MONACO, THE MYTHICAL ROCK - Monaco

The Principality of Monaco with its world famous Rock lies between France and the Mediterranean Sea. The prestige and the fame of this attractive territory, landlocked within the French département of Alpes-Maritimes, spread much further than its borders, which the French writer Colette described as being "made of flowers". Its space is limited (195 ha.), but the site is enchanting and unfolds along a narrow coastal strip four kilometres long, bounded by the mountainous foothills of the Tête de Chien and Mount Agel.

The city is made up of four districts:
Monaco-Ville, the historical seat of the Principality, situated upon the Rock where the Prince's Palace stands,
Monte-Carlo, the district surrounding the Casino,
La Condamine, around Port d'Hercule,
Fontvieille, the new industrial district, built on ground gained from the Sea (22 ha.).

Motorway and road networkThe European motorway network, which can be found just 8 km from the centre of the city, links the Principality to France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Benelux, Austria, and England. From the Nice airport, one may reach the Principality, at a distance of 22 km, in less than 30 minutes, thanks to the direct junction with one of the coastal minor roads.
Between Nice and Monaco, one may follow three very attractive roads: the "Basse Corniche" (Low Coast-Road - Highway 98), along the seaside, the "Moyenne Corniche" (Middle Coast-Road - Highway 7), going through Eze-Village, and the "Grande Corniche" (Great Coast-Road), going through La Turbie and Col d'Eze (Eze Pass), at an elevation of 512 m.The Principality of Monaco, historic town looking towards the futureYou will be astonished and surprised each step of the way around this town of Princes.
From the Old Town, which can be described as a genuine open-air museum, to the Casino Square, unique in the world, you will discover the story of the Grimaldi family.A modern town, Monaco has expanded its territory by claiming surface from the sea : do not miss out on a visit to the area of Fontvieille, emerged from the sea, where technologies meet the arts. To immerse yourself in the teeming atmosphere of the town, take a stroll around the traditional market of "La Condamine" or discover "Les Moneghetti" area.There are 1,001 ways to discover the Principality.Taste the air blown from the Mediterranean, wander around the streets of the Principality and savour unforgettable hours.