Monaco

or the well-known area of Monte Carlo, has a deep connection with sports and exclusive high-end clientele. Monaco is also the world’s second smallest country, preceded by only the Vatican. A patriarchal society ruled by the infamous Grimaldi family, it is a picturesque coastal nation, attracting high net worth world travelers to its shores throughout the year. Monaco has had a colorful past, but has settled into a quiet haven for the rich and famous, who enjoy the principality’s tax-free status. 

GLAMOROUS LIFESTYLE

Already a posh destination, Monaco became even more a representation of the glamorous lifestyle when in 1949, Prince Rainier III ascended to the throne of Monaco and married the iconically beautiful American actress, Grace Kelly in 1956. Prince Rainier III played an important role in bringing economic prosperity to the area and his wife played a large part in promoting the arts and conjuring a romantic allure for the small nation. Together, they had three children, Caroline, Albert and Stephanie. The youngest, Princess Stephanie was a tabloid feature for much of the 1980’s, drawing attention as a singer, fashion model and a popular party girl.

Monaco has been strongly influenced culturally by its neighbors, France and Italy. The ruling Grimaldi family has also played an important role in promoting culture and the arts in Monaco, boasting an amazing array of world-class galleries and music performances throughout the year, many supported by the royal family themselves. 

The family has established many foundations and charities to promote various causes, including the Princess Grace Foundation (which also supports Princess Grace Dance Academy), the Prince Pierre Foundation (promoting culture and arts) and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (protecting the environment).

Topography has certainly had a major influence on architecture in Monaco. Streets are narrow and steep, and buildings are constructed into the hills in limited amounts of space. The architecture reflects a Mediterranean influence incorporating locally sourced materials, including granite, marble, and terracotta tiles. This gives the small country a rich and historic feel.

MONTE CARLO CASINO

Like many Mediterranean destinations, Monaco has quaint public squares. Its mild climate is favorable to outdoor living, so you’ll find terraces abound, many designed to face the sea. Some medieval structures still survive in the old fortified city of Monaco-Ville on the Rock, where the royal palace is located. Monaco's most famous building is the Casino in Monte Carlo, built in 1866 and designed by French architect Charles Garnier.

Monaco's high average income and individual wealth, as well as its very small size, make it a country with minimal class distinctions. Several celebrities, including Bono, Sir Roger Moore, and tennis superstar Novak Djokovic are all known to have taken residence in Monaco. The principality's status as a tax haven makes it especially attractive to establish residence for wealthy people from all over the world, creating an image synonymous with wealth, power and prestige the world over. 

Overall, Monaco has one of the highest standards of living in the world, and the principality's exclusive resort offering and ideal tax environment has led to the development of a very wealthy citizen base. Symbols of wealth are apparent everywhere, including luxury goods, expensive cars, and exclusive shops. Monaco's coastal location has also made it a popular port for luxury yachts. The tourist industry represents a large sector, as does Monaco's light industrial production of craft goods, but more than half the people employed in these sectors do not live in Monaco.

Etiquette in Monaco is the result of the country's unusual blending of influence. The Monegasque are proud of the country's history and residents strive to maintain the quality of life that exists there. The rules of etiquette are much like those found in France with an emphasis on respect for privacy. 

The royal family of Monaco, the Grimaldi, frequently attract the attention of the press. Monaco's royal family became a popular subject of tabloid journalism when the American actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III. However, discretion and privacy are still a key principle emphasized in Monaco.

AS MONACO

Let’s talk football… AS Monaco was founded in 1919 and plays in the French Ligue 1, which they have won on seven occasions, also winning five French Cups in the process. The club has traditionally been heavily backed by the monarchy, with large financial support which helps the club compete with teams from much larger cities.

AS Monaco arrives at the second step of the podium of the clubs of the Hexagon having supplied the most players to Les Bleus. Just after Olympique de Marseille, which sent 81 players to the French national team, Le Rocher has 67 elements to date, having donned the blue, white and red tunic. 

Many big names passed at the foot of the Rock and had a great career in the French team, including Manuel Amoros (61 caps), European champion 1984, who remains to this day the player most recognized with the Les Bleus during his career at AS Monaco; Fabien Barthez (37), 1998 World champion and winner of Euro 2000; Bruno Bellone (31), also crowned Euro 84 winner, and world champions David Trezeguet (21) and Djibril Sidibé (18)

AS Monaco has also trained other Les Bleus stars at the top of their game, like Emmanuel Petit, Lilian Thuram, Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé. An impressive breeding ground since the mid-1980s, which propels the Principality club to fourth place in the ranking of clubs with the most selections. The international Tricolor Red and White have thus accumulated 545 capes against 783 for the leader of hierarchy, OM. This fuels the club’s pride in having so many major players in its history, the majority of whom were trained here at the La Turbie training center. 

Monaco is a destination that is attractive on multiple levels. Luxury, fashion, location, history, and football. The streets of Monte Carlo are as magnificent as AS Monaco’s iconic jersey. Join us in celebrating some of the world’s most exclusive football destinations.

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