In 2018, my family and I took a Backroads bike trip pedaling from Provence in central/south France all the way to Cannes, on the coast. While in France staying in Cape Ferrat, we decided to hire a driver & car to take us to Monaco, about an hour’s drive up the Mediterranean Coast!
With Monaco being around 2 square kilometers in size, it is the most densely populated country in the world, with ~ 40,000 people living here! The official language is French, as Monaco used to be a French-owned territory until it negotiated with France for its independence in 1861. The primary religion is Roman Catholicism, Monaco’s official state religion. Monaco’s income comes primarily from tourism, casino revenue, and it is a world financial center.
Monaco is known for its warm, sunny climate, reaching over 300 days of sunlight per year on average. What’s stunning about Monaco is that it not only has views of the Mediterranean Sea but of the the Alps as well. In Monaco City, there are a number of palaces, gardens, and casinos all worth a visit to get a better view of the life and culture.
There are no shortages of events and festivities going on in Monaco. Chances are good that visiting at any point in the year will give an opportunity to see one of the big events. A particularly glamorous event is Rose Ball hosted every March, an internationally known charity event where all the proceeds are donated to the Princess Grace Foundation started in 1964 in honor of Princess Grace of Monaco.
