Monte Carlo ... It sounds melodic, like the ringing of bells. In fact, this is the name of one of the cities-counties of the Principality of Monaco, and, the richest and most expensive for the city. And he lives in Monte Carlo (according to the official census) no less than 3034 people.

Life in Monte Carlo is sleepy and serene in the morning and in the afternoon, noisy and filled with passions in the evening and at night, when the halls of the famous gambling house cordially greet those wishing to catch their luck. But this life is always beautiful - to make sure of this easily, it is enough to come to Monte Carlo at least on an excursion.

A bit of history

In the late 19th century, Prince Charles III founded a casino, whose goal was to save the Principality from ruin. The calculation turned out to be correct, and in a few years the prince freed all citizens of the country from taxes. In honor of Charles III, the capital of Monaco received its name.

How to get

Monaco wedged into the Côte d'Azur of France, one might even say merged with him and his bus system .And in this system, as is known, like passengers, carry them on comfortable air-conditioned buses and take only 1 EUR for the journey, regardless of the distance .Therefore, to get to Monte Carlo from any city of the Côte d'Azur is possible for a completely symbolic fee, having received in the form of a bonus the most picturesque views from the bus window, as the road repeats the coast line .It's important to sit right: when driving from Nice, you need to sit on the starboard side, in the opposite direction - on the contrary .

How to navigate

Since this country is located in a mountainous area, to be more precise, it clung to the rock, the building is terraced, some streets with rather steep rises .For this reason Monaco looks very picturesque .Monte Carlo is located at the very edge of the Mediterranean Sea, and almost from the sea up, on the rock extends the famous Japanese Garden of Monte Carlo .It has an area of ​​about 7,000 sq..m, is broken in the best traditions of Japanese landscape design, and thanks to a subtropical climate and stable sunny weather (300 sunny days per year), garden plants delight guests with their look all year round .

Security

The level of crime in Monaco is very low, despite the presence of so many temptations in the streets. The country has a strong police control system. And the number of policemen in Monte Carlo, around the casino, is fantastic. Fortunately, they are all slender, tall, tight-fitting Monegasks with a tenacious look. However, they rather condescendingly look at minor violations of the order, such as crossing the street in the wrong place.

The climate of Monte Carlo is

March 1, Sunday Clearly +13 ° С in the day +5 ° С at night ° С water	March 2, Monday Clearly +18 ° С in the afternoon +7 ° C at night ° С water	March 3, Tuesday Clearly +15 ° С in the day +9 ° С at night ° С water
Monte Carlo weather forecast for 10 days

Shopping and shopping

Interesting shopping in Monte Carlo .All the most expensive brands in the world are represented in stores around the casino, on the so-called "golden mile" .The newest collections of the most expensive watches, ornaments, leather goods, clothes, furs are laid out on the shelves .But the price tags are not here .They are not interested in anyone here .Here people who care about the price of $ ±​​$.Therefore, in numerous boutiques of Monte Carlo, sellers love buyers, buyers like sellers, and all of them together love those luxury goods that are sold in these stores .It must be said that the shops of Monte Carlo react very sensitively to the socio-political life of this country .

Beaches

The Cote d'Azur is characterized by the fact that sandy beaches are replaced by large and small pebbles. The beaches of Monte Carlo are sandy, delightfully affectionate, and the water in the sea is fantastically transparent. Sunburn on these beaches is surprisingly smooth and such a wonderful golden hue, which is not obtained anymore on any beach of the world.

From the beach to the street you can get out on a public elevator, the city is located on a rock, so there is sometimes no other way.

Spa and treatment

Known for the whole world Monte-Carlo Sporting Club balneology .It is unique in many respects .First, the complex is equipped with the most modern equipment, both diagnostic and therapeutic .Secondly, not only highly qualified doctors and nurses work for the benefit of patients, but also the entire natural complex of the area: water rich in ions and mineral impurities, the sun, sea air .Thirdly, staying in it is extremely comfortable and pleasant: the patients not only have medical procedures, but also an excellent infrastructure, including numerous swimming pools, gyms, restaurants, spa salons .

Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Monte Carlo

In Monte Carlo, everything is expensive: souvenir magnets, hotel rooms, and apartments, but there is no rebound from those wishing to come to this blessed corner of Europe, so if not to settle, then at least see how it looks in reality. And it looks great.

Its seminal center is, of course, a grand palace, built in the late 19th century by Charles Garnier (author of the Paris Grand Opera) in the style of eclecticism. The pompous palace includes gambling halls, cabaret and opera hall, which is decorated in red and gold colors and is the embodiment of luxury. Caruso and Shalyapin, Anna Pavlova and Sarah Bernhard performed on the stage of this theater. Among the spectators were no less prominent personalities.

The opposite facade of the palace overlooks the Avenue of Monte Carlo, which is framed by equally interesting buildings. One of them is the well-known Hotel de Paris. It is unlikely that any other hotel has hosted as many celebrities as this. It is interesting to watch how the cars of the most prestigious brands are parked near the hotel. And since there are not enough parking places for hotels, the drivers of Bently and Ferrary have to search without a murmur, where to put the car.

Casino in Monte Carlo

The casino draws to itself and stars, and ordinary tourists. They all want to win, everyone counts on luck. And it does not come to all. But there is one ritual, which, they say, works flawlessly. In the garden of the casino there are two sculptures: Adam and Eve. The image that gave the author, Fernando Botero, a little puzzling, but the point is not this, but the following: those who want to win, must play before the game for the male dignity of Adam.

To get into the first casino hall, there is no need to make any tricks, and no one will demand the adherence to the dress code .True, there are only slot machines in this room, so you can not feel the drama of the game here .Tables for gambling, including roulette, stand in other rooms, they will require an entrance fee (10 EUR per person) and strict observance of the rule: women in evening dresses, men in tuxedos .However, in private, for the privileged guests, the playrooms of mere mortals will still not be allowed .Here, passions are heated to the limit, whole states are lost and won .Here the eyes of the winners shine with delight and unexpected wealth, and the losers in the Monte Carlo casino pour a glass of champagne and call a taxi to the hotel, at the expense of the institution, so to say .Losers do not like here ...

The outward-facing facade of the Monte Carlo casino has extensive terraces, which, with huge steps, descend to the water itself. They are often held various festivals. For this purpose, sound and light equipment is installed on the terraces, snow-white awnings are stretched. Before special ceremonies (for example, before the royal wedding in July 2011), the entire palace is washed, cleaned and tinted, so it looks always perfect.

• Are there rules for visiting a casino in Monte Carlo?

Events

The cultural and sporting life of Monte Carlo is full of bright events .First of all - this is the famous Monte Carlo rally, which starts and finishes in the square near the casino .This event gathers in the city a lot of fans of motorsport, among which many celebrities are .List all the eminent musicians, singers and dancers who gave concerts in the hall Garnier, it is simply impossible .Do not leave unattended and fans of the circus: the international circus festival takes place in Monte Carlo every year in January .Another traditional festival - fireworks - is arranged in July-August and attracts with its entertainment a lot of tourists .

Photos of Monte Carlo (29)