Fontvieille

Fontvieille is the newest district formed in Monaco in 1971 as a result of land drainage. It has an area of 33.5 hectares and a population of just over 3,500. The indigenous population (Monegasques) hardly live here, mostly French and Italians live here. The official language is French. As far as religion is concerned, Catholicism is more widespread here.

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It is commonly believed that Fontvieille is the most modern industrial area in the Principality of Monaco. However, if you get into the area, you will probably think it is a quiet countryside area – it is so nice and cozy!

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Climate and weather

The climate in Fontvieille, like the rest of Monaco, fluctuates between subtropical and Mediterranean. The city is located in the south of the country, on the site of a drained maritime area. This is why summers are dry and hot, with average temperatures in July reaching 30ºC. Winters are relatively mild and rainy. The average temperature in January does not exceed 12ºC, the average annual precipitation is about 1000-1200 mm, and most of them fall in the rainy season – October-November. The most favorable time for travel is considered to be from early May to late September.

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Nature

Thanks to the mild climate and good geographical position, the nature of Fonvieille can rightfully be considered one of the main attractions. The town is simply drowning in greenery. Among the trees growing here you can see many palm trees, various types of pines and oaks. The variety of fruit trees (orange, lemon, tangerine) pleases the eye. Persimmon, ginger and various kinds of nuts are also grown here. The animal world is not so rich – mainly some species of small rodents, mammals and birds live here.

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Attractions

One of the main places to visit once in the town of Fontvieille is the Prince René III Vintage Car Museum. There are about 100 cars from different times collected here, which will surely attract many car enthusiasts and not only. The museum is open to the public from 10:00 to 18:00. Duration of the excursion is 45 minutes, for entrance you will have to pay from 3 to 6 euros. The museum is located at Les Terrasses de Fontvieille, MC 98000 Monaco.

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The local Maritime Museum is known for its unusual collection: here you can see scaled-down replicas of the world’s most famous ships. You can also learn about the history of shipbuilding. The duration of the tour is 45 minutes and tickets cost between 2.5 and 4 euros.

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Despite the city’s diminutive size, it has a sports stadium, opened in 1985, which bears the name “Stade Louis II”. It can accommodate up to 16,000 spectators. Various kinds of sports competitions of international level are held here. This is one of the most beautiful sports complexes in the world, equipped with the latest technology. The stadium belongs to the famous soccer club “Monaco”.

One cannot fail to mention the famous heliport located in the town of Fontvieille. With its help, the territories of France and Monaco are connected by air. Tourists are invited to take a ten-minute trip in one of the helicopters and enjoy the beauty of the city from a bird’s-eye view.

Extraordinary views can be admired while strolling through the Fonvieille Landscape Park, where unique plants from all over the world are collected. The main attraction of the park is the magnificent Princess Grace Rose Garden, founded in 1984. Here, by the way, you can walk with a child, as the city authorities have thoughtfully opened a playground, and the clean air and lack of roads in the area make such walks absolutely safe.

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Food

Perhaps one of the most famous eating establishments in Fontvieille is the Beefbar, a bar-restaurant known for cooking the tastiest steaks. Prices here are relatively low, and the level of service will please every visitor. Here you can spend both a romantic evening and a business meeting, book a table in advance or drop in at night. Food, atmosphere, service and price-quality ratio are invariably rated by visitors on the highest score. The restaurant is located at 42, qai Jean-Charles-Rey, Fontvieille 98000, Monaco.

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Constantine and La Saliere are local establishments for lovers of Italian cuisine.

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Accommodation

There are two main hotels in Fontvieille to accommodate visitors to the city, the Hôtel Columbus and the Quai Des Princes Residence HT. Hôtel Columbus was built in 1989 and is located in the city center. It has rooms for every taste: classic rooms, suites, junior suites. Here you can visit bars and restaurants, swim in luxurious pools, and representatives of the business community have the opportunity to hold a business meeting at the highest level.

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Hotel Quai Des Princes Residence HT also has a 4-star status. Its location can not fail to please guests of the country, because it is only 800 meters from the airport. Excellent service will pleasantly surprise even a very demanding guest. Many people will probably be pleased with the presence of a fitness center in the hotel. As for the cost of room rental, it will be much lower than in Hôtel Columbus, as it is an economy-class hotel.

