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 An independent city state west of the French Cote dAzur, the Principality of Monaco is the playground of Europes celebrities and idle rich. They are drawn by the sun, glamorous lifestyle and, most importantly, tax free income, not to mention being in close proximity to one of the worlds most publicised and well known Royal families. There are more millionaires per capita in this, the worlds most densely populated country, than anywhere else, but true Monagasques make up only about 15 percent of the population in a country that is jam full of opulence, wealth and the worlds most expensive real estate.
As anyone who has seen the legendary Grand Prix will know, Monaco and its unofficial capital Monte Carlo (the country doesnt actually have a capital) arent as good looking as its sleek residents and visitors; most of the buildings are unattractive monstrosities, and the tiered urban jungle is cut off from the shoreline by sweeping roads: the roads on which Formula 1 racing cars screech during the annual Grand Prix in the second week of May every year.
Monaco does, however, have a suitably glamorous history: disguised as a Franciscan monk, Francois Grimaldi reclaimed a fortress on the Rock of Monaco from a rival Italian bloc in 1297, giving the country its name, which is derived from the word monk. The country soon became a leading port and prospered, and when Lord Honore II took power in 1604, he declared himself a Prince a tradition that remains today. Later, Monaco was annexed by France, but the Grimaldis soon regained their power and in the late 1800s, in order to restore wealth to the country, Prince Charles III created the Societe des Bains de Mer, consisting of a casino, some hotels and a theatre, from which sprung todays glittering Monte Carlo area.
If its open spaces you are seeking, go elsewhere (apart from a few ornate parks there is little to enjoy); likewise, if your wallet is light, stay away, unless you want to try your luck at filling it in Monacos landmark Roccoco Casino. However, if you want see and be seen, and rub cloaks with royalty, then Monaco is the place to be.
This is the complete listing of cities in Monaco and you can easily book online from our preferred Monaco hostels, cheap hotels, B&B s and pensions. For detailed information about all Monaco youth hostels in a specific city, please choose your destination city from the below list.
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