The Big Top in Monaco is actually known as the Espace Fontvieille. That's because it's in Fontvieille, which is the land in Monaco totally reclaimed from the sea.The Espace Fontvieille (literally the Fontvieille Space) welcomes the Festival of Circus every January but for the rest of the year it's used for exhibitions, for the annual dog show, horse events, trade fairs, church bazaars. Rarely is it out of use.
The Big Top has four poles that support the enormous roof (you see two in the smaller photograph) and it's 58 metres in diameter. It can accommodate just under 4000 people. There are many smaller tents that adjoin the Big Top to give even more space. Click on the link to see a photograph taken from above.
This tent brings back good memories. It's really a good place for dog show and the surrounding area is marvellous. If I had to complain about something, it's helicopter noise every now and then that bothers ;- )
ReplyDeleteexcellent perspective. i have enjoyed your photo series on the Circus. You have captured some really great compositions.
ReplyDeleteThat is huge!
ReplyDeleteLove your composition of the first photo.
It's fantastic how every month there's always some wonderful event going on in Monaco. And thank you Jilly for always showing us a glimpse of them all!
ReplyDeleteThere aren't many places in Monaco big enough to set up circus tents. I remember that exhibition space, as we stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Cap d' Ail, which borders Fontvielle, for a week during our honeymoon in 2002 (I have mentioned before the honeymoon with my mother-in-law with us). From our hotel we overlooked a yacht basin and could watch the helicoptors flying people in and out of Monaco as they landed on the helipads that jut out over the sea very near the exhibition area where the circus now is.
ReplyDeleteI too love the perspective on this one. NEver have seen a circuts tenet as nice as this one. Beautiful. Your series has been so interesting Jilly . B ravo. Hope "Les Girls" are well and happy and not misbehavin'!!!
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I like the angle and composition of this shot.
ReplyDeleteHmmn didn't realize the circus is not a year round event in Monaco. At least they have a variety of things happening in Monaco!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful composition, nature and this incredible tent, wonderful for a circus, a magic place.
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