French Riviera, Côte d'Azur & Monaco
Located in the south of France, Côte d'Azur is an oasis of luxury, relaxation and indulgence set against a stunning Mediterranean backdrop. The French Riviera is a beautiful stretch of coastline in the south of France, stretching along the Mediterranean Sea from the Italian border to the west all the way to the French border with Monaco. The region is renowned for its chic resorts, sparkling beaches, chic restaurants and its renowned international film festival.
The French Riviera has long been a playground for the rich and famous, with well-known celebrities such as David Bowie and Elton John among those who have visited. It has become a popular tourist destination due to its glamour and prestige. Visitors can take advantage of the stunning landscape and immersive culture, while exploring the historic towns and fairytale villages.
Whether looking for relaxation, culture or sightseeing, the French Riviera has something for everyone. From sailing in the Mediterranean sea to enjoying an outdoor café or taking a stroll along the famous Promenade de la Croisette, visitors can find something new and exciting around every corner.
The French Riviera is renowned for its art and culture, with plenty of galleries and museums to explore. There's also a vibrant nightlife scene, with clubs, casinos and bars located around every corner. It's an ideal destination for those looking for an unforgettable experience in the south of France.
This charming seaside town has something to offer everyone, with an array of five-star hotels, lively nightclubs, award-winning restaurants and much more. Whether you’re looking for a romantic holiday or an unforgettable night out, Côte Azure promises luxurious experiences in unparalleled surroundings.
Hotels
The Hotel Duc de Lune is the perfect destination for a luxurious and unforgettable stay. With its chic decor, impeccable service and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, this 5-star hotel is the definition of luxury coastal living. From its infinity pool to its on-site spa facilities and delicious à la carte restaurant, guests will be truly spoilt for choice at this fabulous establishment.
Nightclubs
If you’re looking for a night to remember, Underworld nightclub is the place to be. Boasting a vibrant atmosphere, up-tempo music and some of the best DJ’s in the south of France, this is where the party scene comes alive. With its cutting-edge lights and sound system, this is one of the hottest spots in Côte Azure!
Restaurants
For fine dining, Chez Bistrot is a must-visit. With its sleek interiors, mouth-watering menu and attentive staff, this is the epitome of fine dining in Côte Azure. Enjoy an array of fresh seafood, exquisite French dishes and exquisite desserts in this stylish restaurant, all with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an unforgettable night out, Côte Azure is the perfect destination for luxury, relaxation and indulgence. Come and explore the beauty of the Mediterranean, and be spoiled with stunning hotels, vibrant nightclubs and award-winning restaurants.
Monaco
A temperate climate, particularly mild and sunny for more than 300 days a year, makes Monaco a welcoming place.
Walking is the best way to explore Monaco, its heritage and the local way of life. There are numerous public lifts and escalators, allowing you to reach each district within minutes. It takes just 45 minutes to cross Monaco from east to west on foot. Everything in the Principality is quite literally within walking distance!
Monaco’s central district, La Condamine stretches around Port Hercule, and is home to a diverse atmosphere. Around the Port, with the starting grid of the Formula One Grand Prix which makes for a perfect photo, in the streets with their shops or around the Place d’Armes at the foot of the Palace,
No trip to the Principality is complete without a visit to Monaco-Ville. Lose yourself in the colourful and narrow streets of what the locals call “The Rock”, and don’t forget to take a tour of the St. Martin and St. Barbe gardens. Surrounded by the most beautiful Mediterranean trees, savour the breathtaking sea views.
After being enchanted by the Rock, head to the picture-perfect Casino de Monte-Carlo. Discover the splendid new-look square outside one of Monaco’s most iconic venues, with the Hôtel de Paris on one side and the Café de Paris on the other. Admire the varied landscapes of this part of the Principality, from the magnificent gardens of La Petite Afrique to the luxury shopping experience of the One Monte-Carlo not to be overlooked.
You will be dazzled and amazed at each turn, at the heart of the City of Princes. From the old town, a veritable open air museum, to the Place du Casino, unique in the world, discover the history of the Grimaldis.
