Larvotto Plage

Here you see the central area of Larvotto Beach and on the right, the edge of the Grimaldi Forum. In the distance, the 'digue semi-flottante ' at the port, which allows massive cruise liners to tie up and disgorge passengers into Monaco.

Masters Series Monte Carlo Tennis

The qualifying rounds for the Monte Carlo Tennis Open began today. On the way back from the Monaco Dog Show, which is at the opposite end of Monaco to the tennis courts, I stopped on the road above to grab this photograph. The Centre Court where the finals are always played, is below the white tented area.
You can find more information here.

Monaco Dog Show

Every year Monaco holds a two-day championship dog show in the Circus tent in Fontvieille. It's part of what is known as the Riviera circuit: Monaco, San Remo in Italy and Frejus in France. Exhibitors can enter their dogs in three different shows in three different countries over a period of one week and so stand the chance of points towards their dogs' international titles. Today and tomorrow the show is on in Monaco.

A little quiz - no, I'm not Isabella, and this isn't Naples, Florida DP and goodness, it's not even Tuesday but I'm borrowing Isabella's brilliant quiz idea (just for one day, Isabella?) to ask if anyone knows what breed of dog this is. Woof woof.

Monte Carlo Beach Hotel

This is the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel which is actually in France! Yes, Monaco leases the land from France. The restaurant on the point is called La Vigie, which, as you can imagine, has amazing views as you dine on the terrace under the trees. My neighbour's husband, a lovely old boy called Daniel, who sadly died a few years ago, used to work at La Vigie. He worked on the speed boats as they arrived with the lunch or dinner guests - helping visitors to disembark and generally doing whatever boat people do. He was a lovely man, born in Algeria - he left school at 13 when his first job was to lay sardines out to dry in the sun. Daniel's work always involved the sea. He told me he made very good tips in his work at La Vigie.

The tall building you see in the background belonged to the designer, Karl Lagerfeld, until he sold it to the SBM (Société des Bains de Mer) - the company that IS Monaco - ie owns the casinos, hotels, restaurants etc.

Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

This is Monte Carlo's newest hotel and it's right on the eastern border by Roquebrune. It's absolutely massive and is almost like - not quite! - a Las Vegas hotel. This is what you'll find:

• 334 rooms including 21 suites 4 restaurants (2 in the hotel and 2 in the gardens).
  
• A bar with sea-view terrace.
  
• A business center composed of 10 meeting rooms.
  
• Sand-bottomed lagoon with solarium, gardens and water attractions.
  
• An indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi and children's paddling pool.
  
• A contemporary spa.
  
• A children's club.
  
• An in-house casino : the Bay Casino
  
• In the gardens, the "Bar & Boeuf - Alain Ducasse" and "Le Fuji" restaurants, "Le Jimmy'z" night-club... and during the high season, the "Summer Casino" as well as shows at the "Salle des Etoiles" will welcome you for a particularly special evening during your stay.

A friend took me there a week or so ago for a drink prior to dinner in Monaco - a treat for my birthday. (My birthday was last October, folks! but I'm not complaining). As it happened we chose the night of the Bal de la Rose in Monaco so the place was buzzing, ladies in beautiful gowns, le tout monde was there as we sipped our champagne. But somehow the place was too too big! Know what I mean? It didn't feel like France or even Monaco. We could have been anywhere in the world. Perhaps we were?

Angel's Trumpet

Datura Brugmansia (common name: Angel's Trumpet) blooming on the side of the road almost opposite Le Méridien Beach Plaza hotel on Avenue Princesse Grace. If you'd like more information than you could ever use on this plant, go to this wonderful website.

Girl on a Swing - times three

Driving along Avenue Princesse Grace today (that's the lowest road through Monaco and therefore at sea level) what should I see, but these three young girls having fun in the middle of a roundabout. I don't know anything about them, the artist, nothing - sorry. Just thought I'd grab a quick photograph to show you so I quickly parked on a bus stop. You are not allowed to park on a bus stop! When I got back to my car, a dishy Monte Carlo policeman read me the riot act. All Monaco policeman look dishy - and young - to me. What is it they say when policeman start to look young? Luckily I didn't get a ticket, just a warning. The things I do for Daily Photo...

Wot, no choccie shop?!

Yeah, yeah, I know. Monte Carlo is awash with amazing handmade chocolate shops, so where's the chocolate egg, where's the Easter bunny? Truth is I couldn't get in to Monaco this last week so here's a photograph taken from a terrace of Seaside Plaza, in Fontvieille, Monaco about a week ago.

