Apart from the royal residence and the Casino area I was very disappointed with Monte-Carlo. It is full of ugly 1960's tower blocks with no character. Yes Monte Carlo is interesting to walk around the Grand Prix track so you can say 'I've been there' when it is next shown on TV. Once you have seen these sights get out and go to Menton the next seaside town along the coast as you head towards Italy. It is much more attractive.

The Monaco Grand Prix F1

This is normally held over a weekend in May. If you want to see Monte Carlo then avoid this weekend and the week before and after as many of the roads are barricaded and access to different locations shut to the public. If you want to see the Grand Prix that book your expensive tickets in advance and do not even consider of coming by car. You will be turned away. Train is the best way to arrive but again book your tickets early. Hotel prices quadruple during the Grand Prix so consider staying at hotels outside the principality and commuting in by train unless you are one of the super rich rather

Monaco Cathedral

is built of bright white La Turbine stone in the late Roman-Byzantine style. It is an impressive building and in stark contrast to the many ugly modern apartment blocks that populate modern Monte Carlo. This is where Monte Carlo Royalty are buried. You will find the graves of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier inside the cathedral. The high alter and throne are made from Carrara white marble. There is an ornate painted altarpiece by the painter Louis Brea dating from the 1500s. Admission is free when there is no religious service being conducted. You will find the Monaco Cathedral at 4 Rue Colonel-Bellando-de-Castro.

The Sainte-Devote Church

As a total contrast to the huge size of the Monaco Cathedral go and visit the Saint Devote Church. It looks more like a chapel and bares a remarkable similarity to the many Spanish Churches you find along the west coast of California in America. It was built in the 11th century in a hollow of the 'Hallon des Gaumates'. A local legend has it that the boat carrying the body of the patron saint of Monaco, a young Christian virgin called Devota, who had been tortured and killed because of her faith by pagans in Corsica, was washed up on the shore of Monoca at this location. In her honour a chapel was built. It has been rebuilt and expanded a number of times. Admission is free and you will find it at the place Saint-Devote, La Condamine, Monte Carlo.

Saint-Charles Church

This church is of a much later construction than the previous two religious buildings. It is built in 1883 in the Renaissance style of architecture. It has much more ornate carved stone work and a tall central 30 meter high domed colonnaded bell tower. Nineteen stained glass windows lighten up its nave. Admission is free and you will find the Saint-Charles Church in the Avenue Sainte-Charles.

Fort Antoine open air theatre

What do you do with a large redundant castle fortress tower to stop it becoming a ruin? In 1953 Prince Rainier III gave backing to a project to have the old military watch tower and coastal gun platform, to be rebuilt as an open air theatre along the lines of the ancient theatres of Roman and Greece. The result is charming and well worth a visit. If you are lucky to be visiting when there is a show being put on try and get some tickets. Admission is free except when there is a show. You will find the Fort Antoine open air theatre on the Avenue de la Quarantaine.

Japanese Garden

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of modern Monte Carlo then head for the tranquility of the Japanese Garden. Here you will find waterfalls and Japanese ponds, bamboo fences, a Tea house, stone lanterns, tiles and wooden gates. The traditional red bridge over the artificial river is particularly attractive surrounded by large bonzi looking oriental pine trees. Admission is free and you will find it on the Avenue Princesse-Grace.

The Exotic Gardens and the Observation Cave

As a complete contrast to the lush green Japanese Garden go an explore the arid Mediterranean garden that is full of cactus plans and desert succulents. It also has some limestone caves complete with stalactites and stalagmites which they call the Observation Caves. It is open from 9am all year apart from 19th November and Christmas Day. You will find the entrance in the Boulevard du Jardin Exotique.

St Martin Gardens

This is a delightful place for an afternoon stroll. These public gardens consist of a number of paths that snake along the south-west facing rocky outcrop. There are benches placed near wonderful sea views. You will find it on the road called Monaco-Ville. Admission is free.

Zoological Gardens

If you are traveling with children then this is the place they will most want to visit after the beach. It is unusual as it was constructed on the southern face of the Grimaldi Rock on the orders of Prince Rainier III. It is not a large zoo but houses around fifty different animal species in comfortable living quarters. It is open all year round from 10am in the morning. Ticket prices are not too expensive but please not that this Zoo closes for lunch which is very strange. The gates close at 12 noon and open again at 2pm. You will find the Monte Carlo Zoological Gardens on the road called Terrasses de Fontvieille.

Casino Gardens and Terraces

Uphill from the Monte Carlo Casino in the Palce du Casino is a garden that does not really know what it is supposed to be. There are two mixed garden styles that sit next to each other. There are fountains and maintained lawns in the French style side-by-side with and exotic African themed Garden with terraces that over look the sea. Admission is free.

Princess Antoinette Park

This little public park has a mock ornamental stone bridge over a pond as a centre piece of with symmetrical stairs running up each side from the formal lawn at the bottom. The side walls are covered in Bougainvilleas. There are a number of olive trees planted around the park to give it a Mediterranean feel. Admission is free. You will find it along a road called la Condamine.

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