Her Royal Highness Caroline Louise Marguerite, Princess Caroline of Monaco the heiress to the throne of Monaco since 2005. Is the daughter of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace of Monaco (stage and screen legend Grace Kelly). She was born in 1957 and was the eldest of their three children. She is the heiress to the throne of the principality of Monaco. At a young age, Princess Caroline met her current husband, Prince Ernst August of Hanover. They married in 1999, and they have three children together: Hereditary Prince Ernst August, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Christian.
Princess Grace of Monaco (stage and screen legend Grace Kelly). It all began with a fateful invitation. When Grace Kelly received the invitation to visit the principality of Monaco for the filming of Alfred Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief" in the summer of 1955, she had no idea what the trip would end up meaning to her. However, it wasn't until her arrival to Monte Carlo that she discovered the part the young prince, Rainier III, played in the story.
Prince Rainier had heard of Miss Kelly and wished to get to know her better. He decided to invite her and her costar, Cary Grant, to dinner at the palace. It was here that an instant connection was formed between Kelly and Rainier and they began what would become a courtship.
Following the dinner, their meetings became more frequent as the young lovers found themselves enjoying each other's company more and more. Even though Rainier's Grand Chamberlain Count Francois de Girard suggested the possibility of marriage between the two, it would be another year before Rainier proposed to Kelly in a phone call on January 3rd 1956.
Rainier and Kelly exchanged vows on April 19th 1956 at the Monaco Cathedral. The ceremony, which was dubbed "the wedding of the century" by the press, was watched by millions of people all around the world. From the moment the two met, their story has been a classic romantic fairytale.
Some unique facts about Monaco:
Monaco has the highest life expectancy in the world at 90.4 years. Monaco has the most expensive real estate prices per unit area in the world.
Monaco is the only country in the world with no natural lakes or rivers.
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, with the Vatican City being the smallest. Monaco is home to the oldest continuous monarchy in the world, with the Grimaldi Dynasty having ruled since 1297.
Center photo a young Princess Caroline of Monaco with Roy Webb
The principality of Monaco has a long history, starting with its founding in 1215 when the Genoese first established permanent settlements there. The Grimaldi family came to Monaco in 1297 and, with the help of the troops of Charles Grimaldi, captured it from the Genoese. The Grimaldi family established their dynasty in Monaco, which has endured for centuries, and still to this day. In the Middle Ages, Monaco became a important port and trading post and the Grimaldi family gained much wealth and power from their control of the port. The Grimaldis also granted certain rights to the citizens of Monaco, such as tax-free trade, and these privileges helped to create an economy that was able to sustain Monaco for centuries. In 1861, Prince Charles III realized the importance of tourism to the principality and initiated a number of measures to attract visitors, including the building of a casino and racetrack. These measures were highly successful and Monaco’s tourism industry has been thriving ever since. Monaco gained full autonomy in 1918 and has since become one of the world’s wealthiest and most exclusive destinations. In 1963, the principality became a member of the United Nations, cementing its place as an independent sovereign state. Today, Monaco is well known as a centre of luxury and sophistication, as well as being home to some of the world’s most luxurious yachts, extravagant hotels and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. However, the principality maintains its traditional culture and hospitality, ensuring that visitors to Monaco continue to enjoy the small country’s charm and beauty.
Download Your Monaco app free of charge to your smartphone from:
Apple App Store (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/your-monaco/id1609627984)
Created as part of the Extended Monaco scheme and officially launched on 5 December 2022 by the Minister of State, Pierre Dartout, this app aims to enhance Monaco's appeal and improve interactivity with the population.
More than just a catalogue of urban services, Your Monaco, which is available in French, English, and Italian, is designed to meet user's specific needs, and enables them to personalise their own "dashboard", giving them access to all their favourite content at a glance. There is also an option to configure push notifications and alerts, to suit your needs. This digital service represents a new milestone in the development of the "smart city" in Monaco. The increasing pace of urbanisation in a fast-changing world, combined with environmental concerns, means we need to rethink our approach to the urban experience in Monaco.
by Roy Webb