general information - FPSO Research Forum

3/04/06
15:09
Page 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
infos_generales_gb
15:09
Page 2
The sheer Rock of Monaco and its natural harbour
have been the source of bitter struggles since
earliest antiquity. The Ligurians were the first to
make their home there, followed by the Romans
and the Barbarians. It wasn't until 1297 that the
Genoese Grimaldi family claimed Monaco,
beginning a dynasty of Lords and Princes that has
lasted over 700 years. After gaining independence
in 1489, Monaco was placed under the protection
of Spain in 1524, France in 1611, and finally,
Sardinia from 1815 to 1860. With the founding of
“Monte Carlo” on the Spélugues Plateau in 1866
and the opening of a railway in 1868, the
Principality embarked upon a period of great
development, becoming an ultra-modern state and
playing a key role on the international stage.
The Principality of Monaco may be one of the
smallest countries in Europe, covering only 195
hectares (54 acres), but since 28 May 1993, it has
been a fully fledged (183rd) member of the United
Nations, and is involved in close to a dozen other
specialised institutions. Monaco is also a member of
some twenty intergovernmental organisations and
around thirty NGOs. Having joined the Council of
Europe in 2004, Monaco has since been able to
work more closely with its European neighbours.
2
3
A booming
independent,
sovereign state
A MODERN STATE at the heart of Mediterranean Europe
3/04/06
A MODERN STATE at the heart
of Mediterranean Europe
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:09
Page 4
T h e t e r t i a r y s e c t o r has also experienced strong
growth. Over 70 financial institutions, asset
A prosperous state
with a range of
resources
management companies and the world's major
Despite a lack of natural resources, the Principality
banks have offices in Monaco, making the
of Monaco has over the last thirty years achieved
Principality an important financial centre.
exceptional and consistent economic growth,
spurred by major development and investment
policies promoted by Prince Rainier III.
The service sector is extremely diverse, given
Monaco's unique position, particularly in new
technologies and telecommunications. With optical
With the construction of the Fontvieille district, begun
fibre cables rolled out throughout the Principality,
in the 1970s, covering over 22 hectares (54 acres)
Monaco is also a new-technology test bed for one of
of land reclaimed from the sea, the Monegasque
the world's largest telecommunications groups.
government has promoted the development of light,
non-polluting industry - mainly processing providing high added value and drawing on a
M e d i c i n e provides another cornerstone of
qualified workforce.
development, drawing on a range of cutting-edge
Fontvieille is superbly laid out with a number of
medical facilities:
green areas and now has huge appeal, unique in
• THE PRINCESS GRACE HOSPITAL COMPLEX is
offering both a residential area - with marina,
Monaco's only public hospital, meeting all the
sports complex, shopping centre and landscaped
population's health needs with a wide range of
park - and an industrial district. The latter's highly
services covering accident and emergency,
aesthetic buildings blend seamlessly into the urban
obstetrics, paediatrics, internal medicine,
fabric, where some one hundred companies
orthopaedics, traumatology, comprehensive surgical
produce a range of products, including cosmetics,
procedures, psychiatry, cardiology, medium- and
foodstuffs, printing, textiles, plastics, mechanical
long-term care.
and precision instruments, electricals, electronics,
The hospital has an outstanding staff of highly
and components for the oil, chemical and
qualified medical personnel, paramedics and carers,
pharmaceutical industries.
along with the latest facilities - both exploratory and
One such company is Théramex, which has over
therapeutic - and state-of-the-art equipment, from
the last thirty years cemented its position as an
the most conventional to the most innovative,
established “Laboratoire de la Femme”, developing
including MRI, PET/CT and other scanners. The
a wide range of health products that meet women's
hospital is therefore able to offer a full range of
needs in terms of innovation and quality of life.
medical services, with the exception of
Tailored positioning has made it one of the leading
cardiothoracic surgery and neurosurgery. The
French companies in the menopause market.
Monaco Hospital is committed to innovation,
Théramex joined the Merck KGaA (Damstadt)
alongside diagnostic and therapeutic research.
group in 1999 as a subsidiary of Merck SA,
With 518 beds, it strives to offer patients a
allowing the company to safeguard employment,
personalised experience and a quality of care and
maintain its identity, further develop its portfolio of
service that reflects the image of the country as a
original molecules and target international markets.
whole.
4
5
A MODERN STATE at the heart of Mediterranean Europe
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:10
Page 6
A MODERN STATE at the heart of Mediterranean Europe
infos_generales_gb
• The Principality also has private
HAEMODIALYSIS and MEDICAL IMAGING
CENTRES and a CARDIOTHORACIC CENTRE
internationally acclaimed for its results in medico-
The Institute's team of orthopaedic surgeons,
surgical treatment of cardiovascular and thoracic
anaesthetists, doctors and paramedics provide
pathologies. The Cardiothoracic Centre has
diagnostic and therapeutic care for musculoskeletal
already performed over 10,000 open-heart
ailments. The IM2S clinical and medico-technical
operations and carries out some 2,500
services are coordinated with other city care facilities
examinations and 900 operations every year,
and sports associations to create a network of both
providing treatment for around 150 children.
curative and preventive services to treat pathologies
Known for reducing the need for blood during
affecting the musculoskeletal system. Major
surgery, the centre has implemented strict
investment in financial, medical and architectural
guidelines on hygiene and sterilisation since its
engineering helps foster partnerships with high-tech
opening in 1987. Teams of eminent specialists
companies in the fields of biotechnology, biomedical
include some of the world's leading practitioners of
technology and digital technology.
Western medicine. The Principality's humanitarian
organisations provide assistance to accommodate
and treat 15 to 20 children from underprivileged
countries every year.
M a j o r i m p r o v e m e n t w o r k has moved the
mainline SNCF station and railway underground in
the western part of the Principality, freeing up
45,000 m2 of land for development, currently
• THE MONACO INSTITUTE OF SPORTS
underway. The Grimaldi Forum Monaco is the fruit
MEDICINE (IM2S) is the Principality's newest health
of a seven-year architectural challenge, and
facility. This high-tech hospital provides treatment
provides a benchmark for construction on land
for athletes of all ages and abilities from around
reclaimed from the sea. The Forum is designed to
the world.
cater to both business tourism and culture - with two
thirds of its facilities below sea level.
6
7
3/04/06
15:10
Page 8
Located in the far south-east corner of France, just
12 km from the Italian border, the Principality of
Monaco stretches along a narrow 4.4 km (2.7
mile) strip of coast bordering the Mediterranean
Other bold plans, due to be completed around
Sea at the foot of the Southern Alps.
2007, involve the construction of a 350 m semifloating sea wall as an extension to Port Hercule,
Monaco is within easy reach for international
with a harbour for cruise ships. Other plans
travellers by land and air, with fast connections to
include extending Darse Sud and Quai Albert I
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, only 25 km (15.5 miles)
and creating a direct link between the districts of
away - six minutes' flight time by helicopter. The
La Condamine and Larvotto via a 1,200 m
Principality lies just off the E80 motorway, linking
protective sea wall, enabling the development of a
Barcelona and Milan.
new Monte Carlo Mer coastal district.
Having cultivated a reputation as a prestigious,
innovative and creative country, the Principality of
Monaco has fostered a peaceful society and stable
institutions, offering unparalleled quality of life
through the safety of its people and possessions.
Drawing on these strengths, the Principality can
leverage real appeal to private companies,
supported by the Economic Development Chamber
of Monaco (CDE), designed to promote the image
and the economy of the Principality around the
world. The Chamber aims to stimulate growth in
the country's economy by generating new business
trends for Monegasque companies and
encouraging foreign companies to set up offices in
the Principality.
8
9
A destination easily
accessible from
around the world
A MODERN STATE at the heart of Mediterranean Europe
infos_generales_gb
By plane
3/04/06
15:10
Page 10
Halfway between Marseille, Turin and Genoa, Nice
generating more business flights alongside an
Côte d'Azur Airport is strategically located in the
overall increase in tourism, which in turn promotes
heart of the “Grand Riviera”.
growth in events with a more international appeal.
With more than nine million passengers a year, it is
the second largest airport in France. Every week,
some 50 airline companies (not including charters)
provide flights to more than 90 destinations in
almost 30 countries:
Flight times between
Monaco and major
international cities
Amsterdam
1 hr 40 min
2 hrs 30 min
Atlanta
11 hrs 05 min
Barcelona
28 hrs
1 hr 30 min
Berlin
2 hrs 10 min
Beirut
3 hrs 40 min
Brussels
Copenhagen
1 hr 30 min
2 hrs 20 min
Dallas
13 hrs 15 min
Dubai
6 hrs 20 min
Düsseldorf
1 hr 40 min
Frankfurt
1 hr 40 min
Geneva
Libreville
Lisbon
London
Los Angeles
Madrid
Milan
50 min
4 hrs 50 min
2 hrs 20 min
2 hrs
13 hrs 15 min
1 hr 40 min
55 min
•
only 6 minutes from Monaco by helicopter, with a
single company providing 70 shuttle flights every
• A doorway to Southern Europe, Nice Côte d'Azur
day, seven days a week, ensuring seamless
Airport opens the Principality to a vast network of
connections for all national and international
long-haul flights to North America (direct daily
flights.
flights to New York) and the Middle East (Turkey
and the United Arab Emirates).
