Monte Carlo is a small town on the French Riviera. Bordering the Mediterranean, it is part of the principality of Monaco which lies on the border between France and Italy. Monte Carlo is synonymous with the rich and famous. Its port is full of multi-million dollar yachts transporting their billionaire owners, royalty and celebrity friends from port to port. Staying in Monte Carlo is very expensive, but as it is just a short distance to the border with France, many visitors to Monte Carlo stay outside Monaco. Other visitors arrive on the many cruise ships which make Monte Carlo a port of call on their Mediterranean itineraries.
Apart from the Grand Prix racing which is held in Monaco once a year, its main claim to fame is the casino gambling. Le Grand Casino is in the center of Monte Carlo. The wonderful architecture of this casino complex makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Monaco. It was built between 1858 and 1863, shortly after gambling was legalized by Prince Florestan I in 1854. It includes the Grand Theatre de Monte Carlo, an opera and ballet house and it hosts the annual European Poker Tour Grand Final, a highly prestigious event in the gambling calendar. Interestingly, residents of Monaco are forbidden from entering the gaming rooms at the casino. The gardens surrounding this beautiful casino are also well worth a visit.
Visitors to the Grand Casino will have to show their passport and pay an entrance fee. Inside the Monte Carlo Grand Casino, as you would expect, the interior is opulent and lavishly decorated. There is a special poker room for the ultra wealthy. The Monte Carlo casino offers several types of roulette, stud poker, blackjack, trente et quarante, craps, baccarat, video poker and ample slot machines.
Several cruises make Monte Carlo a port of call including Ocean Village, MSC, Sea Dream, Crystal Cruises, Sovereign, Oceania, and Princess. The Seabourn and the Silversea Cruises actually depart from Monte Carlo, making these excellent cruises for those who enjoy gambling both in Monte Carlo and then at the onboard cruise casino during the remainder of the cruise.
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