A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Monte Carlo

Life in Monte Carlo

Education in Monte Carlo

Monaco has seven nurseries and three state-operated primary schools, one secondary school and a vocational and hotel training institution known as ‘Lycee’. Many expats living in Monaco send their children to schools in nearby France, which offers a larger variety, particularly for international students.

For information on the educational facilities in Monaco and to apply, please see the Principality’s Education site.

France’s educational structure comprises of compulsory education for students aged between six and 16. The school year runs from September to July, followed by a long summer break until the next school year commences. The average school week lasts approximately 24 hours from 08:30–16:30, including breaks; however, this may vary between regions and schools.

State education is usually secular, with mixed-sex classes, and is provided for free. However, private education is also available, which includes most international and religious based schools but does attract a fee.

Transportation in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo and the wider region of Monaco is supported by rail, road, air and water transportation infrastructure.

The rail system in Monaco is entirely underground, with a total of 1.7 km of rail network, operated by Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SNCF) or the “National society of French railways”. These are complemented by seven elevators and travelators connecting commuters to key landmarks and areas throughout Monaco.

The main station is known as the ‘underground railway station of Monaco-Monte Carlo’ and it is from here that commuters are able to travel both within the region and internationally using the extensive rail system.

In addition, Monaco is serviced by five key bus routes, operated by Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco, as well as two services which link commuters to neighboring regions.

There is no airport directly located in Monaco; however, nearby is the Cote d’Azur Airport which is serviced via bus from Monaco. Due to its coastal location Monaco is, however, serviced by two sea ports, Fontvielle and Port Hercules, which offer commuters a connection to nearby Nice as well as seasonal ferry services which connect commuters to St. Tropez in peak season.

Aside from public transportation, Monaco and Monte Carlo are served by approximately 50 km of urban roads, also providing direct access to the main A8 auto route. As with its rail system, much of Monaco’s road network is located underground in an effort to alleviate traffic and congestion as well as to preserve its landscape.

Culture and Leisure

Monte Carlo is a hugely popular tourist resort. Its location and climate make it an ideal vacation destination and it attracts tourists from Europe and beyond. Monte Carlo is famous for its Circuit de Monaco, where the Formula One Grand Prix takes place each year, as well as other sporting events such as the Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament and World Championship boxing matches.

The Monte Carlo Rally denotes the start of the World Rally Championship season, taking place just outside the Monte Carlo quarter on the public roads, making it a huge attraction for racing fans.

The Opéra de Monte-Carlo, designed by the same architect as the Paris Opera House, Charles Garnier, is known to attract stars of the stage as well as artists entering the industry and its ornate architecture in red and gold offers visitors the glamour of the larger Paris Opera House in a more intimate setting.

Its casino, as well as the city itself, has been the location of many films and TV series and attracts movie fans and stars from across the globe to pay homage to its heritage.

In addition, Monte Carlo benefits from its close proximity to other areas and attractions of Monaco such as the Napolean Museum, the Monaco Cathedral and the Prince’s Palace, all located in Monaco-Ville.