 rooms, 41 sea view with private loggia,
three junior suites and 3 suites it offers comfort beyond parallel on
the coast. Entirely designed to offer a modern experience as well as
the intimacy of a luxury residence.
Tel: +377 98 06 50 05
www.monte-carlo-beach.com
