The Monaco Grand Prix is a world famous event, and one that we think of most weeks when we visit the principality in our trusty old Land Rover !

As we race around the famous circuit at 10 miles an hour hopelessly looking for a place to park and staring at the armed police we always wonder why we drove as it is almost impossible to park a large vehicle and we always take the train now if we possibly can.

Monaco is famous for so many things, including the Jardin Exotique which is perched on the limestone cliffs above the town. Don’t try and visit with a child in push chair as they do not allow entry to push chairs !

There are many places to stay in Monaco, at a price, with famous hotels such as the Hotel de Paris being part of Monaco’s legendary status.

Monaco is very built up, very glamourous and at first sight very unsustainable, but the principality is addressing this and starting to take a leading role in climate change. H.S.H Prince Albert II is encouraging as many carbon and climate initiatives as he can.

Monaco is fabulously rich in many ways, the plants in the gardens are fantastic as are the fireworks that they set off for many events throughout the year. Enjoy, if you can find a place to park!

•H.S.H Prince Albert II is the head of state

•Monaco is the world’s most densely populated country and covers an area of less than 2km squared

•Monaco is french speaking

•Monaco is one of the most expensive places on the planet

Painting shown:

Artist: John Dyer
Painting: “Exotique Nights, Monaco”

Size: 33 x 40 inches

Medium: Acrylic on board
Courtesy of Gallery Monaco