Monte Carlo (French: Monte-Carlo or colloquially Monte-Carl, Monégasque: Monte-Carlu) officially refers to an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco, specifically the ward of Monte Carlo/Spélugues, where the Monte Carlo Casino is located. Informally the name also refers to a larger district, the Monte Carlo Quarter (corresponding to the former municipality of Monte Carlo), which besides Monte Carlo/Spélugues also includes the wards of La Rousse/Saint Roman, Larvotto/Bas Moulins, and Saint Michel. The permanent population of the ward of Monte Carlo is about 3,500, while that of the quarter is about 15,000. Monaco has four traditional quarters. From west to east they are: Fontvieille (the newest), Monaco-Ville (the oldest), La Condamine, and Monte Carlo.
Monte Carlo (literally "Mount Charles") is situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera. Near the western end of the quarter is the world-famous Place du Casino, the gambling center which has made Monte Carlo "an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth".[1] It is also the location of the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris, and the Salle Garnier (the casino theatre which is the home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo).
The eastern part of the quarter includes the community of Larvotto with Monaco's only public beach, as well as its new convention center (the Grimaldi Forum), and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. At the quarter's eastern border, one crosses into the French town of Beausoleil (sometimes referred to as Monte-Carlo-Supérieur), and just 5 miles (8 km) to its east is the western border of Italy.
Monte-Carlo Casino
Perhaps the attraction that best exemplifies Monaco's capital city is its casino. The building's Beaux-Arts design was overseen by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris opera. And likewise, this grand casino also contains the city's opera and ballet. If this complex looks familiar, it's because you might've seen it before in the James Bond films, "Never Say Never Again" and "Goldeneye." It was also the inspiration for the casino in Ian Fleming’s first Bond book, Casino "Royale."
Larvotto Beach
One of Monaco's most popular beaches, Larvotto is a free-to-the-public shore located just a few-minutes' walk from Monte-Carlo. But like many French Riviera beaches, this one has pebbles rather than sand, so bring some sturdy shoes and be prepared to shell out some euros for a chair rental.
Several TripAdvisor users recommend this beach for families, and one says, "There aren't strong tides so it's perfect for kids to play in." But families should keep in mind that some beachgoers sun topless. You should also note that this beach is very popular, so if you want a spot in the sand, you should get there early.
Prince's Palace
This lavish Monaco-Ville palace is home to the prince, of course (it’s in the name after all). The royal residence has sheltered the Grimaldi family (of the 13th century) and Prince Rainier III and his lovely wife, Princess Grace (of the 20th century). Today, Rainier’s son and heir, Prince Albert II, calls the Palais du Prince home. Many recommend at least stopping by the palace on your Monaco vacation, even if you're not up for a tour of the state rooms. One TripAdvisor user does say, however: "You would think that the Prince could afford air conditioning in his residence, it was stifling in the mid July heat with all the crowds."
Monaco Cathedral
This Monaco-Ville cathedral is probably most popular because it contains the grave of Grace Kelly, the actress-turned-princess of Monaco. In fact, one infatuated TripAdvisor user says, "For those who are a fan of this awesome woman, this is a must see place." Its history also dates a bit further back: The site once held a 13th-century church, but the current cathedral hails from the late 19th century.
If you’re visiting the Monaco Cathedral around dinnertime, you should drop in for a meal at one of the surrounding restaurants; according to Wikitravel, these are some of the area’s finest dining establishments.
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