Monte Carlo, Monaco — Activities
Monte Carlo Culture
Monte Carlo is not one of Europe's cultural hubs, but a decent array of performances grace the city, especially during the summer months, at a sprinkling of venues. Under the guidance of Jean-Christophe Maillot, the Monte Carlo Ballet Company (tel: 9216 2420; website: www.ballets.mc) has been internationally acclaimed. The Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (tel: 9310 8500; website: www.opmc.mc) is also highly regarded and offers lunchtime concerts and spectacular performances in the courtyard of the place du Palais in summer. Opera lovers can also enjoy the Monte Carlo Opera (tel: 9806 2828; website: www.opera.mc).
The Grimaldi Forum (tel: 9999 2000; website: www.grimaldiforum.com) is one of the most popular venues for a variety of live performances and there are also productions at the Theater du Fort Antoine. If a cinema is what you are looking for, head for Le Sporting, place du Casino (tel: (08) 9268 0072; website: www.sportingmontecarlo.com).
For details of current events contact the local tourist office at 2A boulevard des Moulins (tel: 9216 6116; website: www.visitmonaco.com).
Monte Carlo Tours
The local tourist office lists a number of different walking itineraries on their website (website: www.visitmonaco.com). The Azur Express Tourist Train (tel: 9205 6438), a little train on tires bedecked in national Monegasque colors, embarks on trips with commentary in English, Italian, German and French. The route covers much of the center and climbs up to the Palais du Prince. Heli-Air Monaco (tel: 9205 0050; website: www.heliairmonaco.com) also offer spectacular helicopter tours around Monaco and further afield around the Riviera.
