Monaco

Monaco is a country in the Mediterranean coast, in Europe, bordered by France. It is divided into four quartiers: Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Fontvieille and Monte Carlo. Monaco-Ville, an ancient fortified town, is the oldest quartier and capital of the principality. A scenic area of narrow streets, it covers a flat-topped rocky peninsula that rises 60 m above the Mediterranean. At the edge of the peninsula is Monaco’s royal palace, overlooking Monaco-Ville.

La Condamine, the chief port area and business district, lies at the foot of the peninsula, between Monte Carlo and Monaco-Ville. Fontvieille, an industrial and residential district west of Monte Carlo, is built largely on land reclaimed from the sea since the early 1980s.

Monte Carlo is the main residential and resort area, with its fashionable hotels, high-rise apartments, beaches, and the famed Monte Carlo Casino. Within the casino complex is the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, an opera and ballet house, and the headquarters of the Ballets de Monte Carlo. Renowned as a glamorous playground for the wealthy, Monte Carlo hosts international fashion shows, sporting events, and is the center of the Monaco Grand Prix, a prestigious Formula One automobile racing event held annually in May.

Partial view of Monaco.