A sovereign and independent state, an affluent and stylish haven for the rich and famous. The Principality of Monaco has borders on its landward side with several communes of the French Department of the Alpes-Maritimes; from west to east these are Cap d'Ail, la Turbie, Beausoleil and Roquebrune Cap Martin. Seawards, Monaco faces the Mediterranean Sea.

The French Riviera has inspired, from time immemorial, the greatest painters, writers and musicians and lately the Jet Set. It has compelled recognition of its avant-garde across the Atlantic, its museums are holding prestigious collections in edifices of renowned architecture. Monaco is full of an extraordinary artistic and cultural heritage.