Cap d'Ail - Nr Montecarlo Hotels
Mini guide to Cap d'Ail - Nr Montecarlo
Cap d'Ail, in the Cote d'Azur, is a tiny but picturesque village, about two kilometres
from Monaco. This area enjoys a pleasant climate, abundant vegetation, and a splendid
geographical position. Mostly this French vilalge, erched on the hillside overlooking
Monte Carlo, attracts visitors who can't afford the ruinous cost of staying in
Monaco itself.
Cap d'Ail boasts a quaint harbour and charming beach with a good selection
of water sports. The village is an excellent base from which to explore nearby
Monaco and the French Riviera. You can enjoy the lovely harbours, the Palace
of Prince Rainier, beautiful shops, various gardens, the Monte Carlo Casino,
museums, galleries, and much more. There is also an annual programme of both
artistic and sporting events, including: festivals, ballets, the Monte Carlo
Car Rally (January), international tennis tournaments (April), and the Formula
One Grand Prix (May).
Monaco, an ancient principality covering just one square mile and steeped in
a rich and colourful history, is considered by many to be Europe's most fascinating
country. A must-see is the Palace of Prince Rainier, where the great apartments
are open to the public from June to October; while the Napoleonic Museum and
the Archive collection may be visited throughout the year. At midday, the ceremony
of the changing of the guard is performed on the Palace Square, and uses a ceremony
involving a great deal of marching and counter-marching.
The Oceanographic Museum is another major attraction. Displays include diving
saucers and other equipment used by Commandant Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Director
of the Museum until 1988. There are models of the various ships used by Prince
Albert I for his explorations and a hall devoted to oceanographic research.
Other attractions include: the aquarium; the Cathedral of Monaco; St Martin's
Gardens; the Historical Museum of the Princes of Monaco; and the Zoological
Gardens. The Casino in Monte Carlo is famous the world over. Its foundations
were laid in 1861. Facing the Casino are grand beds of flowers and plants with
the most diverse scents.
For a little relaxation, visit the 7,000 square metre Japanese Garden. The
work of architect Yasuo Beppu, first-place winner at the Osaka Exhibition in
1990, features a pond, waterfall, a stream, tea house and Zen garden.
Cap d'Ail can be reached by bus or car from nearby Monaco, which is linked
to France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and even Great Britain by the
network of European highways. All international trains stop at Monaco/Monte
Carlo Station located at Avenue Prince Pierre. Nice Côte d'Azur International
Airport is 24km from Monaco.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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