Squeezed into just 200 hectares, this confetti principality might be the world’s second-smallest country (the Vatican is smaller), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. Glitzy, glam and screaming hedonism, Monaco is truly beguiling.
It is a sovereign state but has no border control. It has its own flag (red and white) and national holiday (19 November), and it uses the euro even though it's not part of the EU.
You can easily visit Monaco as a day trip from Nice, a short train ride away.
Musée Océanographique de MonacoAQUARIUM
Stuck dramatically to the edge of a cliff since 1910, the world-renowned Musée Océanographique de Monaco, founded by Prince Albert I (1848–1922), is a stunner. Its centrepiece is its aquarium, with a 6m-deep lagoon where sharks and marine predators are separated from colourful tropical fishes by a coral reef. Upstairs, two huge colonnaded rooms retrace the history of oceanography and marine biology (and Prince Albert’s contribution to the field) through photographs, old equipment, numerous specimens and interactive displays.
Le RocherHISTORIC QUARTER
Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher, thrusts skywards on a pistol-shaped rock. It’s this strategic location overlooking the sea that became the stronghold of the Grimaldi dynasty. Built as a fortress in the 13th century, the palace is now the private residence of the Grimaldis. It is protected by the Carabiniers du Prince; changing of the guard takes place daily at 11.55am.
Jardin ExotiqueGARDEN
Home to the world’s largest succulent and cactus collection, from small echinocereus to 10m-tall African candelabras, the gardens tumble down the slopes of Moneghetti through a maze of paths, stairs and bridges. Views of the principality are spectacular and the gardens are delightful. Your ticket also gets you a 35-minute guided tour round the Grottes de l’Observatoire.
Monaco's train station (av Prince Pierre) has frequent trains to Nice (€3.80, 25 minutes), and east to Menton (€2.10, 15 minutes) and beyond into Italy. Bus 100 goes to Nice (€1.50, 45 minutes) along the Corniche Inférieure.
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