Location : An independent atate, the Principality of Monaco is at the foot of the Southern Alps on the Mediterranean coast, a short distance from the French-Italian border.
Population : 30 000 inhabitants; 5 070 of whom are Monegasque.
Surface Area : 195 hectares (1.08sqm.) Gardens and green areas cover 39 ha. (0.21 sqm.), 24 ha. (0.31sqm.) of which are for public use.
Language : The official language is French, but English and Italian are widely spoken. The traditional language, Monegasque, is a dialect spoken by the older generations and taught in the Principality's schools.
History : Monaco is ruled by the Grimadi Family, whose ancestors were forced into exile from Italy at the end of the 13th century. Francois Grimadi, disguised himself as a monk, led a group of partisans into the Fortress of Monaco, and thus the Grimadi family became lords and masters of the land and founded a dynasty.
The alliances of the Grimadi changed according to the political climate during the 15th and 16th centuries, and finally in 1512 Louis XII of France recognised the souvereignty of Monaco. HonorÈ II took the title of Prince in 1612, and signed a treaty of friendship with France, which remains in force today.
From 1866 onwards, a succession of princes created the center of Monaco and founded the museums. From this time on, the country became a center of attraction for the whole world. Monte Carlo became a center of luxury, and has remained so ever since. Standing in opulent splandor, the Casino is the most famous and evocative symbol of Monaco's 19th century elegance.
Monaco's current prince, Rainier III, was born in 1923 and, as a young man, distinguished himself as a volunteer in the French Army during World War II. Acceding to the throne in 1949, he became world-famous when he married Grace Kelly in 1956. Princess Caroline was born in 1957, Prince Albert in 1958 and Princess Stephanie in 1965.
Under Prince Rainier's rule, Monaco has become a world leader in protecting the earth's environment as well as a center of business, industry, art and tourisme. Today, Monaco is a country of beautiful and elegant people, of brilliant white buildings, of lush green foliage and majestic palms; a cosmopolitan gathering place for the famous and wealthy. There is something for everyone; the changing of the guard at the Prince's Palace on top of the Rock of Monaco, the Oceanographic Museum, the Exotic Garden. There are also two modern conference centers, a concert hall 5 Monaco has its own concert orchestra and Opera), and a theater.
And of course, the casinos and luxurious hotels which form the hub of the glittering life for which Monte Carlo has become world-famous.
Helicopter Transfers
by scheduled choppers (5-passenger seats with baggage allowance of 20 kgs per person) running every 20 minutes between Nice airport and Monaco heliport (6 minutes flying time) including courtesy shuttle from heliport to any Monaco hotels.