Monaco

Monaco is an independent sovereign state located between the foot of the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean.In ancient history, the Rock of Monaco was a shelter for primitive populations.

The history of Monaco itself really started in the 13th Century.

On 10th June 1215, the Genoan family of the Gibelins laid the first stone of the castle, which is still today the Prince's Palace.

To attract new inhabitants, the initial masters of the Rock offered advantageous conditions to newcomers : territorial concessions, tax exemption.

For 700 years, the history of Monaco has been linked to that of the Grimaldi Dynasty which has celebrated in 1997, the anniversary of its accession to the Principality of Monaco

The official language is French, although Italian and English are widely spoken.

The traditional Monegasque language, "le Monegù", is spoken amongst elders and is taught in all local schools.

The currency is French Francs. Monegasque coins with the same face-value as French ones are also used.

Benefiting from an ideal geographical location, the Principality of Monaco enjoys very mild winters and remarkably sunny summers, which tend not to be exceedingly hot. In fact, the results of a 60-year study show that the average temperature is 16° C, rain falls on less than 60 days per year and the sun shines 7 hours a day on average. Sea temperatures vary from 11° C in the winter to over 26° C in the middle of summer.

Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Monaco is a pleasant place to live all year round.

In addition, it is worth noting that ski resorts in the Alps are only an hour's drive away.

Direction du Tourisme et des Congrès

2a, bd des Moulins

Monaco

Tél: (+377) 92 16 61 16

Gare SNCF (train station)

Av. Prince Pierre

Monaco

Tél: (+377) 93 10 60 15

Musée Océanographique et Aquarium

Av. Saint-Martin

Monaco

Tél: (+377) 93 15 36 00

Musée du Vieux Monaco

Rue Emile de Loth

Monaco

Tél: (+377) 93 50 57 28