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It should also be noted that despite the developed industry and the important status of the city, it is quite problematic to rent an apartment or apartments in Fontvieille today.

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Entertainment and recreation

Although Fonvieille is considered to be the youngest town in Monaco, it cannot be called a noisy place where you can have fun from morning till night. On the contrary. Here every minute is a rest from the usual city bustle and noise. The abundance of greenery contributes to the feeling of absolute peace. Almost the entire city resembles a pedestrian zone with many parks, passing into each other.

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However, lovers of nightlife can visit the few bars, restaurants and discos, where they will always be welcome!

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Shopping

In this harbor town there are almost no big boutiques with fashionable clothes from famous couturiers. In order to buy clothes, you will have to travel to other commune towns. Fortunately, the journey there will not be long and simple, because in order to go around the country, it will take only an hour.

But the stores and souvenir stores please the eye with their diversity. As you know, the city is located in the south, and this place is famous for its markets, where you can buy the freshest food. Stalls are always almost bursting with an assortment of products, and the prices are pleasantly pleased buyers.

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Transportation

Like other towns in Monaco, Fonvieille lacks a large flow of cars and other forms of transportation. The speed limit is quite strict: the maximum speed allowed is only 50 km/h. You can always use public transportation services, in particular buses, whose route passes by the main sights of the country. The bus fare is about 1.5-2 euros one way per person.

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Communication

Monaco Telecom is the only telecommunications provider in the country. It provides cell phone, internet, and television connectivity services. And let it not confuse you that there is only one operator – the quality of service here is superior to many European countries. But be aware that Wi-Fi access points in Monaco are very few. They are available only in some hotels and inns of the country. In Fontvieille there is such a point in the hotel Hôtel Columbus. But there are absolutely no problems with mobile communication. At the same time, it is quite cheap, and on holidays, operators further reduce the cost of calls both within the network and abroad. Thus, a call can cost less than 0.20 euros. You can connect to Monaco Telecom in any store, supermarket or at the points of connection and customer service.

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Безопасность

As Fonvieille is one of the most important business centers of the country and Europe, the level of security here is appropriate. It is rare to hear about incidents of theft among locals and tourists. The police know their job very well and control the situation perfectly. If a tourist needs medical assistance, he can get it immediately and at an excellent level. By the way, emergency help can be called by phone 18 (fire department) and 17 (police).

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Недвижимость

There are no new developments in Fonvia, although the town was formed relatively recently. Therefore, when deciding to buy a home, you will have to be satisfied with the existing range. Despite the status of the city, there is practically no elite housing (which is not the case in other cities of the country). The city authorities emphasize the middle class of the population. Accordingly, you can buy housing at relatively low prices – up to 800 thousand euros. In the process of buying and selling real estate is recommended, and is even mandatory, to seek the help of specialists. Realtors will familiarize themselves with all the necessary documents and ensure the purity of the transaction. For the services of such agents will have to pay up to 10% of the cost of housing.

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When buying real estate its owner is entitled to a residence permit and citizenship of the Principality of Monaco. But among the necessary conditions for this mandatory is a marriage to a resident or citizen of Monaco or France, or own commercial firm in the country. The procedure of obtaining citizenship takes up to 10 years. If married to a citizen of Monaco or France, the period is reduced to 5 years.

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Tips for the tourist

To get to Fontvieille, you need to have a Schengen visa, the processing of which will cost you 35€. The visa is usually processed within 10 -14 days. It is also necessary to have cash at the rate of 50€ for each day of stay. Students need a certificate from the place of study. More detailed information about the necessary documents tourists are given in the visa centers of consulates, embassies and representative offices of the Principality of Monaco.

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As for the customs control of funds, there are no restrictions on their import and export, but a declaration is required for any amount.

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While in the city of Fontvieille, it is worth remembering: it is not recommended to eat tap water – it is better to buy bottled water in supermarkets and stores. Throughout the country there are high fines for throwing garbage and smoking in unauthorized places. This should not be forgotten if you want your vacation in Fontvieille to leave only pleasant memories!

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