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The Principality of Monaco is situated at the heart of
Mediterranean Europe and enjoys a particularly mild climate, with more than 300
days of sunshine per year. In winter, temperatures average between 45 to 58
degrees F, with sunny days and cool nights. In the springtime, "Le Mistral" wind
creates crystal clear skies with temperatures in the 50s-60s. Most summers are
in the 80s with hot spells for a week or so in July and August. Sea breezes cool
down the evenings. One of the loveliest times to be in Monaco is autumn/fall.
With temperatures in the 60s to 70s, people are still sun-tanning on the beach
until mid-October.
Just a short walk from Columbus Monaco, the hotel I'm
staying, you can get to fisherman's pier where most people go there to do there
fishing, I'm not in the mood of fishing that time though, but I was enjoying the
view from the pier looking over the muse oceanographic seating very grandly on
the Fontevielle hill .
What next to see around Monaco? Garden is free in fact one of
the finest roses you will be ever seen. Well organized, lovely fountains,
overlooking the sea and the rocky mountain. Come to the rose garden surely get
to see lots of different species of roses.
Monaco is also known for people who enjoy the rich luxuries
in life. Fancy sports cars, 5 star hotels, restaurants, , you name it and they
have it...unfortunately a hefty price tag comes with it everything.
Things to do in Monaco:
-
Monte Carlo Casino. Charles Garnier, the
architect of the opera house in Paris, built the Casino in 1878. It's open
daily. Persons under 18 are not admitted Dress code: Jacket and tie for men
Duration of visit: 30 to 40 minutes It isn't allowed to take pictures in the
casino - so don't show your camera - or they won't let you in !!
- The Oceanographic Museum was inaugurated in 1910 by
its founder, Prince Albert I. The museum of marine sciences is a monumental
architectural masterpiece with a façade rising above the sea. It took 11
years to build, using 100,000 tons of stone from La Turbie. The impressive
rooms of the Museum, contain a collections of marine fauna, numerous
specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form, including a
skeleton of a whale), and craft ware made from the sea’s natural products.
On the ground floor, exhibitions and varied film projections are regularly
presented. And on the top floor, it is possible to have lunch in the
restaurant "La Terrasse" admiring a magnificent panorama of the Principality
of Monaco and the Italian Riviera. A museum shop is also available.
- The Zoological Terraces. The Zoo was opened in 1954
by Prince Rainier III and built on the south face of the Rock of Monaco
overlooking the Port of Fontvieille. Some 250 animals from fifty different
species (exotic birds, black panther, white tiger, hippopotamus, lemurs…)
are housed here. General Information It's open daily: - from October to
February from 10.00am to 12.00pm and from 2.00pm to 5.00pm - from March to
May from 10.00am to 12.00pm and from 2.00pm to 6.00pm - from June to
September from 9.00am to 12.00pm and from 2.00pm to 7.00pm Admission : 4€
Children from 8 to 14 years : 2€ If you're interested in more photos, just
have a look at my travelogue of this beautiful small zoo !
- The Prince's Palace. This palace sits on the hill
above the harbor, overlooking the Prince's private swimming pool. There are
two guard stations, and the ceremony of the changing of the guard takes
place everyday at 11:55AM. Be sure to check out the archway on the right
which leads down a winding path to the square below.
- Monaco Cathedral. Since I somehow always seem to find
a church wherever I go. Pay a little visit to the Monaco Cathedral. It is
near the Prince's Palace and on route to the Oceanographic Museum. The
Cathedral was built in 1875 on the site of a 13th century church. The tombs
of former Princes of Monaco are housed in this cathedral.
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