Monaco
 
By A8 Motorway or RN98 (Corniche road), or National 7 Via the East by Motorway from Italy. By air to Nice Cote D'Azur Airport. Or by train.
Approx 84km from Domaine du Colombier !

History
The history of Provence and Monaco are closely linked from 6th century before JC and up until the 5th century. The area was first occupied by the Ligurians, then the Phenicians, followed by the Romans who took over all of the region. During this period Monaco was named Portus Herculis Monoeci. (Port Hercules) which came from a temple named after the God Melkarth (Hercules). Until the 10th century the country was the target, of Saracen invasions. The Count of Provence finally freed the Coast and Provence indefinitely. From 1162 to 1270 the Republic of Genoa held possession of the territory, they built a castle in 1215. During 1270 civil war broke out in Genoa between the Ghibelines and partisans of the pope. Consequently due to a victory by the Ghibelines all the 'grand' partisan families were sent to exile. At the head of certain partisan groups was Francois Grimaldi (also known as Malizia). He then seized the chateau of Monaco, although it still remained the subject of frequent struggles. In 1342 Charles Grimaldi took the title of Lord of
Monaco.
During this time Menton and Roquebrune were also part of the Monaco territory until the death of their president in 1861. In 1454 after the death of Jean 1st, the rules of succession were dictated in his will as follows; First the male children in order of age (eldest first) then the women (but only under the understanding that their children kept the Grimaldi name.
In 1633 the title of Prince of Monaco was recognised by the Spanish Chancellor, although it had been in use since 1612 by Honore 2nd. In 1814 the treaty of Paris finally set the principality free for good. In 1856 Monaco entered into a legend and created the 'Society des Bains de Mer du Casino' (SBM). Hotels then sprung up very quickly on the Spelugues Plateau, which at the time was covered in olive and orange trees. Monte Carlo was then renamed in 1866 after Prince Mont Charles whom was the reigning prince at that time. In 1910 the Oceanographic Museum was founded by Prince Albert I (Himself an expert of oceanography and a dedicated man of the sea). In 1949 Prince Rainier 3rd came to the throne. Under his reign and because of his marriage to Grace Kelly in 1956, The principality suddenly became famous world-wide. In 1962 Prince Rainier bought in a new constitution. Sadly on September 14th 1982 Princess Grace died in a car accident, the shock was felt all over the world. In 1993 Monaco became a State Member of the United Nations organisation.

Leisure / Culture
All year round the calender is full of diverse events and activities in Monte Carlo

January
Monte Carlo Car Rallye and the Princess Grace International Gymnastic Gala.

February
International Circus Festival.

March
Various Opera and Theatre showings and the Famous Rose Ball.

April
International Tennis Open.

May
Formula One Grand Prix and The International Flower arranging competition.

June
Folklore dancing, Electric vehicle Rallye and Exhibition, Masters Piano Concert.

July
Concerts in the Princier Palace, Biennial Antiques Exhibition, Jewellry Exhibition and Backgammon Championships.

August
International fire work display. Red Cross Gala, The Monte Carlo Game/ fishing Tournament and the Hamel Golf Club Cup.
September
The Grimaldi Sailing Trophy, The Monte Carlo Zepter pro-celebrity competition, The Monte Carlo Bobsleigh championships and the Monte Carlo Boat Show.

October
The Kart Cup, The Monte Carlo Remote Control Sailing Cup.

November
Monaco's Bank Holiday and associated celebrations, The International Marathon.

December
Ballet, numerous Concerts and Theatre events.
Generally speaking, the principality can only be appreciated if visited at a slow pace; There's the Cathedral, the Princier Palace (where the changing of the guard takes place at 11h55). There's the Casino square and its sumptuous gardens. The Port, The Japanese gardens (Unique in Europe) The exotic garden, where you'll find cacti, numerous rock plants all planted in a gigantic rockery. (some of the plants are over 100 years old). Why not pay a visit to the Observatory grotto and the PreHistoric Anthropology Museum. An event not to be missed on Pentecost weekend is the Monaco Cacti Exposition, during which you can enjoy conferences, visits and trade-sales. You mustn't leave Monaco without having visited the Oceanographic Museum. This is one of the most complete in the world, it's a living encyclopedia of the sea. The museum itself is divided into 5 sections and contains 90 magnificent aquariums in which brightly coloured fish swim in amongst marine flora as well as some tropical specimens. You'll also find models of some yachts and the whaling ship in which Prince Albert I sailed the oceans. The Oceanographic Zoological Room is dedicated to Cetacean species. On display is a 20metre long skeleton. The Oceanographic Room is consecrated to an important collection of water specimens. For example here you'll find a squid 13metres long and memorabilia of the life of Prince Albert I. (founder of the museum). There is also a conference room fitted with a projector and screen. This is where the scientific seminars are held regularly. Lastly, before leaving the museum, you must make a trip up to the roof terrace, the view from here is magnificent.

Sport/ Leisure
All water sports and Para-descending. Boat Hire, Archery, Squash, Tennis, Golf, and Hiking.

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