The Monaco Grand Prix is the sixth Grand Prix in the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship season and is due to take place on the weekend of the 13th to the 16th of May 2010 at the Circuit de Monaco. If you’re planning to go to Monaco to see the race, here is some information about the circuit and some of Monaco’s other attractions.
Monaco Overview
The Principality of Monaco is situated on the Mediterranean Coast and has a border with France. It’s the second smallest independent state in Europe and has a reputation for attracting wealthy residents due to its tax-free status.
The principality is divided into five main areas: Monaco-Ville, La Condamine, Monte Carlo, Fontvieille and Moneghetti. It is then sub-divided into ten wards.
Getting to Monaco
Monaco doesn’t have its own airport, so the easiest way to get there is to fly to Nice Airport and then travel to Monaco by rental car. It will take about 40 minutes to drive there in your Nice hire car. There are also buses that run between Nice and Monaco.
Alternatively, if you fly to Paris, you can catch a train to Monaco from there.
Circuit de Monaco
The Circuit de Monaco is Formula 1′s most famous street circuit and the Monaco Grand Prix has been held here since 1929. Construction of the circuit begins about 6 weeks prior to each year’s race and it is then removed again after the race.
The circuit is 3.34km long and the F1 drivers aim to complete 78 laps of it. The lap begins and ends at Sainte Devote and passes through Casino Square, through the famous tunnel and alongside the harbour. It’s an incredibly narrow track, so it’s difficult for the drivers to overtake each other and the race is usually full of incidents.
Monaco Hotels
Although Monaco is only small, it has plenty of hotels, many of which are close to the F1 Monaco Grand Prix circuit. For some of the best views of the track, try the Hotel Port Palace, a 5-star boutique hotel in Monte Carlo, which overlooks the harbour. This 6 storey hotel has 50 rooms and suites, a Michelin star restaurant, a bar, a spa, a fitness centre and a hairdressing salon, and you can watch the Grand Prix up close from its terrace.
Other hotels in Monaco include the luxurious Hotel de Paris (in Casino Square), the 3-star Hotel Ambassador Monaco (which is situated close to the start of the Grand Prix circuit), the Hotel Metropole and the Columbus Monaco (which is part-owned by ex-F1 driver David Coulthard).
Attractions in Monaco
One of the most important and historic landmarks in Monaco is the Prince’s Palace, which was constructed during the 16th century on the site of a fortress which dated back to th 12th century. The palace, which is the official residence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, underwent major restoration during the 1950s. Now open to the public, the Prince’s Palace incorporates a range of archiectural styles, and highlights include the Royal Courtyard, with its patterned paving and double revolution staircase, and the stunning Mirror Gallery.
The Prince’s Palace also houses the Museum of Napoleon Souvenirs. Other museums in Monaco include H.S.H. Prince Rainier III’s Private Collection of Antique Cars, and the Monaco Naval Museum.
You can also visit the Oceanagraphic Museum of Monaco, which includes exhibits and an aquarium, or explore the Jardin Exotique, a botanical garden set on the cliff top. If you’re visiting the Jardin Exotique, you can take a tour of the site’s “observatory cave”, which features beautiful stalagmite and stalagtite formations, and explore the Anthropology Museum.
Monaco is also known for its casinos, the most famous of which is the Casino de Monte-Carlo in Casino Square (Place du Casino). The casino has been in operation since 1863 and its wide range of table games and slot machines attract some of Monaco’s wealthiest visitors.
Essential Information
Monaco is one hour ahead of London and the currency used is the euro.
Image: Jeff Wilcox
Tags: car hire Nice, Casino de Monte Carlo, Casino Square, Circuit de Monaco, Columbus Monaco, F1, Formula 1, Hotel Ambassador Monaco, Hotel de Paris Monaco, Hotel Metropole, Hotel Port Palace, Jardin Exotique Monaco, Monaco Grand Prix 2010, Monaco Naval Museum, Monte Carlo, Museum of Napoleon Souvenirs, Nice, Nice Airport, Oceanagraphic Museum of Monaco, Prince's Palace Monaco, Sainte Devote
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I love travelling to the different places to see the racing. I couldn’t get to Monaco this year as funds wouldn’t allow but am going to next year, so this post was really good thanks
Jill