Travel TipsMonaco

OVERVIEW

Monaco is second only to the Vatican as the smallest independent state in Europe. Set on the Mediterranean coast of France just a few miles from the Italian border, the principality is a constitutional monarchy and relies largely on foreign currency for an economic base. Its principal industry is tourism. The country is a narrow ribbon of coastline backed by the Alpes-Maritimes foothills, creating a natural amphitheater overlooking the sea, with the population centered in four districts. Monaco-Ville is set on a rocky promontory dominating the coast. The Palace is the home of the Grimaldi family, the oldest ruling house in Europe. Monaco-Ville also boasts a fine Romanesque cathedral among its other attractions. La Condamine is the area around the Port, while Monte-Carlo is the main center for business and entertainment. Fontvieille has been set aside as an area for new light industrial and residential development.

Social Conventions
Casual wear is acceptable for daytime and dress is the same as for the rest of the French Riviera. Smart restaurants, dining rooms, clubs and the Casino’s private rooms require more formal attire. Handshaking and, more familiarly, kissing both cheeks, are accepted forms of greeting.

Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a 15 per cent service charge; however, where this is not added it is customary to leave a 15 per cent tip. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 15 per cent of the fare.

International Travel:

Air
There is no airport in Monaco. Helicopter services run by Héli-Air Monaco (YO) link the principality with the nearest airport, Nice (Nice-Cote d’Azur) (website: www.nice.aeroport.fr), 22km (14 miles) from Monaco. The journey takes seven minutes and costs &Euro;135 for a return ticket. Héli-Air also serves points along the Côte d’Azur and in Italy. There are free shuttle links from the heliport to hotels in the principality. For more information, contact Héli-Air Monaco, Monaco Heliport, Quartier de Fontvieille, 98000 Monaco (tel: 9205 0050; fax: 9205 0051; e-mail: reservations@heliairmonaco.com; website: www.heliairmonaco.com).

Departure tax
None.

Sea
The main harbors are at Condamine (Hercule port) and Fontvieille, which are equipped to handle yachts of all tonnages. Intercontinental liners are able to anchor in the bay of Monaco.

Rail
An extensive train service, including daily and overnight through-trains, runs through the principality to all neighboring towns. The TGV Méditerranée line runs between Paris and Monaco (travel time – five hours 45 minutes). High-speed trains on this route run through the beautiful Burgundy and Provencal countryside. For more information, contact Rail Europe (tel: (0870) 830 2000; website: www.raileurope.co.uk). The SNCF Métrazur summer service runs every 30 minutes, stopping at all towns on the Côte d’Azur between Cannes and the Italian frontier at Vintimille, including Monaco. A new station has recently been built underground. For more information, contact French Railways (SNCF) (tel: (8) 3635 3535; website: www.sncf.com).

Road
Cannes and Nice are 50km (31 miles) and 18km (11 miles) west of Monaco. The French/Italian border and Menton are 12km (7 miles) and 9km (6 miles) east of Monaco. No formalities are required to cross the frontier between France and the Principality of Monaco. Coach: There is a direct service from Nice Airport to Monaco, which stops at major hotels. The return journey stops at slightly fewer hotels and takes passengers to Terminals 1 and 2 at Nice airport (travel time – 45 minutes). Bus: There are good connections with the surrounding areas, with regular services as outlined. Nice: Seaside route with stops at Cap d’Ail, Eze-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Service from 0600-2100 approximately every 30 minutes. Middle Corniche route with stops at Cap d’Ail, Eze-Village and Col de Villefranche. Services from 0600-1815 (Sat-Sun 2000) approximately every hour. Menton: Seaside route with stops in Roquebrune and Cap-Martin (service from 0530-2100) approximately every 30 minutes. Service to Saint Roman/Rocher de Monaco, Jardin Exotique/Rocher de Monaco, Gare SNCF/Larvotto Beach and Rocher de Monaco/Parking Touristique Fontvieille. Buses run approximately every five minutes between Monaco-Ville and the Casino, every 10 minutes towards Saint Roman or the Jardin Exotique and between the Railway Station and beaches (Larvotto). Taxi: Available from Casino Square, Monaco Monte-Carlo Railway Station, avenue Princesse Grace, Fontvieille, Métropole, Place des Moulins and the Post Office of Monte-Carlo. There is a surcharge after 2200. Documentation: As for France, a national driving license will suffice.

Travel Times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Monaco to a selection of other cities in Europe.