The Supremacy of Lifestyle
Cannes & Monaco, like other places on the French Riviera—located between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean coastline—offer an extraordinary universe of historical, tourist and cultural attractions. Summarizing the richness of these places is not easy; both are epicenters of legendary fame encounters, great nature and gastronomic pleasures. They are significant marine destinations for pleasure yachts and are full of many other charms that surprise travelers in every corner of this idyllic destination, where the sun shines the 365 days of the year.
THE CAPTIVATING PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO
...Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. (Mark Twain)
Monaco is considered the capital of glamour in the region, where the Grimaldi dynasty has held power since 1297—the date of the nation’s independence—and is considered one of the oldest royal families on the planet. Around 33,000 inhabitants live in just 2 km², and only 19% are Monegasque. The rest of the population is made up of celebrities, bankers, artists, sportsmen, businessmen, and billionaires from all over the world who have chosen to reside here.
Monaco is one of the few countries in the world that do not have public debt. The high-tech industry, tourism, financial services and luxury goods are the Principality’s main sources of income, and its inhabitants enjoy tax exemption.
THE EXQUISITE BEAUX ARTS OF MONTE CARLO
Monaco is home to world-renowned events and locations, including one of the oldest circuits and undoubtedly the most prestigious for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Annually, Port Hercules hosts one of the world's top yachting events: the Monaco Yacht Show. The city also hosts the Monte Carlo Tennis Master and the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, which features classic cars. Another fantastic event is the Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival that takes place during five weekends, presenting the best orchestras in Europe.
One of the icons in the principality is Casino de Monte-Carlo, built in 1863. This palace is a work of art, considered a jewel from the Belle Époque. It was designed by the famous architect Charles Garnier and also includes the Le Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, an opera theater, which is also home to Monaco’s ballet companies. Curiously, the citizens of Monaco are not allowed entry to the gambling halls.
The Saint Nicholas Cathedral or Monaco Cathedral, built in 1875, is among the most important monuments and the main place of worship in the country. Other significant sites include Fort Antoine Theatre (18th century), currently an open-air amphitheater, the Prince's Palace of Monaco, where Prince Albert II resides, and the state rooms, open to the public during the summer. Additionally, the Palace courtyard hosts outdoor concerts by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra since 1960.
On the other hand, there are museums dedicated to different collections; among them, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, with themes on human evolution, located at the Exotic Garden of the Principality of Monaco, where you can observe a great variety of plants that develop in dry and warm environments. The Oceanographic Museum, The Naval Museum, and The Sculpture Path, are all worth a visit.
Gastronomy is the meaning of excellence in the Principality. It includes around 170 restaurants—with unsurpassable service and delicious recipes—led by renowned chefs, stars of world cuisine. All these delicacies will be represented at the twenty-second edition of the Monte Carlo's Gastronomy Fair, from November 24th to the 27th, in Espace Fontvieille.
For water sports lovers, this place is a paradise: windsurfing, water skiing, wake board, ski bus, waverunner, jet ski, and ascending parachute are available from April to October at Larvotto Beach and Monte-Carlo Beach.
Monegasque nightlife offers a variety of different atmospheres to have a grand time, from bars and pubs to live music—plus the world's best DJs—such as the Ship and Castle, Flashman's and McCarthy's pub, open until dawn. When it comes to lounges and nightclubs, the most recommended options are Odissey, Sass café and Stars 'N' Bars. And if you want to attend a great show, the ideal place is the Salle des Etoiles.
Shopping in Monaco means a close encounter with luxury and extreme exclusivity that can be exemplified by the famous Carré d'Or, where the elegant boutiques of the most prestigious brands are located. There are shops everywhere; it is well-known that Monaco is a destination with more establishments specialized in luxury items per m².
Don't forget that you can explore the country on foot, so we advise you to discover it step by step.
Cannes
A Legacy of Cultural Transformation and Luxury
Cannes is considered one of the most beautiful cities of the French Riviera. It is forever entwined with cinema, yachting, elite sports, and fashion.
Perhaps its well-earned reputation as the "know how to live" mecca began in 1939, when the first International Cannes Film Festival took place, organized by its creator Louis Lumière. However, since the 1920s the city had already begun to flourish. During this period, large villas, palaces, and elegant hotels were built, and, in terms of urban design, the birth of one of its present landscapes: the promenade of La Croisette. However, it has always had a unique flavor, which is still possible to perceive in the old town of Le Suquet, opposite the Vieux Port.
DISCOVER AND ENJOY
Cannes is recommended as the ideal place to find accommodation on your visit to the so-called Côte d'Azur. It follows the trail of great artists captivated by the light and inspiration behind the landscapes. Prominent names in Western culture, such as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall developed part of their work in this charming region. To get close to it, there is a path known as "the route of the artists."
For yachting lovers, there are idyllic harbors and marinas such as Vieux Port, Port Pierre Canto, Pointe Croisette Port, and the Cannes Yacht Club; some of which host the Cannes Yachting Festival.
The Cannes Film Festival, undoubtedly an essential event for lovers of the seventh art, takes place on May each year at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Fans, celebrities, filmmakers, and the world press attend the event to enjoy film excellence, but also the glamour
it exudes.
There are seven km of beaches in Cannes, so there is no excuse to miss the delight of the fine, golden sand, or to immerse yourself in the Mediterranean waters at any of the exclusive resorts, like Midi Plage, Belle Plage and Royal Plage.
Cannes is also a world reference for shopping, from exquisite boutiques to traditional markets. The tour starts at the promenade de La Croisette, where you can find the most select of the great haute couture houses—a stroll that continues in the elegant Rue d'Antibes or Rue des Etats Unis, and more, where famous beauty salons, decoration houses, jewelry, exquisite perfumers, and the prêt-à-porter boutiques are located.
Casinos, a vibrant nightlife, culture, gastronomy, wellbeing, romance, sea and mountain: Cannes never sleeps.O
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