Monaco

An escape from reality

By Linda McClain, CTA

Wish to indulge in a destination that exudes European charm and luxury? Want to test-drive the lifestyles of the rich and the famous? Then Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, is the destination for you.

Perched between the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by the French Riviera, the principality of Monaco has an allure of opulence and charisma that attracts those who appreciate the finer things in life. Just three miles long and a half-mile wide, it is bordered on three sides by France and the Mediterranean Sea. Perfectly positioned between Provence and Cannes, France, it is close to the Italian Alps.
Monaco is divided into four quarters;
• Monaco-Ville – Home of the Grimaldi Dynasty and the Prince’s Palace.
• La Condamine – Busy cruise and ship port area.
• Monte Carlo – Main center for business and entertainment.
• Fontvielle – Area for recreation, such as the Grand Prix and Tennis World Championships.

How do I get there?
Connecting flights from Albany and non-stop service from JFK to Nice are available with Delta and Air France.
Due to escalating fuel costs, airline fares are higher than ever. You can ensure the best rate by ticketing your air reservation promptly.
The Cote d’Azur International Airport in Nice, France, is 15 miles from Monaco. Transportation options from Nice include the French National Railroad, scheduled bus service, taxi or rental car. You could also opt for a breath-taking seven-minute helicopter flight.
Weather: With a minimum of 300 sunny days a year, you can anticipate nice weather. Even winter temperatures average 48-58F. However, rainfall is more likely during cooler weather. Spring time temperatures average 50s-60s while summer temperatures average 68–mid 80s. Conditions are influenced by the surrounding sea breezes. Fall temperatures are ideal with an average of 60s-70s; still suitable for sun-bathing.
Language: French and Monegasque dialect are the main languages, but English and Italian are also spoken.
Population: 32,000; 7,000 are Monegasque.

Historic heritage
Phoenicians settled in Monaco in 700 BC. During the Greek and Roman period, Monaco was an important trading center that provided shelter to sailing vessels.
On June 12, 1215, the Genoan family of the Gibelins laid the first stone of Monaco Castle, which became the Prince’s Palace. To attract population to the area, people were offered tax exemption.
The Grimaldi dynasty has been included in Monaco’s history for over 700 years. In 1297, Francois Grimaldi, the founder of their dynasty, led a group of soldiers disguising themselves as Franciscan monks, to the Monaco castle. Once greeted, he and his cousin, Rainier I overpowered the inhabitants for possession.
The family coat of arms symbolizes the event and depicts two swords and two monks in a Monegasque shield with the phrase, “Deo Juvante”, Latin for “With God’s help”.
Francois was succeeded in death by his cousin, Rainier I, who was cousin to the Grimaldis.
Between the 1400s and 1600s, Monaco was wedged in a power struggle between Spain and France for control of their country.
In 1641, France claimed Monaco as its own.
The Principality became independent from France in 1861. Under the terms of a treaty signed with France in 1918, if Monaco’s royal family has no male heirs, it will once again go back to French rule.
Prince Rainier III rose to the throne in 1949. He proclaimed a new constitution in 1962, allowing women to vote. Ranier also cleared the way for new beaches and elegant hotels to be built, which transformed the principality into a seaside gem. He was a motivating force for cultural development through music.

Fairytale romance
Prince Ranier III was known as the wealthiest bachelor in the world when he met Grace Kelly, age 26. Born in Philadelphia, Kelly had always wanted to be an actress. Her movie career included 11 films and nominations from the American Academy Awards and Golden Globe.
In 1955 she attended the Cannes Film Festival and agreed to have pictures taken with the Prince for a French magazine. It is said that the prince had just broken off a relationship with a woman because she was infertile. The attraction between the Royal Prince and America’s leading lady led to a celebrity marriage that captured the world’s attention in 1956.
Because of her new royalty status, she was unable to continue her acting career.
They had three children; Princess Caroline, Prince Albert and Princess Stephanie.
The prestigious life of Princess Grace of Monaco ended with her untimely death in 1982. She was driving her car along a windy stretch of road when it tumbled over 100 feet below. Her 10-year-old daughter, Princess Stephanie escaped with minor injuries. Kelly survived long enough to be reunited by her family members before she passed away.
Scandals have grown with each of their children. Princess Caroline has been married three times and Princess Stephanie, twice. Prince Albert has been accused of fathering children out of wedlock.
Since Prince Ranier III’s death in 2005, their adult children have actively taken on the role of leadership.

What can I do there?
In honor of the 25th anniversary of Grace Kelly’s death, a special exhibition is taking place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, this summer.
Prince’s Palace – Home to the ruling family of the Principality, the palace is open daily for tours from June to October. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guards!
Monte-Carlo Casino and Opera House – Noted as one of the most famous cultural landmarks in the world, it was designed after the gilded Belle Epoque age in Europe. It is the site of 45 world premieres and home to many opera performances.
The principality has no income tax for its citizens. There is also no luxury tax imposed. However, Monaco’s citizens are not allowed to gamble in the casino.
Monaco Cathedral -Where Prince Ranier III was married to Grace Kelly. Also resting place to both of them.
Oceanographic Museum – Built in 1910, the museum is considered one of the finest in the world. Its collection includes over 4,500 fish in 90 tanks that represent species from every ocean on earth. Jacques Cousteau was director of the museum for 30 years.
Museum of Antique Automobiles – The private collection of late Prince Rainer’s 85 restored vintage automobiles from all over the world. They represent almost every decade since the invention of the automobile.
• Each May since 1929, the famous Monaco Grand Prix Formula car race takes place through the narrow, winding roads of Fontvielle.
• Monaco has many spectacular gardens, more than 50 art galleries and dozens of other museums.
• Monegasque shopping specialties include perfume, ceramics and fashion. Handcrafted items are sold at Boutique du Rocher, a charity of the late Princess Grace. Monegasque stamps are highly sought after by collectors.

Interesting facts
• Grace Kelly was the first actress to appear on an American postage stamp.
• Grace’s Cartier engagement ring was a 10.47 carat emerald cut diamond and two baguette diamonds mounted in platinum.
• Prince Ranier commissioned a perfume, Fleurissimo, especially for Grace as a wedding present. The perfume was also worn by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Madonna.
• The national orchestra of Monaco has more individuals than its army.
• A variety of James Bond films have been made in Monaco; most recently, “Golden Eye”.
• Nicole Kidman stars in the new movie, “Monaco”.
• Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt were recently seen vacationing in Monaco.
• Are you ready to jet set? Here’s a toast to your vacation with a glass of champagne, the beverage of Monaco.

Linda McClain, CTA, is owner of Capital Region based Linda McClain Travel Services “From The Islands To The Highlands, No Dream Is Too Far From Here!” For more information call 372.7657 or visit www.lindamcclaintravel.com.