Treasures of Traveling in Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest county in the world and if you exclude the Vatican City, Monaco is the smallest country in the world! It’s famously known for the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, its casinos and tax free status. It’s a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the French Riviera, also known as le Cote d’Azur with many other famous beach towns like Nice and Cannes, located right next door in France. Monaco is a small principality headed by the Prince of Monaco and it’s an extremely affluent spot along the French Riviera. Monaco has a lot of things going for it. From the warm climate to the beautiful blue of the Mediterranean Sea, along with the natural beauty of the mountains and the multiple gardens located throughout the city, it is a beautiful place to visit! It is tiny because the whole area of Monaco is only two square kilometers. That’s really small, but there’s actually a lot of things to see and do while visiting Monaco.
The Rock of Monaco (Monaco-Ville – The Old Village)
One of the places that everyone visits when in Monaco is the Rock of Monaco. It’s located in the middle of the principality, which also happens to be the oldest part of Monaco. It’s called Monaco-Ville and besides being located on top of a rock formation, it’s filled with the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, a cathedral and many small winding streets. Monaco-Ville is the historical quarter of Monaco and it’s charming so you don’t want to miss it. There are some great parks throughout Monaco to take in the view of the Rock of Monaco. I will talk about those parks here. There is a lot to see on the Rock of Monaco, including the changing of the guard, so you might want to start your day by visiting it first.
Gateway to Rock – Porte d’entree au Rocher
The quickest way up to the top of the Rock is to climb the steps of a path called Rampe de la Major. As you climb the steps make sure to look out and see the sweeping views of the harbour. You will come to the Porte d’entree au Rocher or the Gateway to Rock, which is a gateway from the 15th century. As you continue on your short climb you will arrive at the Prince’s Palace.
Prince’s Palace of Monaco – Le Palais des Princes de Monaco
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is a 12th Century Residence of the Royal family and sits high above Monaco on the Rock of Monaco. You can visit and tour the palace as long as the Prince is not there. Check above the main tower of the palace and if you see a flag raised above the tower, you will know that the Prince is in the palace.
Changing of the Guard
If you have seen the changing of the guards ceremony at London’s Buckingham Palace, this will be a very small ceremony compared to that, but it’s still interesting to see. You can see the ceremony each day starting at 11:55 AM in front of the Royal entrance on the Palace Square. You will see the guards in full dress uniform. White is worn in the summer and black in the winter. The ceremony will occur in front of the Palace’s main entrance and it is performed, obviously, by the guards that are called Carabiniers. Besides the Carabiniers performing the changing of the guard, they are also in charge of the Prince’s security.
Monaco Cathedral – Cathedrale de Monaco – Saint Nicholas Cathedral
The Monaco Cathedral was built in 1875 and currently stands on the site of a 13th century church that was built around the same time as the Palace. When it was built it was dedicated to Saint Nicolas so that’s how it got its name Saint Nicholas Cathedral. This cathedral also houses the remains of former Princes including Prince Rainier and his wife, Grace Kelly, a Hollywood leading lady, who became one of Monaco’s leading ladies after marrying the Prince of Monaco in 1956.
Saint- Martin Gardens
Along your visit to the Rock of Monaco, make sure to take some time and relax in this peaceful public garden featuring spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a wonderful park to take in some breathtaking views, but also to get to know some of the local plants and flowers that can grow in this warm Mediterranean climate.
Statue of Prince Albert I
Within the Saint Martin Gardens you will find the statue of Prince Albert I. He was a Prince who sailed the seas and founded the aquarium called the Oceanarium.
The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium of Monaco – Musee Oceanographique de Monaco
The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium of Monaco is dedicated to marine sciences. It’s an aquarium as well, so that’s why it’s also called the Oceanarium! It was built over a 100 years ago, making it one of the oldest aquariums and museums dedicated to science and oceanography in the world. It was founded by Prince Albert I and it’s located along the edge of the cliffs of the Rock of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea. This museum has great views of the Mediterranean Sea and because it is located within the Mediterranean Sea, there is an aquarium located in the basement that holds thousands of marine specimens.
Maison d’Arret – County Jail
The Maison d’Arret is a type of county jail that holds prisoners awaiting trial or sentencing and being held for less than one year. They say this prison has some of the best views in the world and it makes sense because your view from the cell is of the Mediterranean Sea.
Port de Fontevieille
From multiple locations on top of the Rock of Monaco you can see nice views of the Port of Fontvieille and residential neighbourhoods.
Port Hercule (in the Monte Carlo District)
From multiple locations on top of the Rock of Monaco you can see nice views of the Port of Hercule, the harbour, the mountains, the modern buildings of the Monte Carlo district and if looking further east than this photos currently shows you can see not only France, but also Italy in the distance. It’s interesting that all three countries are so close together.
Visiting Neighboring Nice
There are many neighboring cities and small villages to visit that are close to Monaco and very easy to visit as they are accessible by using public transportation. The city of Nice is a great city to visit along the French Riviera as well. It’s just a short train or bus ride away from Monaco. Take a look at the 10 things to experience in Nice.
Visiting Neighboring Cannes
There are many neighboring cities and small villages to visit that are close to Monaco and very easy to visit as they are accessible by using public transportation. The city of Cannes is a great city to visit along the French Riviera as well. It’s just a short train or bus ride away from Monaco. Take a look at the 15 places to visit on a walking tour of Cannes.
Treasures of Traveling in Monaco
There are many treasures of traveling to visit in tiny country of Monaco, located along the French Riviera. The Rock of Monaco might be the focal point of many tourists’ itineraries, but there is much more to experience. Monaco has many things to offer any tourist and is filled with a few of the interesting treasures that Monaco has to offer. There are many other wonderful French cities to discover along the Mediterranean coastline like Nice and Cannes that you also don’t want to miss while exploring the French Riviera.
— Luke Keeler
Check out the map below to see where Nice is located!
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Looks like a great place to visit! The views are amazing!!!
Yes, the views are fantastic! They are very lucky they have mountains right next to the Mediterranean Sea. It makes it more difficult to build, but the views are stunning!
If I ever get a chance to come for the Monaco Grand Prix (I’m a huge F1 fan) then the Rock of Monaco is a must see as well. Great to now have a guide I can reference back to when I eventually make that trip.
That’s awesome that you are a huge F1 fan. You will definitely have to visit Monaco specifically for the Grand Prix. Just be ready for the crowds of people!
I remember visiting Monaco when I was 17 with my parents, this brings back great memories. I wish we had done a tour of Prince’s Palace of Monaco. The views from The Maison d’Arret look stunning, wouldn’t want to stay there though!
That’s wonderful that you were able to visit Monaco before. I wouldn’t want to stay at the Maison d’Arret either. Memories are such a wonderful thing to be able to relive an experience that we have had before!