The Monegasque heliport has a landing strip by
the sea, equipped with eight separate landing
major European capitals.
pads, including two retractable platforms - plans to
With international connections accounting for more
than half of all air traffic, encouraged by a greater
number of hub connections, the airport has an
impressive growth rate that has already led to longterm development plans. The opening of Terminal
3 hrs
25 hrs
Tel Aviv
4 hrs
Tokyo
14 hrs
Tunis
1 hr 25 min
Warsaw
2 hrs 20 min
Vienna
1 hr 45 min
Zurich
1 hr 10 min
offers users complementary services of the highest
quality, including bar, car hire, travel agency and
free transport from the heliport to accommodation
in the Principality.
focusing on two main criteria designed to:
- accommodate all types of traffic (domestic, EU
- ensure smooth connections.
Sydney
expand into the sea are currently under review. It
2 has helped absorb this increase in traffic,
and international).
1 hr 20 min
enhance passenger comfort and meet the strictest
d e s t i n a t i o n s t h r o u g h o u t E u r o p e , serving all
8 hrs 40 min
12 hrs
The fleet of helicopters was recently upgraded to
European operating and safety standards.
New York
1 hr 30 min
B y h e l i c o p t e r : The international airport is
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport also provides flights to 60
3 hrs 20 min
Stockholm
and the Principality of Monaco:
to Paris' two main airports.
Moscow
Rome
Connections between Nice Côte d'Azur airport
travellers, while a number of daily flights link Nice
10 hrs 10 min
Beijing
delays caused by poor weather conditions.
times a day to meet the needs of business
Montreal
Paris
climate, enabling uninterrupted service free of
• There are flights to all major French cities several
Athens
Auckland
The airport also benefits from an exceptional
The new extension covers an area of approximately
37,700 m2, bringing total airport terminal capacity
to 13 million passengers per year. With six
telescopic bridges providing direct access to aircraft,
the new terminal offers a wide range of facilities,
including 34 check-in desks, two club lounges,
several restaurants and a number of shops. The
move has helped stimulate the local economy,
10
11
A MODERN STATE at the heart of Mediterranean Europe
infos_generales_gb
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:10
Page 12
•
A MODERN STATE at the heart of Mediterranean Europe
The regional road
network
A 8 M o t o r w a y : A regular coach service
provides ten connections every day of the year
(from 9 am to 9 pm) between the two air terminals
and the Principality. The 22 km (14 mile) journey
takes around 50 minutes. By car, the same distance
can comfortably be covered in around 30 minutes,
using the 24-hour taxi service or one of the car-hire
companies available in either of the terminals.
The European
motorway network
The European motorway network is only 8 km
(5 miles) from the centre of Monte Carlo, lying just
10-15 minutes from exits “Monaco-Cap d'AilBeausoleil” (from Nice) or “Monaco-RoquebruneCap-Martin” (from Menton), linking the Principality
with France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the
Benelux countries, Austria and the UK.
Distances between
Monaco and major
European cities
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Berlin
1,480 km
750 km
1,580 km
Bern
608 km
Bonn
1,180 km
Bordeaux
842 km
Brest
1,462 km
Brussels
1,270 km
Frankfurt
1,050 km
Genoa
171 km
Geneva
510 km
Grenoble
351 km
Le Havre
1,147 km
Lille
1,167 km
Lisbon
1,900 km
Luxembourg
1,074 km
Lyon
Madrid
489 km
1,313 km
Marseille
206 km
Milan
300 km
Montpellier
341 km
Munich
890 km
Paris
951 km
Rome
678 km
Strasbourg
817 km
Toulouse
Vienna
Zurich
12
592 km
1,164 km
631 km
13
By train
3/04/06
15:10
Page 14
By boat
A modern maritime city, Monaco has two deepThe new underground Monaco/Monte-Carlo
station - 540 m long with a state-of-the-art security
system - has four pedestrian exits with lifts,
escalators and moving walkways, making it easier
to travel between the different urban and intercity
transport systems.
P o r t H e r c u l e is the only deep-water port on
wide swinging dock has a depth of 7 to 20 m and
covers almost 16 hectares (40 acres),
accommodating ships up to 250 m in length.
The innovative new 350 m semi-floating seawall
High-speed trains (TGV)
to and from Paris.
and counter-jetty create a valuable outer harbour,
The TGV Mediterranean line, which opened in
major attraction for international maritime tourism.
June 2001, has reduced travel time between Paris
When the Port Hercule development is complete,
and Monaco by 90 minutes, allowing passengers
Monaco will be able to accommodate some one
to cover the distance in only 5 hours 50 minutes at
hundred additional vessels over 25 m in length,
an average speed of 300 kph (186 mph) and a
making it a major hub for the Mediterranean
top speed of 350 kph (217 mph), with an
cruise network and a leading provider of high-end
overnight service during the summer).
services and facilities.
