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Photographs, research and writing by Matthew Falcus

Introduction to Monaco

If anywhere is to upstage the glitz and glamour of the Côte d'Azur, it is perhaps the biggest insult that the main contender is literally on its doorstep. Monaco and its ornate Monte Carlo are so upmarket that you need a bank loan to pay for lunch, and a wardrobe of designer wear to fool even the most likeable of doormen to let you into their hotels.

But the tiny principality is not all like this. Very accessible to tourists, the port is always bustling with yachts and cruise liners. And popular Nice is only 20 minutes via a fast train link.

Around its gold-lined streets, Monaco throws high-rise appartment blocks above you at every opportunity and a long list of expensive boutiques and restaurants ply for the attention of your expensive tastes. But for the less affluent of us, all is not lost. Up on the hill between the modern areas of development is the heart of the colony - the old town. Here you'll find the home of the monarchy - the Palais Rainier. There's also the Oceanographic Institute set up by Jacques Coustea, and the Cathedrale de Monaco which is the final resting place of Grace Kelly and many other former monarchs.

To many, Monaco is also known as an international sporting venue when the Formula 1 Grand Prix comes to town, but to most it is a place to gamble at the famous casino in the heart of Monte Carlo - a place where you're likely to be rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous at any time of the year.