The scent of singed tyres fills the air at May's Monaco Formula One Grand Prix . If there's one trophy a Formula One driver would like to have on the mantelpiece, it would have to be from the most glamorous race of the season, the Monaco Grand Prix. This race has everything.
Its spectators are the most sensational: the merely wealthy survey the spectacle from Hôtel Hermitage, the really rich watch from their luxury yachts moored in the harbour, while the Grimaldis see the start and finish from the royal box at the port.
Then there's the setting: the cars scream around the very centre of the city, racing uphill from the start/finish line to place du Casino, then downhill around a tight hairpin and two sharp rights to hurtle through a tunnel and run along the harbourside to a chicane and more tight corners before the start/finish. To top it all off there's the race's history: it was first run in 1929, and the winners' list features a roll-call of racing greats right down to Michael Schumacher's five victories between 1994 and 2001.
But despite its reputation, the Monaco Grand Prix is not really one of the great races. The track is too tight and winding for modern Grand Prix cars, and overtaking is virtually impossible. The Brazilian triple world champion Nelson Piquet famously described racing at Monaco as like 'riding a bicycle around your living room'. Piquet clearly rides a much faster bicycle than most of us; Monaco may be the slowest race on the calendar, but the lap record is still over 160km/h and at the fastest point on the circuit cars reach 280km/h. Even the corner in the gloom of the tunnel is taken at 250km/h (over 150mph).
Things to see & things to do:
Place du Palais
Feel the experience of visiting the most famous royal residence in Monaco, where Prince Rainier III and his son Prince Albert made ??their home. Exhibition of legendary Grimaldi family palace with classical elegance featuring a neat structure. Be sure to visit this palace just before noon when the guard changes occur. Then, you can join a tour to see some of the rooms in the palace. The palace is open daily from 9:30 to 18:30 pm local time.
Museum of Napoleon souvenirs and historical archive collections court
Located in the south wing of the palace, this museum is a mixture of historical artifacts, documents and relics of the great Emperor. Arranged in a pattern that is easy to follow, you will see objects from one of Napoleon's dressing gown at the age of children up to the bronze death mask. The museum is open from 9:30 to 18:00 o'clock.
Cathedral of Monaco
To honor women who are most beloved by royalty, you can visit the church where Princess Grace was buried in peace. Died in the a car accident in 1982, according to the standards of a princess is quite simple grave, marked only by names and titles and are always surrounded by flowers. This place is located at 4 rue de Castro Bellando Colonel in Monte-Ville.
Flower Garden of Princess Grace
As a dedication to the princess, just two years after his death, the flower garden was established. This park offers beautiful flower arrangements with thousands of roses in a smooth and well maintained. You can drop in for a moment to draw breath, read books, or just enjoy the aroma of nature here. The park is located in Fontieiville and open from sunrise to sunset, year-round.
Monte-Carlo casino
If you like gambling then you should try your luck at the casino the most famous in the world. Monte-Carlo has a spacious and complete with slot machines and table games at affordable prices. If you want to blend in with the High-rollers, there are private rooms available, of course, with higher costs. If not, go alone to see the beautiful marble and onyx atrium, or walk across the road to a public park that features contemporary art. You'll also find a Monte Carlo Casino.
Oceanographic museum and aquarium
You can admire and feel the atmosphere of fun with a collection of more than 4,000 fish and marine life to see history through films, displays and exhibits in this famous attraction. This is a great place to bring your children to see education in nature plus enjoy a pleasant restaurant with spectacular views. Museum and aquarium is located in Saint-Martin road and is open daily from 9:30 to 19:00 am local time
Museum of stamps and coins
In this museum you can see a collection of stamps and coins owned by the royal family is structured and arranged neatly. On display is a piece of history, authentic printing and document that describes some of the designs back to life. The museum is located in Terrasses de Fontvieille
Formula 1 Grand Prix
Formula 1 Grand Prix is an event that attracted much attention from all visitors in the world. If you plan to come and see this show, you should contact the Automobile Club of Monaco to book tickets. But do not despair, for prices ranging from about 60 Dollars, but if you really want to experience this holiday try to book a hotel room with a view overlooking the circuit in the streets of the city.
Le Metropole Shopping Center
If you are a passionate shopper, you'll feel right at home in glitzy malls that offer fashion, gifts, entertainment and food. You can browse through books and CDs at FNAC, selecting the most coveted cigars in the Davidoff, finding a brilliant Italian jewelry in Pomellato or a delicious example of Godiva chocolate at Blue Shop. This shopping area is located at 17 Avenue des Spelugues.