•
•
Tel. 36 35
•
the Côte d'Azur located in the heart of a city. Its
All trains stop at Monaco station:
•
Information and
bookings:
water marinas, lying on either side of the Rock:
D a y t r a i n s to Milan, Basel and Genoa.
N i g h t t r a i n s to Strasbourg, Paris, Toulouse,
Irun, Port Bouc, Milan, Venice, Pisa and Rome.
•
R e g i o n a l e x p r e s s t r a i n s ( T E R ) which
improving facilities for cruise ships and providing a
•
P o r t d e F o n t v i e i l l e has facilities for almost
280 pleasure boats in its 5.5-hectare (13.6-acre)
dock.
stop at all towns along the Côte d'Azur.
14
15
A MODERN STATE at the heart of Mediterranean Europe
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:10
Page 16
The Principality of Monaco hosts a wide range of
events and dazzling festivities throughout the year,
featuring a number of highlights on the artistic,
cultural and sporting calendars.
Culture
The artistic influence of the Principality spans
several centuries. Yet it was during the reigns of
Princes Charles III and Albert I that it blossomed
the most, with the staging of world premières of
many operas and sublime performances by
leading dancers, singers, musicians and actors.
Today, the Principality is still a place where the Arts
flourish and where music has year-round appeal:
• The MONTE CARLO PHILHARMONIC
ORCHESTRA gives outstanding performances in
the majestic setting of the Cour d'Honneur in the
Prince's Palace, the Rainier III Auditorium, and the
Salle des Princes in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco.
Formed in 1856, this exceptional orchestra boasts
a wide repertoire that includes symphonic works,
opera and ballet.
• Young artists, finalists in major international
competitions, strive for recognition in three
competitions of the highest calibre: the Monte-Carlo
Piano Masters, the Monte-Carlo Voice Masters and the
Monte-Carlo Violin Masters.
16
17
ATTRACTIONS that make for a memorable stay
ATTRACTIONS
that make for a memorable stay
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:10
Page 18
• The MONTE-CARLO OPERA gives
exquisite renditions of the world's greatest
pieces, including outstanding productions
such as Verdi's Aida, and a series of “newlook” baroque operas and charming
Sport
operettas, to the delight of an ever-loyal
Sport provides another cornerstone of
public.
Monegasque culture and the Principality regularly
• Dance is also very much part of the
hosts major sporting events.
Principality, with the MONTE-CARLO
• Created in 1911, the MONTE CARLO RALLY
BALLET COMPANY created in 1985 by
held in January every year, brings together around
HRH The Princess of Hanover as a tribute
one hundred experienced teams who tackle some
to Princess Grace - reviving the emotion felt
of Southern France's most testing courses.
during the first half of the century when
• Among the most prestigious tennis tournaments
Diaghilev set up his Ballets Russes in
in the world, the MONTE CARLO MASTERS
Monaco. Performances staged in the
SERIES, which takes place in the idyllic setting of
enchanting surroundings of the Salle
the Monte Carlo Country Club in the month of
Garnier and the Salle des Princes at the
April - attracts the world's top players.
Grimaldi Forum Monaco have revived the
splendour of the golden age.
• The silence that envelops the long rallies punctuated by sudden cheers - is shattered a few
• This permanent celebration of the arts is
weeks later by an extraordinary explosion of
further enriched during the SPRING ART
decibels in the heart of the city as high-powered
FESTIVAL, with a host of symphonies,
FORMULA 1 cars compete over four days in the
chamber music, opera, recitals, theatre and
most spectacular GRAND PRIX of the world
dance - and the Biennial Sculpture
championship.
Exhibition, which adorns the gardens of the
Principality with original contemporary
works.
The MONACO HISTORIC GRAND PRIX provides
a precursor to the main event every two years
when classic sports cars race through the streets of
• In addition to the WORLD FESTIVAL OF
Monte Carlo.
AMATEUR THEATRE, which brings together
the world's greatest troupes every four
years, street theatre rubs shoulders with
international variety performances staged in
the warm surroundings of the Princess
Grace Theatre.
• The sporting calendar also includes
PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL matches, the
INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPING
CHAMPIONSHIP, which attracts top riders of the
indoor showjumping world, the INTERNATIONAL
SWIMMING MEETING, in the ultramodern setting
of the Louis II Stadium Olympic-size swimming
pool, the IAAF WORLD ATHLETICS FINAL, the
MONACO KART CUP, and MONACO CLASSIC
WEEK, a unique international event in classic
yachting that brings together motorboats,
motoryachts and traditional sailboats every two
years.