So you can get your bearings - here's today's geography lesson. Imagine you are sitting on your yacht out at sea (you with me?) Monaco is in front of you - indeed you might even be moored in the harbour alongside the Lady Moura of course. The steward has brought you a drink - a Kir Royale, I think, in a crystal glass of course and you are munching on Nicoise olives - those tiny tasty ones. Are you with me so far? Before you is Monaco, to your right is France, to your left is France and behind Monaco is more of France. The Principality of Monaco is very small.

Look to the left and you'll see Roquebrune and in the distance is Menton and Italy. Ahead of you and behind Monaco is Beausoleil. You know all about that, of course, because we had photos of Beausoleil over the last couple of days. And to your left is Cap d'Ail and all places west until you eventually get to Nice.

Today's photograph is of Cap d'Ail and in the distance is St. Jean Cap Ferrat. Who lived in Cap Ferrat? How about Somerset Maughan for starters. He lived at the Villa Mauresque. Add David Niven, Agnelli of Fiat fame, King Leopold of the Belgians, Charlie Chaplin, the Rothschilds and more recently, Paul Allen. The magical penisula of Cap Ferrat has some of the most expensive real estate in the world.

I trust you are relaxing, enjoying the gentle movement of the water. Are you enjoying your drink? I'm enjoying mine. And hey, Happy Easter everyone from Monte Carlo Daily Photo.

Good for the thighs!

Slightly blurred photo today - just I wanted to show you why the locals are so fit! In Monaco (one street below) you will find steps too, but you'll often find escalators and lifts as well going from one level to another. Here in Beausoleil it's necessary to walk up those steps with the shopping bags.

Yellow against Blue

As I said yesterday, Beausoleil borders Monaco. I had believed this photograph to be of the Riviera Palace but as you'll see in the comments, I was wrong. One day I'll get to the Riviera Palace and photograph it.

Escalier St. Cecile

Monaco is built on many levels. This stairway takes you from Monaco to Beausoleil. Some of the streets that border Monaco and Beausoleil are interesting in that one side of the street is Monaco and the other side is Beausoleil, France.

On the other hand...

This apartment building is not far from the one you saw yesterday, yet this is a modern block and with a totally different feel.

The apartment

This apartment building is just below the steps featured in yesterday's photograph. I love the detail in the design and the ornate balconies - even the sweep of the curtain at the window on the left.

Boulevard Princesse Charlotte

These steps lead to Boulevard Princesse Charlotte which leads in turn to the Boulevard du Jardin Exotique (the beautiful cactus and succulent garden of Monaco). The tall building at the rear of the photograph is the block of apartments called the Le Millefiore, probably the tallest building in Monte Carlo.

Theme Day: a Public Mail Box

All Monaco mail boxes are red, some are fixed to walls, some are free-standing like this one. The olive tree and the bench are optional extras.

65 Daily Photo sites are participating in the 1st April theme, "A Public Mail Box", please use the links to below to visit them. Due to time zone differences and other factors, the theme photo may not be displayed until later if you are viewing early in the day.

