Monte Carlo
蒙特卡洛 · Monte Carlo, Monaco
Casino Square is the classic Monte Carlo scene: the Belle Époque Monte Carlo Casino stands in the center, flanked by the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris, and the square is liveliest after the lights come on in the evening.
Know before you go
- Do not wear shorts, sportswear, trainers, ripped jeans or flip-flops into the gaming rooms
- do not take photos in the gaming rooms once play has begun
- do not film guests at the entrance
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A casino to rescue the treasury
In 1848 Menton and Roquebrune broke away from Monaco and stopped paying taxes, leaving the Grimaldi family in financial trouble. The princely family hoped a casino would save it from bankruptcy; the first one opened elsewhere and moved several times before settling on today's site. François Blanc took over in 1863, the Société des Bains de Mer was founded, and the casino went on to become a major source of income for the small country.
Source: Wikipedia: Monte Carlo Casino
History
"Mount Charles", named for a prince
The area around the casino was originally called Spélugues. At the urging of the operator Blanc, it was renamed "Monte Carlo", meaning "Mount Charles", in honor of the reigning Prince Charles III. The name later came to stand for the whole district and for luxury resorts in general.
Source: Wikipedia: Monte Carlo Casino
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Monte Carlo is a quarter of Monaco on the Mediterranean, with Casino Square at its heart. Gardens and a fountain fill the middle of the square, the casino facade stands in the center, and the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris face it; after the lights come on in the evening, luxury cars come and go, making it a must-photograph spot. The casino's present site was completed between 1858 and 1863 and is run by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM). In 1878–1879 Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera, led its expansion and designed the concert hall later named the Salle Garnier after him; the whole building is a representative work of the Belle Époque style. The Monaco Grand Prix Formula One circuit climbs through the streets and passes the Casino Square area.
Local customs
- In the morning, join the casino's cultural visit to see the Belle Époque halls and painted ceilings
- photograph the facade, the fountain and the luxury cars from Casino Square
- return to the square in the evening to see the lights
- then walk along the coast to Port Hercules to see the yachts, or go up to Monaco-Ville to see the Prince's Palace and the cathedral.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not wear shorts, sportswear, trainers, ripped jeans or flip-flops into the gaming rooms
- do not take photos in the gaming rooms once play has begun
- do not film guests at the entrance
- do not block the roadway or hotel entrances for long when taking photos on the square
Locals appreciate DO
- Bring your original passport or ID card for the gaming rooms
- dress smartly from the afternoon on — a collared shirt and proper shoes are the safe choice
- take photos during the morning cultural visit
- keep valuables on you
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- The casino opens for cultural visits in the morning, and minors may visit with their families
- from the afternoon it is open for gaming only, admitting people aged 18 and over with an original passport or ID card — photocopies and digital IDs are refused — and the dress code becomes stricter in the evening
- under local rules, Monegasque citizens are not allowed into the gaming rooms. Check the official site for hours, prices and dress-code details.
- You can take a train from Nice to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station and walk uphill to Casino Square, or take a city bus to the Casino stop
- Monaco is hilly, with public lifts and escalators, so wear shoes that are easy to walk in. Late spring to early autumn is the best time to visit, though summer is crowded
- during the Grand Prix, roads around the square close for grandstands and the casino and other sights may shut — check the official race dates. In winter there are fewer visitors and the square is relatively quiet.
Photos
Photos
Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
Fruitpunchline · CC BY-SA 4.0