With its royal palace and museum of oceanography, luxury hotels and casinos, the famous principality has created a unique identity for itself. A fascinating enclave characterised by its opulence and architectural audacity.

Monaco is not a place that is easily overlooked. A small independent state, like San Marino or Liechtenstein, its 1.5 km² on the shores of the Mediterranean are the essence of all that the world of luxury has to offer. A palace and a dynasty of princes, opulent casinos, some of the world’s most famous luxury hotels, prestigious shops and a whole host of events (including the F1 Grand Prix and the international tennis tournament) maintain the elitist image of this sovereign state. Whilst this profusion of splendour fills the shops and marinas, built in spectacular fashion on the coast, it certainly does not detract from the essentially village-like charm of the principality.

When things are quiet, the narrow streets of Rocher, one of Monaco’s neighbourhoods, convey the atmosphere of a village in Provence, with fabulous views out to sea from the rocky viewpoints nestling in amongst the hanging gardens. The museum of oceanography, meanwhile, continues to draw the crowds, with its giant aquarium and remarkable exhibitions.

The “new town” around Monte Carlo has a more commercial atmosphere. The grand casino - a gem of 19th century architecture - is surrounded by luxury hotels and the balletic movements of expensive cars. For all that, the neighbourhood is certainly not stuck in the past. The construction at the beginning of this century of the Grimaldi Forum and the redevelopments along the seafront have given the principality a new momentum, thanks in part to some bold and very tall buildings.