1 (London (UK) ) -2 (Grenoble (France) ) -3 (Rotterdam (Netherlands) ) -4 (Greenville SC (USA) ) -5 (Hyde (UK) ) -6 (Villigen (Switzerland) ) -7 (Albuquerque NM (USA) ) -8 (Mazatlan (Mexico) ) -9 (Montréal (Canada) ) -10 (Stayton OR (USA) ) -11 (Shanghai (China) -Jing ) -12 (Arradon (France) ) -13 (Sequim WA (USA) ) -14 (Newcastle upon Tyne (England) ) -15 (Seattle WA (USA) -Kim ) -16 (Bastia (Corse) ) -17 (Minneapolis MN (USA) ) -18 (Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) ) -19 (Joplin MO (USA) ) -20 (Sharon, CT (USA) ) -21 (Cottage Grove MN [USA] ) -22 (Houston, TX (USA) -Candice & Megan ) -23 (Singapore - by Keropokman. ) -24 (Guelph, ON (Canada) ) -25 (Menton (France) ) -26 (Monte Carlo, Monaco ) -27 (Naples, FL (USA) ) -28 (Kyoto (Japan) ) -29 (Tokyo (Japan) ) -30 (Aliso Viejo, CA (USA) ) -31 (Cape Town (South Africa) ) -32 (Jakarta (Indonesia) ) -33 (Kitakami (Japan) ) -34 (Tel Aviv (Israel) ) -35 (Vantaa(Finland)) -36 (Guadalajara (Mexico) ) -37 (Auckland (New Zealand) ) -38 (Nelson (New Zealand) ) -39 (Tuzla (B&H) ) -40 (Brussels (Belgium) ) -41 (Anderson, SC (USA) ) -42 (Lubbock, TX (USA) ) -43 (John, Melbourne, (Australia) ) -44 (Stavanger (Norway)) -45 (Tenerife (Spain) ) -46 (Stockholm (Sweden) ) -47 (Boston, MA (USA) ) -48 (Not Strictly Seattle, Susan ) -49 (New York City, (USA), Ming the Merciless ) -50 (Paris [Eric], (France) ) 51 (Ampang (Selangor) ) -52 (Sydney (Nathalie) Australia ) -53 (Ailea , HI (USA) ) -54 (Manila (Philippines) ) -55 (Sydney (Sally) Australia ) -56 (Cork (Ireland)) -57 (Saarbrücken (Germany) ) -58 (Saint Paul MN (USA) by Carol ) -59 (San Diego, CA (USA) ) -60 (Mexico [POLY], (Mexico) ) -61 (Budapest (Hungary) ) -62 (Singapore (Singapore by Zannnie) ) -63 (Madrid [Dsole] (Spain) ) -64 (Nottingham (England) ) -65 (Bandung (Indonesia))

Looking at Italy

Here we are at Fontvieille - the heliport is behind us - and we are looking towards Menton and in the distance Italy. The building you see is an apartment block with rather nice views.

Gardens of Fontvieille

The gardens in Fontvieille (the area of Monaco reclaimed from the sea) are absolutely beautiful. This area adjoins the Princess Grace Rose garden.

French and Monégasque

So now you know how to write 'Principality of Monaco' in English, French and Monégasque.

Lady Christina

This beautiful yacht is seen in Cap d'Ail harbour. Cap d'Ail borders Monaco and in fact I took this photograph from Monaco - from high up in an apartment in Seaside Plaza in Fontvieille. If you click on this link, you can see Seaside Plaza in the background. The Lady Christina, a 203 foot long super yacht, was first launched in 2005.

Princess Grace Rose Garden

Here you see one of the gates to the Princess Grace Rose Garden in Fontvieille, the area of Monaco reclaimed from the sea. Dedicated in 1984 to the late Princess Grace of Monaco, the garden, currently dormant, holds 4000 rose bushes representing 180 different cultivars. It's a place of meditation and is open each day from sunrise to sunset. I'll try and get back in late Spring, early summer and photograph the garden for you.

Sac-O-Mat

This is how Monaco encourages people to pick up after their dogs. Does your town or city do the same? This box was near to the Heliport in Fontvieille.

Les Atlantes

This sculpture is by the Canadian figurative sculptor, Blake. It's installed in gardens by the Heliport of Monaco in Fontvieille. Les Atlantes is dedicated to the celebration of life. Depicted are three men representing various aspects of physical, emotional and spiritual existence. In the background of the photograph above, you see part of the luxury apartment building called Seaside Plaza, where incidentally, Princess Stephanie of Monaco has an apartment.

Dive!

This sculpture, which stands in front of the main port of Monaco, is by Emma di Sigaldi.

Lady Moura

The 'Lady Moura' is the largest yacht in Monte Carlo and apparently in the world. Built in 1990 at a cost of $100 million, which makes her reputedly the most expensive private yacht in the world, she is owned by a Saudi business man, Nasser al Rashid. She carries a crew of 60, and incorporates features such as a beach resort complete with sand, a large pool with a retractable roof, and a 75ft dining table custom-made by Viscount Linley. She has an onboard helicopter and you can see more photos of her here.

Cranes

This is a typical scene in Monaco - building cranes everywhere. Work never seems to stop in what is, after all, a tiny place. The rather beautiful building you see top left is the Hôtel Hermitage - many consider this hotel to be superior to the famous Hôtel de Paris. One of the smaller bars of the Hermitage was converted from what used to be Maria Callas' dressing room!

Up, up and away...

This helicopter took off seconds before I took the photograph this morning. There are flights throughout the day to and from Nice airport - quicker than the drive and much more fun! The Heliport is situated at Fontvielle and very near to the circus tent. I noticed some private helicopters on the pad too. Up up and away...

