Casino de Monte-Carlo: Where Bond Was Born

James Bond's Casino Royale was inspired by this building. Monaco citizens are forbidden from gambling here - a law dating to the 19th century. Today, 29.2% of residents are millionaires.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Enter the Atrium History · Price: moderate

   Entry to the atrium is €17 (includes gaming rooms after 14:00). The Belle Époque architecture was designed by Charles Garnier - the same architect as the Paris Opera (built 1863). Look up at the ceiling frescoes and 28 Ionic columns. The casino saved Monaco from bankruptcy - by 1869, the state stopped collecting income tax.

   Backup: If you don't want to pay, the exterior and gardens are free and spectacular.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Walk the Gaming Rooms Adventure · Free

   Walk through the Salle Europe and Salons Privés. These rooms inspired Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. Monaco's ~9,800 citizens are legally forbidden from gambling here - a law from Princess Caroline (1850s) to prevent locals losing their wealth to the state. You can gamble; they cannot.

   Backup: If gaming rooms are too crowded, the atrium and Opera House section offer the same architecture.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Champagne at the Bar Wine · Price: high

   Order champagne at the casino bar or Bar Américain. Churchill, Lloyd George, the Aga Khan, and Cary Grant were regulars. Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier at the Cannes Film Festival, but they frequented this casino together. Dress code: smart casual before 18:00, formal after.

   Backup: Café de Paris across the square serves champagne with casino views at lower prices.

   Log Memory