18
19
ATTRACTIONS that make for a memorable stay
infos_generales_gb
Festivals
3/04/06
15:10
Page 20
Monte Carlo is a whirl of fabulous festivals:
• A feast for the eyes, with the
INTERNATIONAL FLOWER-ARRANGING
FESTIVAL, when competitors from around
the world show their ephemeral creations.
• A feast of dreams and emotions, with the
MONTE-CARLO MAGIC STARS and the
state-of-the-art technology in computer-generated
INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS FESTIVAL, when
images, special effects and other VR environments.
extraordinary artists from around the globe
• SPORTEL, the International Sport and Television
compete for gold and silver clown awards.
Meeting, which awards 'Golden Podiums' for best
• A feast of passion, with the Monaco
sporting slow-motion sequence, best sporting
BIENNIAL EVENT which brings together top
credits, best TV sports commercial and TV sporting
ANTIQUES DEALERS, JEWELLERS AND ART
image of the year.
GALLERIES, showing rare works of art by the
most illustrious artists.
• Since its opening, the GRIMALDI FORUM
• A feast for the heart, with the ROSE BALL
MONACO has organised major thematic
and the MONEGASQUE RED CROSS
exhibitions, which have been hugely successful, such
GALA in the sumptuous Salle des Étoiles at
as “Air-Air” in 2000, “China, the century of the first
the Sporting Monte Carlo.
Emperor” in 2001, and “Super Warhol” in 2003.
Other exhibitions have made use of the esplanade
The TELEVISION FESTIVAL, where the best
television programmes have competed since
1960 for a 'Golden Nymph' Award, has
paved the way for two other major shows on
at the Grimaldi Forum Monaco, drawing on an
indoor/outdoor concept. These have included
“Earth From Above” by Yann Arthus Bertrand and
“Volcanoes and Men” by Philippe Bourseiller.
the cutting edge of the audiovisual world:
• IMAGINA, the International Forum of
New Images, which provides a showcase for
20
21
ATTRACTIONS that make for a memorable stay
infos_generales_gb
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:10
Page 22
Leisure
There is so much going on in Monaco that
no two days are ever the same.
• The Mediterranean, sparkling in the Côte d'Azur
sun, has something for everyone: swimming - near
the Larvotto marine reserve, in one of the many
heated pools of the major hotels, or at the Rainier
III and Louis II stadiums - SAILING(1), windsurfing,
waterskiing, barefooting, ski bus, sea scooters, jet
skis, SCUBA DIVING(2), parasailing and more...
Gardens in Monaco-Ville, or along the picturesque
paths by the water’s edge (three-hour return trip
between the Monte-Carlo Beach and Cap Martin,
In addition, the spa resort at LES THERMES
or between Fontvieille and Cap d'Ail).
MARINS DE MONTE-CARLO is a haven of wellcardiotraining centre offering relaxation
programmes that blend oriental medicine with the
Mediterranean way of life.
Why not take a panoramic helicopter flight and
marvel at the blue expanse unfolding below? And
for those who prefer to stay closer to the ground,
the Aquavision catamaran offers beautiful
underwater views.
Art lovers will delight in the “open-air museum”
found in the streets and gardens of the Principality,
with a host of contemporary sculptures by
ATTRACTIONS that make for a memorable stay
being, with saunas, hammam, exercise pool and
renowned international artists.
Fontvieille’s SCULPTURE TRAIL allows those on
foot to marvel at exquisite statues in pink and
white marble, copper, mosaic and bronze,
including Arman’s “Cavalleria Eroica”, César’s
“Le Poing”, and Botero’s “Adam and Eve”.
• ALPINE SKIING, just two hours away by car in
Port Hercule is the setting for prestigious nautical
winter, in the French resorts of Valberg
exhibitions such as the ShowBoats International
(103 km/64 miles), Isola 2000 (110 km/68 miles)
Rendez-Vous, Monaco Classic Week and the
and Auron (116 km/72 miles), and the Italian
Monaco Yacht Show, where visitors can admire the
resorts of Limone (82 km/51 miles) and Monesi
luxury and magnificence of the most beautiful
(123 km/76 miles).
pleasure boats in the world.
• There are times when the PLEASURES OF
(1)
The gentle climate is also ideal for a range of
SHOPPING can sometimes be the most
outdoor sporting activities:
rewarding! Take time to explore the traditional
• TENNIS, in the unique setting of the Monte-
back streets of the Old Town with their colourful
Carlo Country Club(3) with its 23 courts (including
souvenirs, the shopping arcades of the Park Palace
21 clay courts).
and the Métropole, and the designer boutiques
(2)
around the Place du Casino or in the Fontvieille
Club d’Exploration
Sous-Marine de Monaco
• GOLF, on the 18-hole Monte-Carlo Golf Club
and La Condamine Shopping Centres.