Square Theodore Gastaud

This is a secluded square, just in from the main port and just off the walking street. Musical evenings are held here on summer nights.

Formula One for kids!

Grand Prix T-shirts are on sale all the year round in Monaco. These were on a rack outside a clothing shop for children in the pedestrian street of Monte Carlo, just up from the port.

Passage privé

Private entrance on Boulevard des Moulins.

Entrance and Exit

Here's the sign at the entrance to the luxurious Metropole shopping centre. You can see other photographs of this tempting place here and here.

Morning constitutional

Dog and man off for a walk in the Casino gardens. You can see another photograph of the gardens themselves here.

Check-out at Carrefour

Carrefour is the big supermarket of Monte Carlo. Here you see just a few of the many check-outs - and as you will see, dogs go almost anywhere in Monaco - and France. I often see Madame walking around the supermarket with Fifi, her little caniche (poodle) in the bottom of her shopping trolley amongst the brie and jambon. Illegal perhaps but somehow a blind eye is turned...after all, how could she possibly leave her little darling home alone in her apartment. Vive la France!

The bus stops here

Here's a Monte Carlo bus stop. In the map you can see the shape of Monaco - just a narrow strip of land. Monaco has a truly excellent bus service - very easy to get around. Mind you, so is walking...

Grimaldi Forum

This is the 5-year old Grimaldi Forum - a magnificent centre for exhibitions and conferences in Monaco. If you click on this link you can read all about it and go on various Virtual Tours. Grimaldi is of course the family name of Prince Albert of Monaco and you may like to know - those of you old enough to remember, that is - that in the film The Red Shoes, Norma Shearer threw herself off the cliff at exactly the spot that now houses this conference centre.

Sunday mornin'

11.45 on a Sunday morning - Boulevard des Moulins - shops all closed, hardly anyone about. Behind me is an outdoor café, filled with people taking coffee or a glass of wine - but here, nothing much stirs...

Onward and upwards...

The tiny Principality of Monaco is built on many levels and this scene in Boulevard des Moulins is typical with steps leading from one street level to another. You will also find free public lifts all over the place, which makes life easier for residents coming home with their shopping. In addition, many buildings can be entered from the lower or the upper level.

César

This sculpture by César (César Baldaccini 1921 - 1998) stands in the foyer of the luxurious l'Europa Residence in Place des Moulins. César, a highly acclaimed sculptor is famous for creating the César du Cinema trophy which is the Oscar of French cinema. Buried in Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, the statue over his grave is similar.

Vista Palace Hotel + skydiver

Okay, I know this photograph isn't very sharp but it was taken from a long way away with a little Canon Ixus. What surprised me, when I saw it on screen is the sky diver - not that a sky diver is a suprise as they jump off Mont Agel all the time - it's a popular sport around here. I was surprised tho, 'cos I didn't see the sky diver thru the view finder. So I apologise for the photo being rather fuzzy but thought you might like to see what people do to have fun around here. The building is the Vista Palace Hotel, which is at Roquebrune Cap Martin and is 333 metres above Monaco. From the other side, it looks rather like a ship. The view from this hotel is spectacular - taking in Menton and Italy on one side and Monte Carlo and beyond on the other. This is where you stay when you've got pots of money, folks. Do take a look at their website. I took this photograph from the Place des Moulins in Monaco.

Fer forgé

Wrought iron is used a lot in making ornate doorways and of course balconies - here you see a doorway in the Boulevard des Moulins.

Posh shoes!

Sign advertising a designer shoe shop in Boulevard d'Italie in Monaco.

Balconies

Apartment building on Boulevard des Moulins, in Monaco.

Marcel Pagnol 1895 - 1974

This tribute to the great Marcel Pagnol stands under an olive tree in the gardens opposite the Place des Moulins in Monaco. Poet, playwright, film maker, novelist, historian, essayist, translator - Pagnol's talent knew no bounds. Remember La Femme du Boulanger? Think of the wondrous films, Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, made from his novel, L'eau des collines. Pagnol was elected a member of the Académie Française in 1946, the first film maker to be so honoured. Pagnol is translated into 30 languages. You can read more, much much more, at the official website

View from the Eleventh floor...

