NB-Garden. Landscape workshop of Natalia Borisova. Exotic Garden of Monaco. Monaco - botanical garden of exotic plants Prince's Palace of Monaco
Why?
The mountainside where the Exotic Garden is located offers incredible views of Monaco. You will immediately understand how it works. And it will be easier to plan further movements.
The peninsula in the photo above is Monaco-Ville, the official capital of the Principality. There are the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, the Oceanographic Museum (for some time it was headed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau) and the Prince's Palace. In "old Monaco" it is pleasant to wander through the narrow streets, look into the Chapel of Mercy and admire the views of the port.
And in the photo below is another administrative unit: Monte Carlo. Little Manhattan :)
If you try, you can see the Casino Square. Visits to which are often limited to tourists who are sure that there is nothing else to see in Monaco. Well, no need, we'll get more :)
And here is the "embankment" area of Fontvieille, once reclaimed from the sea. There is a stadium, tent, helipad and.
Now let's go to the park itself!
I’ll tell you how to get there at the very end.
The ticket costs 7.20 euros (adult), children from 6 to 18 years old and students - 3.80 euros.
There is currently an exhibition of contemporary installations taking place here. But she was much less impressive than the park itself :)
The Exotic Garden of Monaco (also known as the Botanical Garden) was designed back in the 19th century by the engineer Louis Notary, commissioned by Prince Louis II. It was first opened in 1933.
The garden is small - just over one hectare, located in tiers.
But even in such a small area you can see more exotic 6,000 plants brought to Monaco from different parts of the world: Mexico, Peru, South Africa, South, Central America and many others.
Each plant has its own specificity and cyclical life, so the Exotic Garden blooms all year round.
Cacti and succulents are amazing in size. Here are those specimens that were able to adapt to the local climate and grow to the same size as in their homeland.
They are blooming, beautiful.
As for the main condition for the life of cacti - the sun, there is plenty of it here. Monaco has more than 300 sunny days a year.
There are more than a thousand species of cacti here - this collection has no equal in the world. Most came from Mexico.
The park is well equipped: there are viewing platforms, benches, and strong handrails everywhere.
The paths that circle the garden are not too steep. So feel free to go to the garden with small children and a stroller.
Sometimes it seems that compositions of exotic plants (yuccas, agaves, cacti) grow directly from the rock.
The size of the echinocacti is impressive - some are over a hundred years old.
Entire valleys of echinocacti!
In many places in the garden you can find aeonium that has grown to human height.
If any of my readers are succulent lovers like me, they will certainly be impressed.
In Minsk I still have a solid collection of cacti, which I collected for more than ten years. Some reached more than a meter. I love them very much. And it’s a shame that there’s no way to pick them up.
Here, in the cactus alleys, my love for these plants really intensified. And I decided to make not a lavender garden on the balcony, as I originally wanted, but a cactus one.
Just need to find time somewhere :)
The one who talks to plants is me.
And sit on a cactus, and you won’t get your butt pricked!
Some more views from above that will take your breath away.
Couples in love. Hussars, be silent! :)
The exotic garden is open all year round, and the ticket also gives you the right to visit the grotto and the nearby Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.
Address:
62 bvd du Jardin Exotique
November-January - from 09:00 to 17:00,
February-April, October - from 09:00 to 18:00,
May-September - from 09:00 to 19:00,
Closed: November 19 and December 25.
How to get there:
Bus number 2 (from the station or near Casino Square) - final stop (Jardin Exotique).
You can buy a ticket directly on the bus (1.5 euros)
You can also go up on foot or using the elevator system. But even I (already a little familiar with this system) did not immediately put this puzzle together, since from each elevator to the elevator you need to walk a block :)
But feel free to go back on foot - along the way you can see Monaco villas with interesting facades, balconies, mosaics and stucco, as well as modern apartment buildings with gardens and rooftop pools.
I hope you enjoy the Exotic Garden as much as I do :)
You can follow my adventures in Monaco online on Instagram https://instagram.com/elena.stogova/, join us!
Well, once again I vow to update the blog more often. But it seems that life is actually a full life - it’s also a stepmother of unique content :)
Tomorrow I'm going on a business trip to Milan for two days. Weeeeee! :)
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You can see signs for the Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco) at the exit from the train station in Monte Carlo. And this is not without reason, because the botanical garden is the calling card of the city. Situated on a high (more than 100 meters above sea level) slope, called the "dog's head", the garden reveals magnificent, breathtaking views of the Principality and its surroundings.
