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maintained. You can drop in for a moment to draw breath, read books, or just enjoy the aroma of nature here. The park is located in Fontieiville and open from sunrise to sunset, year-round.

The district of Monte-Carlo occupies a rocky promontory to the north of the Port of Monaco and it is a popular tourist destination. Its most elevated part is crossed by streets with shops and offices, including the Boulevard Princesse Charlotte (in the west, the headquarters of Radio/Télévision Monte-Carlo), the Boulevard des Moulins (pavilion of the Office de Tourisme at its southwestern end; a short distance to the north is the Church of St-Charles of 1883), and the Avenue de la Costa with its many luxury shops.

Monte Carlo is most noted for its glamourous atmosphere as it is considered Monaco's wealthiest district. The glamour also attracts famous people, who in turn attract visitors to Monte Carlo for "people watching".

There are a number of notable events hosted by Monte Carlo such as the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, championship boxing bouts and fashion shows to name a few. If you like gambling then you should try your luck at the casino the most famous in the world. Monte-Carlo has slot machines and table games at affordable prices. If you want to blend in with the High-rollers, there are private rooms available, of course, with higher costs. If not, go alone to see the beautiful marble and onyx atrium, or walk across the road to a public park that features contemporary art.

The Jardins de St-Martin in Monaco extend along the coast round the peninsula with a steep cliff on the seaward side, near which stands a statue commemorating Prince Albert I, celebrated as a marine researcher. At the end of the gardens is the Musée Océanographique (marine museum); the facade facing the sea is 87m/286ft high and rests on massive foundations. The museum, which was opened in 1910 and took 11 years to build, houses valuable scientific collections (objects from Prince Albert's journeys of exploration, finds, submarines and diving equipment of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, slides of marine plants and animals), also an important aquarium, laboratory and library and exhibits of model ships and educational film shows, especially about Jacques-Yves Cousteau. From the roof terrace (restaurant) it is possible to enjoy a superb view of the Italian Riviera as far as the Esterel Massif (also visible from Fort Antoine on the east of the peninsula).

Charles Garnier is best known for the opera house that bears his name in Paris but he also designed the magnificent and extravagantly, decorated Salle Garnier in Monte Carlo which opened in 1879. As it seats only 524, it is often difficult to get tickets. The season is also a short one, running from mid-January to the end of March

At the foot of the Tête de Chien amid sparse pine-woods lies the holiday resort of Cap d'Ail (2km/1mi to the southeast of Monaco). Of interest are the ruins of the Tour d'Abeglio and the open air theater, designed by Jean Cocteau and decorated with mosaics. Several rocky promontories jut out into the sea near Cap d'Ail.

The Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix auto race is held in May and June. It is the original street race and is the considered the jewel in the Formula One crown. The narrow streets are totally unsuited to today's Formula One race cars but the tradition is so strong that the race continues. They have been racing here since early in the 20th century. Monaco is the home of all the "Beautiful People" who always show with up their largest yachts, their largest Ferrari and their most outlandish clothes. Good viewing spots for the race are hard to come by and expensive but it's worth going just for the ambiance. If you get tired of motorcars, the Cannes film festival is just down the coast.

10.10.17

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