To appreciate Monegasque traditions, visit the local market in "La Condamine". Every morning, this large esplanade located in the heart of town wakes up to the colours and smells of the fruit and vegetables stalls. Arcades where it is possible to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat while reading the newspaper in the shade surround the market. Opposite, you will be able to admire the staircase "Rampe Major" and its two gates dating from the 16th century and leading to the Rock.Nearby, the pedestrian area of the "Rue Princesse Caroline", dotted with pleasant landscaped gardens and attractive boutiques, gently slopes down towards the sea. On the harbour "Port Hercule", it is possible to take a boat trip and discover the seabed. A 55-minute journey on board a catamaran equipped with two windows in the hull for underwater vision will take you around the Bay of Monaco.
Then, head for "Les Moneghetti", where you will discover, among private villas from the early 20th century, the "Parc Princesse Antoinette". Tucked away amidst 100-year-old olive trees, it offers many facilities for children including a pitch-and-putt (closed in September).
Just before the French border, you will find the Exotic Garden. Inaugurated in 1933, it contains remarkable species of cactacea from Africa and South America, including aloe plants from Cape Town and giant agaves from Aztec regions. Over 7,000 varieties of plants flourish in this ideal climate.
Within the Exotic Garden, 60 metres under ground, visitors can discover the immense chambers of the prehistoric Observatory Caves, where unexpected stalagmites, stalactites and limestone concretions are admirably illuminated ! Length of the visit : 1 ½ hour. Tel : + 377 93 15 29 80.Also located on the boulevard du Jardin Exotique, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology takes you back in history. Containing a series of priceless tombs originating from around the Principality, notably Grimaldi, in Italian Liguria, this museum was founded in 1902 by Prince Albert I. Its exhibits retrace the most important stages in the history of the human race, from Australanthropus to Pithecanthropus and to Homo Sapiens fossils.