Page 98 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

96  PROVENCE AREA B Y AREA

Monaco: Monte-Carlo
The dramatic heights of Monte-Carlo are the best-known area of
Monaco. People flock to the annual car rally in January and many
of the world’s greatest singers perform here in the opera season.
Monte-Carlo is named after Charles III, who opened the first
casino in 1856, to save himself from bankruptcy. Such was his
success that in 1883 he abolished taxation. Although Queen
Victoria thought Monte-Carlo a den of iniquity, her view was
not shared by other aristocrats, including Edward VII, who were
regular visitors. The stunning Casino and Opera House were
built by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opéra. Between View of Monte-Carlo
It is worth pausing at
Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo lies La Condamine, a shopping La Turbie (see p93) to
and commercial centre surrounding the luxury yachts. admire the panorama.

Jar
Jardin Exotiquedin Exotique
Plants normally grown in balmy climates flourish
here, and its grottoes housed prehistoric animals
and humans 200,000 years ago (see p98).

KEY
1 Palais Princier La Condamineondamine
La C
2 La Turbie The quays are pleasant
yacht-watching promenades
3 Eglise Ste-Dévote laid out by Albert I. The
4 Hôtel Hermitage current prince added a water
5 Centre de Congrès sports pool, and it is also a
popular setting for funfairs.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp198–9 and pp208–11