Yacht Club de Monaco
Cale de halage, quai Albert Ier
Tel. +377 93 30 63 63
Jetée du Port de Fontvieille
Tel. +377 92 05 91 78
course(4), at an altitude of 810 metres.
• JOGGING, on the 1.4 km soft track that lines
the beaches, or on the 2.5 km fitness trail near the
(3)
Exotic Garden in a 6,600 m2 olive grove.
Monte-Carlo Country Club
Tel. +33(0) 4 93 41 30 15
• WALKS along the shore from the Monte-Carlo
Beach to Port Hercule, in Princess Antoinette Park,
(4)
home to age-old olive trees, and a mini-golf
Monte-Carlo Golf Club
course (closed in September), in the Saint Martin
Tel. +33(0) 4 93 41 09 11
22
23
Museums and tourist
attractions
3/04/06
15:11
Page 24
The numerous museums, places of interest
and tourist attractions for which the Principality
is famous are always open to spark the
The Exotic Garden and
Observatory Cave
Boulevard du Jardin-Exotique
Tel. +377 93 15 29 80 Fax +377 93 15 29 81
Museum of Prehistoric
Anthropology
Boulevard du Jardin-Exotique
Tel. +377 93 15 80 06
Oceanographic Museum
Avenue Saint-Martin - Monaco-Ville
Tel. +377 93 15 36 00
Fax +377 93 50 52 97
Prince’s Palace
Place du Palais - Monaco-Ville
Tel. +377 93 25 18 31
Fax +377 93 50 81 73
• THE MUSEUM OF NAPOLEONIC
MEMORABILIA AND COLLECTION OF THE
interest of visitors:
PALACE’S HISTORIC ARCHIVES offer an
• THE EXOTIC GARDEN AND OBSERVATORY
abundance of precious objects and documents,
CAVE is the largest succulent rock garden in the
many very moving, on the history of the Principality,
world. 60 m underground, a prehistoric cave
with a focus on the First French Empire.
reveals its spectacular limestone formations
Visit duration: 1 to 2 hrs.
fashioned over thousands of years!
Closed from mid-November to mid-December.
Visit duration: 1 hr 30 min.
• MONTE-CARLO STORY PRESENTS “MONACO
• THE MUSEUM OF PREHISTORIC
LE FILM”.
ANTHROPOLOGY has a collection of human and
Multivision show retracing the fascinating history of
extinct animal remains from archaeological digs
the Principality.
around the region.
Visit duration: 35 minutes.
Visit duration: 30 minutes.
Closed from 1 November to 31 December.
• OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM. Centred on the
• The MUSEUM OF THE CHAPEL OF THE
impressive “Shark Lagoon” – holding 400,000 litres
VISITATION (BARBARA PIASECKA-JOHNSON
of sea water and recreating the environment of
COLLECTION) houses religious masterpieces by
these large predators – the famous 90-tank
Rubens, Zurbaran, Ribera and the Italian Masters.
Aquarium contains some of the rarest species of fish
Visit duration: 30 minutes.
in a host of exotic shapes and colours. The museum
• NATIONAL MUSEUM: DOLLS AND
also houses a large research laboratory working on
AUTOMATONS OF YESTERYEAR.
underwater flora and fauna, founded by Prince
Housed in a splendid Charles Garnier style villa,
Albert I and long directed by Jacques Cousteau.
the museum holds an outstanding collection of
Visit duration: 2 hrs 30 min to 3 hrs.
19th-century dolls and automatons in tailored
• The OLD TOWN’S medieval alleyways hide a
surroundings, including a wonderful Neapolitan
number of picturesque surprises.
nativity scene.
Monaco-Ville – free admission.
Visit duration: 1 hr.
• PRINCE’S PALACE and State Apartments: the Cour
• The ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, home to some
d’Honneur, the Galerie d’Hercule and its delicate
two hundred and fifty animals from around fifty
frescoes, the sumptuous Salon Louis XV and Salon
different species, including the black panther, the
Mazarin, the Chambre d’York, and the Salle du Trône.
white tiger, the hippopotamus, exotic birds,
Visit duration: 40 minutes.
reptiles, primates, lemurs and more.
Open from June to October.
Visit duration: 1 hr 30 min to 2 hrs.
• THE PALACE SQUARE (PLACE DU PALAIS) is the
• HSH THE PRINCE OF MONACO’S
centre of attention every day exactly five minutes
COLLECTION OF CLASSIC CARS.
Monte-Carlo Story
before noon for the Changing of the Guard.
