If you walk to the east, you'll be headed towards the famous Casino De Paris (Grand Casino). Planning on visiting the Grand Casino? You'll need your passport to enter. Since Monegasques are not allowed to gamble in their own casinos, and passports are checked to enforce this law. Grand Casino has very strict dress codes. Men should wear coat and tie, and tennis shoes are verboten. It was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. If you're not a gambler, go in and see the beautiful frescoes and bas reliefs there. A fee is ranging from 50 to 100F, depending on which room you enter. The spectacular gaming rooms are with stained glass, paintings, and sculptures everywhere.

Located near the Grand Casino, the Hotel de Paris has a couple of elegant restaurants. If you choose to dine in the Louis XV Restaurant or Le Grill de L'Hotel de Paris, you might even run into some of the "rich and famous". The Cafe de Paris is a good place to stop and sip a late night aperitif if you feel the urge to mingle.

Monte Carlo shopping is not as different and special as it was years ago. Of course, there is a concentration of top names in fashion in Monaco given the expensive life style. One of the areas is from the Avenue des Beaux-Arts between the Place du Casino and the Square Beaumarchais. Another area is under the Hotel Metropole. The usual shopping hours are from 9:00 to noon and 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

The countryside surrounding Monte Carlo on the Cote d'Azur is gorgeous.

See and experience the epitome of wealth and glamour on holiday in Monte Carlo. The famed Principality of Monaco on the French Riviera has long been the playground of the rich and famous, flaunting its renowned casino and annual Formula 1 Grand Prix. A vacation in Monte Carlo may be beyond the budget of most, but it is easy to travel to Monte Carlo for a day trip from more affordable towns along the coast.