Monaco - Past And Present
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by: Henri Boulanger
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Word Count: 624
Today's Monaco attracts tourists from around the world, but tradition and past architecture makes the country what it is today - an elegant combination of the old and of the new.
New structures, such as the Novotel hotel in Fontvieille, contribute to the tourist friendly destinations available in Monaco. This new hotel has 218 rooms and 18 suites. It provides guests with a wonderful view of the famous harbour of Monte Carlo, as well as the palace. It's conveniently located close to the train station, the casino and the Forum Grimaldi. It has a broad terrace, which contains gardens and a pool for guests to unwind.
The Hotel de Paris Monaco is an example of older style grace and beauty. Built in 1864, it sits on the Golden Square of the Casino proper and resonates artistry in design. Its detailed and majestic architecture sends a message of luxurious accommodation. It consists of 187 rooms and houses a presidential suite and three fine restaurants.
These and other quality hotels in Monaco are ready and waiting to serve visitors who crowd into Monte Carlo at the end of May each year for the Monaco Grand Prix.
The Monaco Grand Prix is the top F1 event with a rich history. Running for 78 laps through narrow winding streets of the city, it tests the mettle of elite drivers every year. Next year will be no different. This street course is very unforgiving to drivers who fail to negotiate its intricacies properly.
Complementing a stay at one of several hotel in Monte Carlo choices is a visit to the Place du Casino. This world-renowned casino is synonymous with Monaco's jet-set image of sophistication around the world. Built in 1878, the casino complex houses opera, ballet and concerts in addition to its gaming rooms. It's an architectural delight with a marble atrium and artistic sculptures throughout.
A stay in Monaco provides the opportunity to take a tour of the French Riviera. There are guided tours, or, if you choose, you can venture out on your own for an exotic drive. You could end your day with a spa treatment at any number of spas available at the first-class hotels. They offer services such as seawater treatments, heat experience rooms and saunas. Many include applications using olive oil and lavender. These are all part of making your stay in Monaco one to remember.
For the culture conscious, Monaco has the ballet, opera and a philharmonic orchestra for arts aficionados. The ballet house is its own example of classic architecture within the casino environs. Dance, music, and voice of great talent and professionalism are a constant in Monaco throughout the year. Taking in a performance of any of these is icing on the cake to any visit to the principality.
For something different, there's the Oceanographic Museum. It's another architectural gem, which overlooks the Mediterranean. This museum is the repository of great collections of non-living sea life. It also displays model ships and artifacts such as weapons. There's also an aquarium on site with 4000 species of fish.
There's something for everyone in Monaco. There's the comfort of fine accommodations in the hotels. There are fast F1 cars, and if you time your visit right the Cannes Film Festival just a few miles away - easily reached by train from Monte Carlo railway station. There's fast-paced nightlife, and just as fast-paced gambling rooms. Then there's the harbour view to savour at the end of the day as you enjoy fine dining. It can all be part of your visit to this 'Jewel of the French Riviera' that's called Monaco - visitors often return, a sure sign of a good travel destinantion.
About the Author
Street maps for Monte Carlo and Monaco are at yourmonaco.com The Monaco guide includes a section on Prince Albert of Monaco and the latest Monte Carlo property for sale
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