Around one hundred vehicles of all ages and a
Terrasses du Parking du Chemin
des Pêcheurs - Monaco-Ville
Tel. +377 93 25 32 33
Fax +377 93 50 27 91
Zoological Gardens
Terrasses de Fontvieille
Tel. +377 93 25 18 31
Fax +377 93 50 81 73
Terrasses de Fontvieille
Tel. +377 92 05 28 56
Fax +377 92 05 96 09
Naval Museum
Terrasses de Fontvieille
Tel. +377 92 05 28 48
Fax +377 92 05 28 58
Visit duration: 45 minutes.
Place du Palais - Monaco-Ville
Tel. +377 93 25 18 31
Fax +377 93 50 81 73
24
17, avenue Princesse-Grace Monte-Carlo
Tel. +377 93 30 91 26
Fax +377 92 16 73 21
HSH The Prince of Monaco’s
Collection of Classic Cars
collection of carriages.
Museum of Napoleonic
Memorabilia
National Museum: Automatons
and Dolls of Yesteryear
25
ATTRACTIONS that make for a memorable stay
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:11
Page 26
• NAVAL MUSEUM.
• FORT ANTOINE.
Over 250 items and models of famous ships.
A fortress built in the early 18th century on the
Visit duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
north-east corner of the Rock.
• STAMP AND COIN MUSEUM.
Free admission.
Tracing the postal history of the Principality, the
• SAINT DEVOTE CHURCH.
museum contains the private collection of HSH
11th century votive chapel dedicated to the Patron
Prince Rainier III.
Saint of the Principality and its Royal Family.
Visit duration: 1 hour.
Free admission.
• Authentic JAPANESE GARDEN.
• LA CONDAMINE MARKET.
Magnificent open space covering 7,000 m2.
Mornings bring a sea of colourful fruit and
Free admission.
vegetable stalls to the Condamine district for the
• FONTVIEILLE LANDSCAPED PARK AND
PRINCESS GRACE ROSE GARDEN.
Stamp and Coin Museum
Terrasses de Fontvieille
Tel. +377 93 15 41 50
Fax +377 93 15 41 45
Museum of the Chapel
of the Visitation
Place de la Visitation - Monaco-Ville
Tel. +377 93 50 07 00
Japanese Garden
Avenue Princesse-Grace
Monte-Carlo
Fontvieille Landscaped Park
and Princess Grace
Rose Garden
Terre-plein de Fontvieille
Boat Trips with
Underwater Viewing
Port Hercule - Quai des Etats-Unis
Tel. +377 92 16 15 15 Fax +377 92 16 14 61
traditional market, with other attractions in the
Pedestrian Area and Rue Princesse-Caroline.
Sightseeing Helicopter Flights
Héliport de Monaco - Fontvieille.
With a small lake bordered by olive groves and
Free admission.
palm trees, this quiet park covers almost four
• SAINT CHARLES CHURCH, built in 1883 in
Monaco Cathedral
hectares (ten acres).
Renaissance style, with 19 stained-glass windows.
Free admission.
Free admission.
4, rue Colonel Bellando de Castro
Monaco-Ville
Tel. +377 93 30 87 70
• BOAT TRIPS WITH UNDERWATER VIEWING.
• LOUIS II STADIUM.
A 55-minute trip in the Bay of Monaco on board a
One of the world’s greatest sports complexes, with
Le Fort Antoine
catamaran equipped with 2 underwater viewing
a football ground seating nearly 19,000 people,
compartments, able to carry up to 145
surrounded by a running track, multisports facility
passengers.
and heated Olympic-size freshwater pool (closed
Avenue de la Quarantaine
Monaco-Ville
Tel. +377 93 15 80 00
Fax +377 93 50 66 94
From June to September.
on Wednesdays and during the month of August).
• AZUR EXPRESS TOURIST TRAINS.
• CASINO.
These little trains follow a route that takes in the
The Casino has been a central feature of Monte
Port, Monte Carlo, its luxury hotels, the famous
Carlo since 1863, surrounded by classic French
Casino and its gardens, Monaco-Ville and the
pathways and water fountains in the Boulingrins
La Condamine Market
Place du Palais. Commentary is provided in four
Gardens, with their ‘Little Africa’ flavour, and a
Place d’Armes - la Condamine
languages.
large sunlit terrace on the sea front (free
Duration: 30 minutes.
admission). Inside, a fabulous Atrium opens into
Saint Charles Church
Closed in January and from mid-November to 26
the magnificent Salle Garnier opera hall, along
December.
with a string of gaming rooms, stained-glass,
Avenue Saint-Charles - Monte-Carlo
Tel. +377 93 30 74 90
• SIGHTSEEING HELICOPTER FLIGHTS.
Saint Dévote Church
sculptures and allegorical paintings.
Stunning views of the Bay and the blue expanse
Entry restricted to persons aged 18 or over.
below.
Visit duration: 40 minutes.
