Jardin Exotique of Monaco~A Garden Like No Other~Cactus, Cavemen~On The Riviera~Write-Off
Written: Jul 14 '08 (Updated Dec 31 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Unique gardens with much to see
Cons: I'm not there now...a lot of walking uphill
The Bottom Line: The Jardin Exotic is just that, exotic and very unusual, huge Cacti from around the world, caves and prehistoric museum await your visit
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| ifif1938's Full Review: Jardin Exotique |
The celebrations in France for Bastille Day were in full swing when I wrote this so I thought I would add my two cents by writing about a place that is very unique on the Cote de Azur, in the famous principality of Monaco
Logistically, Monaco is not considered a French city since it is ruled by it's own Prince and government….but still, Monaco, otherwise known as Monte Carlo, is on the very popular French Rivera, down in the South of France, so I'm going to bend the rules a bit by writing about a special place in this glamorous and exceptional part of the world.
Visitors come to the Riviera with their own ideas of what is important to see and do while they are there, the Princes Palace is usually on top of their lists as is attempting to "Break the Bank" in the Monte Carlo Casino, shopping on the clean, pastel colored streets where the famous designers shops and boutiques are located, that is, if money is no object.
If their visit coincides with the Grand Prix in the Spring the city can be quite intense but for racing fans, an unforgettable, one of a kind, experience But there are some quiet spots that provide views and sights that are amazing and for some, very unexpected.
A favorite place of mine is the Musee de l'Oceanographie one of the most fascinating aquariums I've been too, built on the side of a rock, which goes straight down to the sea, it is a must-see as far as I'm concerned...not to far away, if you go straight up, located along the side of high cliff that overlooks the most magnificent sights of the entire Principality, the shimmering blue Mediterranean sea and the rugged hilltops in another direction, is the Jardin Exotique of Monaco, ("exotic garden of Monaco") The Jardin was first founded by Prince Albert in 1902 when he brought some cactus back with him after his travels around the world and found this land and salt air was very conducive to growing these kinds of succulent plants. Some of these cacti are now considered the tallest in the world and are just breathtaking.
There are thousands of varieties from as far away as Africa and Latin America, some quite weird and wild looking. But don't get too close, those enormous cacti have giant prickly and very sharp thorns. When the Jardin was opened to the public in 1933 it was said that the first visitors couldn't believe their eyes at this strange collection of these exotic succulents and strangely shaped cacti. I have to say I felt the same way both times we were there.
But its not just cactus to see while up there since on the grounds is an underground Cave, (Grottes de L'Observatoire), where prehistoric man once lived, their remains found among this magic world of stalagmites and stalactites which line the curved walls, floors and in every direction you look, whether above or below.
There are guided tours available and though we went into the cave by ourselves we luckily found ourselves following one group whose guide spoke English! Then in 1955 the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology was opened near the entrance to gardens where the collections of ancient relics and archaeological remains are displayed in these most unusual surroundings.
It seems those Prehistoric cavemen liked this area very well since remains have been found all over the region, some even in underwater caves, which I read about just recently. Back the gardens, the trails though the cacti lead to amazing lookout points with those panoramic views of the Principality and the Riviera all the way to Italy.
One visit we spent a week in the small town of Menton which was just one mile from the Italian border and just a moderate walk over the hill into Monaco, well, actually we drove, though we did see some energetic hikers doing what they do naturally, I guess.
There are buses that go up there and of course taxi's if you don't want to hike or have a car which is perfect for those who are on a cruise and have just a day or two in port. From up there you could see almost all of Menton and its beautiful harbor which seems to join the magnificent harbor of Monte Carlo with all those exquisite yachts bobbing in the azure blue waters.
Yes, the Jardin Exotique of Monaco is a very special, wondrous place with unusual and exotic sights which I recommend highly to anyone who is going to be visiting the glorious Cote de Azur in this most splendid region of the South of France.
The entrance fee covers your visit to the gardens, cave and museum at a price of: 6.90 euros for adults 3.60 for children, (6-12 and students) 5.30 for seniors, (over 65)
They are open every day except for Christmas and November 19, a national holiday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer and till 6 in winter
Happy Bastille Day and Happy, Safe Travels
A few of my other related Riviera reviews for those interested.
Monaco and the Musee de l'Oceanographie
The Hillside villages: St Paul De Vence http://www.epinions.com/Saint_Paul_de_Vence
Eze Village: http://www.epinions.com/content_77958188676
Roquebrune Village: http://www.epinions.com/content_77404278404
A Nearby Town, my favorite, Menton: http://www.epinions.com/content_87338684036
A Great Hotel in Menton: http://www.epinions.com/content_89345265284
I'm going to take this opportunity to resurrect my French and English write-off and invite one and all to participate by writing reviews about anything to do with Great Britain or France. A book, perfume, movie or travel tale, whatever, all will be happily added…Just leave me a link in this comment section or e-mail me. Please leave a link to this review or a mention in your review.
My write-off last year and the year before were a huge success so I hope this one will be as well.
Merci Beaucoup
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Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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ifif1938
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Member: Barbara Fields
Location: Miami, Fl
Reviews written: 799
Trusted by: 822 members
About Me:
Going through some heavy duty health issues now. Sorry I won't be around much.
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