Car Hire Monaco - Mini guide to Monaco

Described by Somerset Maugham as a ‘sunny place for shady people’, the tiny principality of Monaco is more of a day trip from Nice than an independent country. It enjoys a stunning location on the Cote d’Azure, and attracts the rich and famous, as well as well as hosting the F1’s most famous Grand Prix.

Less than a kilometer across, all of Monaco is urban, squashed between mountain and sea. Wander too far into the suburbs and you’ll technically be back in France.

Dramatically perched on a cliff, Monaco's Ryal Palace has been around since the 13th century. Hardly impressive, it’s a mix of add-on styles, reflecting the tastes of every Grimaldi that’s ruled during Monaco’s 700 hundred year history. It does have a curious Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens. Also perched on the rock is the world class Musée Océanographique (oceanarium), focusing particularly on the work of Jacques Cousteau.

Monte Carlo Casino is Monaco’s most famous landmark, a grand neo-classic building located on a hill across the bay. It has featured in several films and welcomes high-rollers and those elegantly dressed. It’s a favourite hang out for Europe’s elite.

The mariner, sandwiched between the two, is a gobsmacking display of super yachts and flagrant display of wealth.

Musée National de Monaco has a somewhat bizarre collection on display including variety of dolls, old and new. The Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique is interesting and Monaco also has a fascinating Exotique Jardin with over 7000 varieties of cacti.

But most simply come to admire the wealth and stroll along the café pavements wandering if they can afford to sit down for lunch.