You can get to the Exotic Garden on foot, following the signs, or by bus. We chose the walking route to better feel and see the city. The route goes up the slope, but if you wish, you can use the free public elevators to climb to the upper terraces.
Designed in the 19th century by the engineer Louis Notary for Louis II and opened to the public in 1933, the garden is perfectly integrated into the complex terrain, comfortable and modern. Therefore, the information that the park has not undergone any changes in 75 years evokes sincere surprise and admiration for its creators.
The garden covers an area of about 1 hectare, but due to the complex terrain and surrounding panoramic views it seems much larger in size. The basis of the garden’s collection are succulents imported from various continents and countries: the USA, Mexico, Peru, South Africa and others. In total, the collection contains more than 6,000 plant species, including many rare ones. The plants are selected in such a way that the effect of continuous flowering is achieved in the garden. A huge collection of cacti, more than 1000 species, is also presented here. True connoisseurs of these mysterious and unusual plants will find a lot of interesting and educational things for themselves, because the age of some prickly representatives has exceeded 100 years.
The variety, size and bizarre shapes of plants amaze the imagination. From the viewing platforms decorated with pergolas, you can see the city's rooftop gardens, bridges, and a tiny pond with koi carps - all located on an almost vertical cliff, densely covered with exotic plants.
Scenic paths going down the slope lead visitors to another observation deck and the entrance to the Observatory Grotto. The name preserves the memory of the old astronomical observatory that was once located here, where coolness and bizarre stone shapes reigned.
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In 1916, workers engaged in arranging the garden in its eastern part discovered the petrified remains of animals. Prince Albert I ordered excavations to be carried out at this site. After a thorough examination, a cave 7 m high and 17 m long was discovered in the rock. In 1947, speleologists led by G. Barral (keeper of the Museum of Anthropology and Ancient History) began exploring the grotto with the aim of laying an excursion route here, and in 1950 were able to bring this idea to life.
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Three hundred steps lead into the depths of the grotto, where at the end of the path a “great hall” opens, the walls of which nature has generously decorated with stalagmites, stalactites, and influxes of incredible shapes.
A visit to the grotto is included in the entrance ticket to the garden, tours in French and English take place every hour, and a kind guide is always happy to provide a written version in Russian.
The excursion trail is looped, so you can walk around the garden for a long time and with pleasure - the images of plant compositions change depending on the time of day and lighting, as well as beautiful views of the sea, the bay, the castle, and the gardens on the roofs of modern houses.
Text and photo: Evgeniy Korneev, Natalya Borisova,
Landscape workshop of Natalia Borisova, http://www.nb-garden.ru
especially for the site
The Principality of Monaco is a miniature state located in the south of Europe. Monaco is usually associated with France and there are many reasons for this. To be honest, I used to think, until I visited Monaco myself, that this was an administrative region of France (see).
Monaco is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. What is Monaco famous for? What comes to mind first? Well, it seems like many famous athletes live and train in Monaco. In addition, rich people live there, the famous Monte Carlo casino is located there, and the Monaco Grand Prix stage of the Formula 1 championship is held in Monaco.
The indigenous population of Monaco are Monegasques. The population of the dwarf state is approximately 40,000 people. And this is on an area of 2 square kilometers!
By the way, precisely because Monaco is such a small state, I was able to visit almost everything in this city-state that the average tourist sees. So let's take a look at the sights of Monaco in order.
Before entering Monaco you climb a mountain. Narrow two-lane winding road. High, breathtaking. Well, from this place you have a view of Monaco
Very dense buildings
Well, and, in fact, the entrance to the city-state itself
City streets
Several shuttle buses run around the city. They have a total of 5 bus routes. There is also one night route (www.cam.mc).
The first attraction of Monaco is the Oceanographic Museum. Buses No. 1, 2 go to it; stop: Place de la Visitation
I wasn’t there inside, I just didn’t have enough time. In the museum you can see samples of marine flora, stuffed animals and skeletons of marine life. In general, everything is like that. Well, Jacques-Yves Cousteau also worked at the museum as director. In general, there is nothing more to say about the museum.
Botanical Garden of Monaco (Le Jardin Exotique)
I have seen different names for this garden. For example, the Gardens of St. Martin, the Exotic Garden of Monaco, etc.
I didn't see anything special there. It is located near the Oceanographic Museum. There are many exotic plants growing here, and there are pockets of space that offer excellent views of Monaco. There are especially many cacti of the most extravagant shapes here; they are at almost every turn. Some have reached gigantic sizes, some are tiny, like a matchbox. You can stroll through the streets of this garden completely free of charge.
Prince's Palace of Monaco
This is the official residence of the rulers of Monaco. The palace was originally created as a fortress, after which it was rebuilt several times. There is an open square in front of the palace. On the nearby streets there are many shops, boutiques, shops. There are cafes and restaurants everywhere, a sea of tourists everywhere.
Nearby there is an observation deck where Monaco is in full view. There are also incredibly many people here. This is the view from this site
Apparently just tourists, or maybe locals, I don’t know
Menu from a local restaurant. All prices are in euros
small bay
This is a little different from the bay that you see in Formula 1. This is another one. We were walking up the rock and it just caught my attention. This is impossible not to appreciate. Wealth, luxury. Instead of a Ferrari, there is a yacht moored under the windows of your house.
By the way, looking at it is not only beautiful, but also slightly dangerous. Decent height
Just some things
Observation deck near the museum. This is where I took the first photos of the museum
Luxurious expensive cars are found on the roads of Monaco
And there is such a transport. This is a tourist train. It departs from the Oceanographic Museum and passes near the main attractions of Monaco. As far as I know, there is a Russian audio guide there
Monte Carlo Casino
One of the most publicized attractions in Monaco. They say that there were cases when people spent entire fortunes in an evening, after which they threw themselves down the cliff and crashed.
That's basically all I saw in one day in Monaco. I also wandered around the streets and looked into the shops. Another interesting thing. Owning a home in Monaco is very expensive and prestigious. But you can only have housing when you live in it. Therefore, local rich people specifically hire people who imitate life in their apartments during the owner’s absence. They come in the evening, turn on the lights, wash, and cook something. Well, something like this. In general, these are the imitators
Renting housing in Monaco is expensive; on Airbnb the price averages $40-80 per night. Although there are also cheaper options. By the way, you can get a bonus from me for your first stay through the Airbnb website for about $20. To do this you need to register using this link. The bonus will be automatically credited to your account.
That's all for me.
Monaco is a tiny state where people are used to living luxuriously. Only wealthy tourists go there, because even a cup of coffee costs 50 US dollars. The sights of Monaco are scattered throughout the country, each deserves attention. It is important to know that significant cultural monuments are located quite far from each other. Knowing in advance what to see in Monaco will make it easier for you to organize your trip.
What to see first in Monaco?
First of all, I would like to present you with a rating of the sights of Monaco that you need to see first of all. A trip to this country cannot but be memorable, because it is literally overflowing with historical and cultural monuments.
1. Museum of Old Monaco
Main entrance to the Museum of Old Monaco As the name implies, this is a place where entire collections of antique objects, ceramics, and paintings are presented to the attention of tourists and local residents. The furnishings are made from preserved furniture from past centuries. National costumes also arouse interest among tourists, because they seem to transport them back to the old days. The museum is free to visit and open on certain days of the week from June to September. By visiting it, you can get an idea of who the Monegasques are.
2. Botanical Garden of Monaco
Flora of the Botanical Garden of Monaco It has several names, but one thing is for sure: this attraction should be one of the first to see. There are unique collections of cacti, succulents, and what is the view from the top, which opens from the slide! You will have the entire principality at your fingertips. In describing the garden, I would like to note that it specializes mainly in plants that have special tissues where water is stored. They were brought from different parts of the planet. The garden area reaches 1 hectare, and there are specimens that have managed to take root in the local climate.
3. Larvotto Beach
Snow-white artificial sand on Larvotto beach This Monaco attraction is a must for those who want a glamorous beach holiday, because the beach is one of the most expensive in the world. It is possible to sunbathe topless, but keep in mind that the absence of jewelry on the body may be considered bad manners. As for the prices for drinks and beach equipment, they are simply off the charts, but the service of the staff in restaurants and on the seashore is worth it. Especially mothers with children like the jellyfish net, which stretches along the entire coast.
4. Monaco Ville
Panorama of Monaco Ville For those who are not in the know, the state described does not have a capital; it only has districts, one of which is Monaco-Ville. It is laced with picturesque pedestrian paths that lead to Palace Square, where the official residence of the princely family is located. Many tourists strive to get here to see how the guard, consisting of 12 perfectly selected soldiers, changes. The area is located on a cliff 60 m high above the water level, just a stone's throw from the sea.
5. Japanese garden
Corner of the Japanese Garden This landmark of Monaco is considered a real miracle, and it is located on Princess Grace Avenue, as close as possible to the beach. Looking at the photo of the garden, you understand that it deservedly ranks among the best in the world. It is known that its creation was commissioned from the architect and part-time landscape painter Jassy Beppyu. For 17 months, a whole team of designers worked painstakingly to solve complex technical problems, and it was worth it. The result was a real masterpiece, which to this day is one of the best attractions not only in the country, but also in the world. Plants were selected and arranged in accordance with such concepts as 4 seasons (a symbol of the cyclical nature of human life) and 5 cardinal directions.
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Monaco!
6. Antique Car Museum
Museum collection of vintage cars Victor Grigas When traveling around Monaco, it would not hurt to visit an exhibition of car collections belonging to the prince. The collection contains only rarities, everything is located on the Fontvieille Terrace. The number of vehicles reaches hundreds, among them European and American models, from various eras. Of interest are the carriages that once belonged to Prince Rainier III.
7. St. Nicholas Cathedral
The majestic building of St. Nicholas Cathedral 9. Prince's Palace
Prince's Palace at night While exploring the main attractions of the country, do not neglect the official residence of its rulers. This place with an interesting history cannot but amaze with the grandeur of its appearance; it is located in the already mentioned Monaco-Ville area. It is interesting to know that if a flag flutters over the roof of a large public building, it means that the prince is within his chambers. A special feature of the palace is the presence inside it of an Italian gallery, a hall in which there is a throne, the Salon of Louis XV and Mazarin. In summer, concerts are often held in the courtyard. The palace is not completely open to tourists; Grimaldi's chambers are located in the southwest wing.
10. Casino Monte Carlo
Casino Monte Carlo is the oldest gambling establishment in Europe Interesting places in Monaco are not limited to gardens and cathedrals. The country's calling card is its casinos, and Monte Carlo is one of the most respectable gambling houses in the world. It appeared after Prince Charles III sold 2 cities to Napoleon III. He decided to spend the proceeds on creating an aristocratic resort. The French financier was invited to open a casino in Monaco, and the result was a very beautiful building. Before lunch, you can visit it like a regular museum; you just need to buy a ticket to enter; no dress code is required. By the way, only guests of Monaco have the right to play in the casino; citizens are prohibited from doing so.
11. Monte Carlo Opera House
Entrance to the Monte Carlo Opera House 17. Country Club Monte Carlo
Professional tennis tournament at the Monte Carlo Country Club Ghaly What to visit in Monaco for entertainment? This is a unique place, entirely dedicated to achieving high results. Here, tourists are offered tennis courts with magnificent views of the sea, they are open all year round. To describe the Country Club more precisely, I would like to say that it accommodates 21 clay courts with a beautiful view of the sea coast, 2 hard courts and the same number for squash. For entertainment, tourists are offered individual/collective courses, various competitions among juniors and adults, as well as tournaments are organized.
18. Cafe de Paris
View from Casino Square to the Café de Paris tiger rus Another attraction of Monaco is located in the busiest place in Monte Carlo, namely the famous Casino Square. The cafe is very popular among tourists because there you can see wax figures of the autochthonous subjects of the Principality. What to visit in Monaco, namely the Café de Paris? Here, in addition to the main hall, there is a brasserie (an elongated hall decorated with stained glass windows in the Belle Epoque style) and several terraces. The cuisine in this establishment is not only high-quality, but also varied; the chef manages to create the most original dishes with an unforgettable taste. The cafe would not be complete without a seafood stall.
19. Chapel of Divine Mercy
Chapel of Mercy (left) in Baroque style M.Strīķis Thinking about what to see in Monaco from the ancient times? Pay attention to the Chapelle de la Misericorde, a small building with icons built in 1639, it is decorated in the Baroque style. During the French Revolution it suffered serious damage, but after some time the chapel was restored. The façade was supplemented with pilasters, capitals, and mosaic paintings. The main value of this Monaco landmark is the wooden sculpture of Christ, made by the personal sculptor of Emperor Napoleon I. Of particular value are donations from parishioners and gifts from those who repent.
20. La Mayenne Corniche
The highway runs along the sea, rising serpentine to the Valdiney Pimenta mountains Another attraction of Monaco is the highway connecting the small state with the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, Nice. The uniqueness of the highway is that it runs along the sea coast, attention, at an altitude of 200 m above sea level. Just imagine what a person feels when he finds himself in these parts. Indeed, what is worth seeing in Monaco is the village of Eze, located on a cliff not far from the medieval castle. This place attracts with its panoramic view from the mountain to the famous resort of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
The sights in Monaco cannot but delight with their splendor. The country, although small, can surprise. There are hotels in Monaco to suit every taste and budget; you won’t have any problems choosing, the main thing is to plan everything in advance. There are many special services with which you can book a room.
Sights of Monaco
1. Port of Fontvieille
The Port of Fontvieille is a haven for the very rich and famous, a true showcase of yacht building achievements. Here you can see the yacht of Bill Gates and Roman Abramovich, Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere. The Port of Fontvieille can accommodate approximately 275 vessels of various sizes. Fifty years ago, on the site of the port there was an ordinary piece of sand; Porte de Fontvieille began to be built in 1966 and now this place has an amazing view of the picturesque marina in the cliffs of Monaco.
2. St. Nicholas Cathedral (Monaco St Nicholas Cathedral)
Each Catholic country has its own national cathedral, in Monaco, this is St. Nicholas Cathedral. The cathedral is named after the first Catholic church from the 13th century, which was destroyed in the 19th century. The cathedral is the tomb for representatives of the family of the Prince of Monaco.
3. Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum is housed in a Baroque building overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The museum in Monaco was opened in 1910 by Prince Albert. The great oceanographer and popularizer of marine science Jacques-Yves Cousteau was director of the museum from 1957 to 1988. The museum celebrated its centenary in March 2010, after extensive renovation work. The Oceanographic Museum has a rich collection of marine life such as sharks, turtles and shellfish, as well as ship models and skeletons of sea animals. The aquarium in the basement of the Oceanographic Museum is home to 4,000 different species of fish. The Oceanographic Museum is a real landmark of Monaco.
4. Larvotto Beach
Larvotto beach in Monaco is the most popular beach and this despite the fact that the beach is more pebbly than sandy and you will need to wear shoes when walking along it. The beach is just a few minutes walk from Monte Carlo Avenue. The beach is famous for its perfect cleanliness and order; there are many restaurants and bars near the beach.
5. Botanical Garden (Jardin Exotique)
This botanical garden, built and planted on the side of a cliff, houses more than 1,000 succulents, an incredible collection of Latin American and African cacti, giant cacti and aloes, some plants over 100 years old. On the territory of the garden there is a deep grotto where excursions are organized. The garden is a great place to take a panoramic photo of Monaco overlooking the harbour. The Botanical Garden is a wonderful natural attraction of Monaco.
6. Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. All racers in the world consider it an honor to win this Grand Prix, since in Monaco the track is laid right along the narrow streets of the city and has many sharp turns. This race is one of the most demanding in Formula 1 for drivers. This Grand Prix has been held in Formula 1 since 1955. The Monaco Grand Prix is Monaco's main sporting attraction.
7. Monte Carlo Harbor
Monte Carlo Harbor is the ideal base for exploring all that Monaco has to offer. It is in this harbor that there is a yacht owned by the Prince of Monaco and other richest people on the planet. The port can accommodate up to 500 ships in this picturesque location. Travelers can relax on the waterfront where there are many open-air cafes and restaurants, and where they can enjoy beautiful scenery and luxury yachts in a glamorous setting.
8. Monaco-Ville
Monaco-Ville is the real medieval heart of the city, as well as one of the administrative districts. It is believed that it was here that the Greeks created their colony in the 6th century and that the Principality of Monaco was founded from here. It is in this area that the Oceanographic Museum and St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Prince's Palace and the Martin Gardens are located.
9. Monte Carlo Casino
The Casino of Monte Carlo was created in the 19th century to save the Grimaldi family from bankruptcy. This plan worked and the Monte Carlo casino is now world famous, here you can spin roulette, play baccarat, craps and slot machines, even James Bond tried his hand here. The casino has a dress code and foreign visitors must show identification.
10. K Prince's Palace of Monaco)
The Prince's Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the country's rulers, the Grimaldi family, currently headed by Prince Albert II, son of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. The history of the palace has been written since the 12th century, when a fortress was founded on this site. The palace is open to the public every year from June to October. Once inside, travelers will find a courtyard made of 3 million pebbles that form a geometric pattern. Every day at 11:55 am, in front of the palace, tourists can watch the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the “Carabiniers”.
