Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
3. PRINCE'S PALACE, MONACO
Built on the site of a 13th-century Genoese fortress, the seat of the Grimaldi princes
of Monaco, flanked by centuries-old cannons, is even more imposing inside than out.
Highlights include superb frescoes of mythological scenes by 16th-century Genoese
artists, the opulent blue-and-gold Louis XV Salon, the finely crafted woodwork of
the Mazarin Salon and the gorgeous Throne Room. The main courtyard, the Cour
d'Honneur, with its geometrical pebble patterns, is a wonderful setting for summer
concerts. The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, in full dress uniform, changes
the guard daily at 11:55am.
Pl du Palais • Open (State Rooms and Grands Ap-
partements: Apr-Oct: 10am-6pm daily • Adm
Google Map
View photo
4. VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD,
ST-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT
The most palatial of all the villas built in the Riviera's plutocratic heyday was the
dream of Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild (1864-1934), a daughter of the wealthy
banking family. Its lavish Neo-Classical façade conceals an opulent interior of ar-
cades surrounded by a covered courtyard hung with magnificent tapestries. Superb
antiques and sketches by Fragonard also feature, while the gardens are as sumptuous
as the interior (for further details see
Jardin de la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild,
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
)
.
1 ave Ephrussi de Rothschild • Open 10am-6pm daily
(Nov-Feb:2-6pmMon-Fri,10am-6pmSat-Sun)•DAtogroundflooronly•Adm
Google Map
View photo
5. CHATEAU-MUSEE GRIMALDI, HAUT-DE-CAGNES
Built as a Grimaldi fortress in 1309, this castle's battlements dominate the landscape
of Haut-de-Cagnes. Inside the walls, however, is a wonderful surprise: a sumptuous
palace, built in 1620 by Jean Henri Grimaldi. Today it houses a clutch of museums
and art collections including a museum of modern Mediterranean art, a museum
dedicated to the olive tree, and a collection of portraits of the renowned 1930s
chanteuse
, Suzy Solidor.
9 pl Grimaldi • Open 10am-noon (Jul & Aug: to 1pm),
2-6pm (Nov-Apr: to 5pm) Wed-Mon • Closed 1 Jan, 25 Dec • Adm
Google Map
View photo