Taken from the 11th floor of the l'Europa apartment building (guess which lucky person went there for lunch today?) There's something to be said for delivering dog food and being asked to stay for lunch... The curved building you see jutting out to sea is what's known as the Summer Sporting or Jimmyz which is the famous nightclub of Monte Carlo. The Summer Sporting used to be where the Outdoor Summer cinema took place and where you sat in easy chairs under the stars, sipped a glass of vino and watched the latest film in English. The films started at 10 p.m. Now tho, the outdoor cinema has been moved to the Rock, or Monaco Ville where the palace is. In the distance you see the penisula of Cap Martin and the other side of that is Menton (see my other DP blog) and beyond that Italy. End of geography lesson!

No dogs allowed!

Every city and town has signs saying 'No Dogs Allowed.' Here's one of Monaco's in the gardens opposite the Casino. There are many beautiful old trees in these gardens - this one is Araucaria Excelsa, the Norfolk Island Pine. You can see a completely different view of the Casino gardens here.

Take a stroll to the harbour...

This is Monaco's walking street - rue Princesse Caroline. It's lined with cafés and shops. There's even an English bookshop called Scruples. So take a stroll, stop for an espresso and a croissant, and then keep walking till you get to the port where you can sit and watch the yachts bob about at anchor. You could even pick an orange if you are tall enough! The only thing I can't provide is sunshine - this was taken on a grey day.

Daily Photo Theme - Men at Work

Here you see the zoo keeper feeding the two giraffes who came to Monaco for the Circus Festival last month. And what is he feeding them? Why - French bread of course - une baguette, bien sûr!

Today is Theme Day for Daily Photos all around the world. Please click on any of the links to below to see what other Men at Work are doing in this wonderful world of ours:

1 (Porto (Portugal) ) -2 (Greenville SC (USA) ) -3 (Hyde (UK) ) -4 (Tenerife (Spain) ) -5 (Albuquerque, NM (USA) ) -6 (Stayton, OR (USA) ) -7 (Rotterdam (NL) ) -8 (Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) ) -9 (London (England) ) -10 (Richmond, VA (USA) ) -11 (Sydney -Sally (Australia) ) -12 (Newcastle upon Tyne (England) ) -13 (Constanta (Romania) ) -14 (Evry (France) ) -15 (Lubbock, TX (USA) ) -16 (Szentes (Hungary) ) -17 (Villigen (Switzerland) ) -18 (Mumbai (India) ) -19 (Tel Aviv (Israel) ) -20 (Twin Cities, MN [USA] ) -21 (Jakarta (Indonesia) ) -22 (Houston -Candice & Megan, TX (USA) ) -23 (Budapest (Hungary) ) -24 (Singapore - Zannnie (Singapore) ) -25 (Dubai (UAE) ) -26 (Singapore -Keropokman (Singapore) ) -27 (Madrid -Dsole (Spain) ) -28 (Mazatlan -Kate (Mexico) ) -29 (Nelson (New Zealand) ) -30 (Vantaa (Finland) ) -31 (Kyoto (Japan) ) -32 (Tokyo (Japan) ) -33 (Joplin, MO (USA) ) -34 (Auckland (New Zealand) ) -35 (Sequim, WA (USA) ) -36 (Menton (France) ) -37 (Minneapolis, MN (USA) ) -38 (Istanbul (Turkey) ) -39 (Sydney -Nathalie (Australia) ) -40 (Sharon, CT (USA) ) -41 (Seattle, WA (USA) ) -42 (Anderson, SC (USA) ) -43 (Monte Carlo, (Monaco) ) -44 (Milano, (Italy) ) -45 (Grenoble (France) ) -46 (Wailea, HI (USA) ) -47 (Guelph, ON (Canada) ) -48 (Melbourne - John (Australia) ) -49 (New York City (USA) [Ming_the_Merciless] ) -50 (Cebu (Philippines) ) -51 (Bandung (Indonesia) ) -52 (Antigua Guatemala (Central America) ) -53 (Hamburg (Germany) ) -54 (London -Jonemo (UK) ) -55 (Hong Kong ) -56 (Stavanger (Norway) ) -57 (Paris (France) ) -58 (Naples, Florida (USA) ) -59 (Saarbrücken (Germany) ) -60 (Shanghai (China) ) -61 (Quito (Ecuador) ) -62 (Zurich (Switzerland) ) -63 (Joensuu ( Finland ) ) -64 (Aliso Viejo, CA (USA) ) -65 (Cheltenham (England)) -66 (Bastia (Corsica, France)) -67 (Brussels (Belgium))