As you arrive on the Casino Square, the sighting of this masterpiece by renowned architect Charles Garnier will take your breath away ! Built in 1863, the Casino was designed around an atrium surrounded by 28 columns in onyx; behind, the "Salle Garnier", Italian-style theatre decorated in red and gold, is the exact miniature replica of the Opera in Paris. Every season, the most magnificent lyric performances are staged here. Further along, the gaming rooms are wonderfully decorated with stained-glass windows, sculptures and unique allegorical paintings.
Do not hesitate to go window shopping around the Casino Square and its famous Golden Circle of luxury boutiques : jewellers, designers' clothes, antiques, etc.
Spend time exploring the Casino Gardens and Terraces with their magnificent flowerbeds and dazzling scented plants; overlooking the sea, the terraces are immersed in sunshine and entice you away from the crowds.
Follow a path down to the sea, towards the Grimaldi Forum, high-tech conference and exhibition centre, and you will come upon the National Museum, Automatons and Dolls of Yesteryear and the Japanese Garden.
The National Museum, Automatons and Dolls of Yesteryear, 7 avenue Princesse Grace, unveils the fascinating world of automatons and dolls in period costumes presented with miniature pieces of furniture and everyday items, thus recreating the sophisticated atmosphere of the 19th century. This is just what Madeleine De Galéa had in mind when she put this collection together. Completed by a remarkable Neapolitan crib, this marvellous collection is housed in a splendid villa with campaniles built by Charles Garnier.
Located on the avenue Princesse Grace, the Japanese Garden is free of charge and open to the public from 9.00 am to sunset. This enchanting garden, designed by the landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, covers 7,000 square metres right by the Mediterranean. An authentic work of art, it unites stones, water and plants in the most marvellous harmony. This exceptional meadow situated at the foot of the town has a very special atmosphere, which is accentuated by the use of water sprays on the azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias.