Monaco by Night
An Night Out in Monaco: Luxury at Casino Monte Carlo
When you book your stay at Villa Hippocampo in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you are staying in the heart of the Cote d’Azur and have the unique opportunity to explore all the fantastic locations nearby. Monaco is one of the most unique, luxurious, and exclusive ones. Located only 17 kilometers to the east of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco is the sovereign city-state that, besides being the second-smallest country (after the Vatican), is one of the richest; over 30% of Monaco’s residents are millionaires.
The Principality of Monaco has a long and rich history, with many political and historical figures woven into it. Still, here, we take a different approach to what you can do and see in Monaco. Also known as the playground for the super-rich, Monaco is especially popular during the high season.
The high season in Monaco kicks off with the Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place every spring in late May or early June, and it is a time when you can enjoy the high-octane show of super-fast cars competing for a coveted trophy. The end of the high season is in September with the Monaco Yacht Show, where you can see an impressive procession of super yachts.
But here we’ll talk about the jewel of Monaco, the Casino de Monte Carlo, and what you can do and see here.
Luxury and Opulence at Every Turn
The city-state of Monaco has several administrative wards, and Monte Carlo is the largest and premier quarter. Monte Carlo is home to the mega-famous Monte Carlo Casino. The Casino de Monte Carlo, as it is also known, is the leading gambling and entertainment complex in Monaco, and it includes a casino, the Opera de Monte Carlo, the Les Ballets de Monte Carlo, and the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Casino de Monte Carlo is the primary attraction of Monaco, and it exudes luxury, charm, and history. It is a must-see place when you stay in Villa Hippocampo in Villefranche-sur-Mer, and it is an excellent opportunity to dress up and embrace the luxurious side of life. Please note that you can’t enter the Monte Carlo Casino in sneakers, jeans, or casual wear – if you plan on gambling, you need formal wear – evening dresses for the ladies and formal suits & ties for the gentlemen.
The Monte Carlo Casino is James Bond’s favorite location to play baccarat; it was also one of the filming locations for Ocean’s Twelve and Kylie Minogue’s On a Night Like This video. You can take full advantage of the elegance of the Beaux Arts building and enjoy an upscale casino experience alongside European royalty and Hollywood jet setters.
Visit as a Tourist or Play at World-Famous Tables
The Monte Carlo Casino is open for visitors every morning from 10 AM to 1 PM; you can walk the exclusive salons and enjoy the lavish architectural features. However, after 2 PM, there is a strict over-18-only rule when gambling starts. The main gambling room is called Salle Europe, where you can play slots, and the Salle Renaissance and Salle Amerique are open to the general public.
However, the salons prive (private salons) are only available for regular visitors and guests and offer various table casino games (without the slots) in an elegant, private setting. There is another level here, the salons super-prives (the super-private salons) with a James Bond-like atmosphere and no-limit casino games.
Opulence and Grandeur at the Opera de Monte Carlo
Apart from enjoying some gambling at the casino, we suggest you try and catch a performance at the Opera or the Ballet. The Opera de Monte Carlo is a part of the Monte Carlo Casino, and this cultural venue has been a stage for notable historical names like Sarah Bernhardt, Enrico Caruso, Nellie Melba, Jules Massenet, and many more.
The main hall at the Opera de Monte Carlo is called Salle Garnier, and this impressive venue has about five or six operas per season. The Salle Garnier is also where the royal wedding between Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene took place in 2011.
Interestingly, you don’t have to wait for the high season to visit Monaco, as the Casino de Monte Carlo is open all year round, and the events season at the Opera de Monte Carlo starts from November to April. However, this is only one of the terrific locations you can see and experience in Monaco. Still, there is much more to see here – an abundance of Belle Epoque buildings huddled around the Carre d’Or, exclusive restaurants, incredible nightlife, etc.