Place Sainte-Dévote - La Condamine
Tel. +377 93 50 52 60
Louis II Stadium
7, avenue des Castelans - Fontvieille
Tel. +377 92 05 40 11
Fax +377 92 05 94 37
• MONACO CATHEDRAL houses the tombs of
late Princes.
Casino
Free admission.
Place du Casino - Monte-Carlo
Tel. +377 98 06 23 00
Fax +377 98 06 57 50
Azur Express Tourist Trains
Avenue Saint-Martin - Monaco-Ville
Tel. and Fax +377 92 05 64 38
26
27
ATTRACTIONS that make for a memorable stay
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:11
Page 28
The Principality of Monaco also offers a wonderful
In addition, a wide range of excursions are
starting point for charming trips into the French
available, organised on request:
hinterland, the Côte d’Azur and the Italian Riviera.
•
The scents and flavours of Provence,
The cliff road quickly leads to the old village of
combining an introduction to cuisine “à la
Eze, perched on a spectacular rocky peak, the
Provençale” (with tasting) or a visit to the Auguste
Alpine Trophy in La Turbie, over two thousand
Escoffier museum of culinary art in Villeneuve-
years old, and Roquebrune-Village – once part of
Loubet with the chance to create your own perfume
the Monegasque territory – with its 10th century
in the Tarinology studio of a famous Grasse
Carolingian castle.
perfumer.
Attractions abound every step of the way: the Jean
•
Cocteau Museum in Menton; the Greek villa
with a tour between the villages of Levens and
“Kerylos” in Beaulieu-sur-Mer; the Saint Elme
Chateauneuf-Villevieille, stopping at Tourette
citadel in Villefranche-sur-Mer; the Ephrussi de
and its 12th century Château Museum.
Rothschild Museum in Cap Ferrat; the Chagall
Museum and the famous flower market in Nice;
the Maeght Foundation in Saint Paul de Vence; the
Vauban ramparts in Antibes; the aquatic show at
Marineland; the glass workshops in Biot; the
ceramic workshops in Vallauris; the Fragonard villa
•
The trail of the medieval knights,
T h e a r t i s t s ’ v i l l a g e s : Saint Paul de Vence
and its many art galleries, Biot and its glassworkers,
Cagnes-sur-Mer and its Renoir Museum, and more.
V i n e y a r d at a real “ C h â t e a u
d e P r o v e n c e ” (with tasting).
• Private visit to a
Kroenlein Arboretum (living tree museum)
Manufacture de
P o r c e l a i n e d e M o n a c o (option to create own
overlooking the Tinée valley; the Vallée des
designs).
Merveilles and its rock paintings in the Mercantour
• A day in the
National Park; San Remo, capital of the Italian
road” for an original, interesting look at the
Riviera; and much, much more.
hinterland of the Southern Alps and its baroque
and the perfumeries in Grasse; the Marcel
• A morning at the
R o y a V a l l e y , following the “salt
treasures, with an organ recital in Breil sur Roya,
and a chance to taste traditional dishes in Saorge
and prepare traditional meals in the old communal
oven in Fontan.
28
29
ATTRACTIONS that make for a memorable stay
infos_generales_gb
infos_generales_gb
3/04/06
15:11
Page 30
25
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
29
Cannes-Mandelieu Aerodrome
1
Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport
2
Roman arena in Fréjus
3
Boat trips to Iles de Lérins
4
Biot: glassware and pottery. Fernand Léger Museum
5
Cagnes-sur-Mer: French Riviera Racecourse
6
Cannes: Old Town, Le Suquet district, La Croisette,
le Palais des Festivals
7
International Gliding Centre in Fayence
8
Castle-Museum in Haut-de-Cagnes
9
Roya Valley railway: trains from Nice to Turin
10
Provence railway: trains from Nice to Digne
11
Citadel in Villefranche-sur-Mer
12
Eze and its hill-top village
13
Earthenware in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
14
Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
15
Verdon Gorges. Canoeing, rafting
16
Cocteau Museum in Menton
17
Grimaldi-Picasso Museum in Antibes- Juan-les-Pins
18
Nice: Promenade des Anglais, Old Town and
Flower Market, Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum
19
Mercantour National Park
(Nature reserve)
20
Perfumes in Grasse
21
26
10
30
25
17
25 30
22
20
13
28
12
19
26
25
2
15
9
25 26
30
6
18
5
24
27
4
21
7
22
Saint-Tropez: old village and marina
23
Saut du Loup and hill-top village of Gourdon
24
Ski resorts
25
Cross-country ski resorts
26
Technopole in Sophia-Antipolis
27
Auguste Trophy in La Turbie
28
Vallée des Merveilles. Rock paintings
29
Free flying (hang-gliding, paragliding)
30
1
8
3
16
23
14
30
31
MAP WITH TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, HOTELS AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES
Principality of Monaco (see tourist map)
11