Monaco is a place that evokes images of endless days just basking under the sun and frolicking in the water. But the city state has much more to offer than its idyllic beauty. Those craving some excitement in between their beach holidays will surely enjoy these exciting sporting events that have come to be synonymous with the principality.
Automobile Racing
When you think of Monaco, one of the first things that come to mind is Formula One racing. The biggest and most popular sporting event closely linked to the principality, the Monaco Grand Prix has been attracting throngs of avid racing fans and tourists from all over the world since 1929.
The event is considered by many as one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. Ever since its inception, the Circuit de Monaco in the prestigious municipality of Monte Carlo has been challenging and testing the best and finest Formula One racers around the world.
Widely regarded as one of most demanding tracks in Formula One racing, this narrow 3.3-kilometer circuit is full of tight corners and elevation changes that have crushed many racers’ dreams, created numerous racing legends, and provided tons of excitement and delight for racing aficionados worldwide.
Other racing events in the principality include Formula E racing, which is held biennially with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco on the ePrix, and the Monte Carlo Rally organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco.
Tennis tournaments
Monaco is home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world – the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. Since 1928, this event has been staged on the hallowed clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France. It is part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000 and takes place annually between April and May.
While it is not the biggest tennis tournament in the world, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters in Monaco still draws in huge crowds every year. Tennis fans, sports enthusiasts, and famous celebrities all over the world gather to watch top-seeded tennis superstars duke it out in court for pride and glory.
The clay courts of the Monte-Carlo Country Club isn’t just world renowned for the great matches it hosts, but also for its scenic beauty. There are very few tennis courts in the world that can equal the landscape that surrounds this venerated club.
Equestrian Events
Another notable sporting attraction in Monaco is the annual International Jumping de Monte-Carlo – a prestigious event that brings together the best riders in the world. It is the third biggest sporting event in Monaco, just behind the Formula One Grand Prix and the Tennis Masters.
Even though it is fairly new, having started only in 2005, it has quickly garnered popularity due to its short yet highly demanding and technical course. The circuit’s narrow pathways and many challenging bends have tested the skills of many of the world’s best riders’ and elicited excitement among viewers worldwide. Anyone lucky enough to watch this competition is guaranteed to witness a unique spectacle.
Football Games
With two major football teams under its principality—the men’s football club AS Monaco FC and the women’s football club OS Monaco — it is safe to say that Monaco absolutely loves football. In fact, their men’s football club is one of the most successful clubs in the French league. The AS Monaco FC has won Ligue 1 an astonishing eight times and has consistently competed at the top level since 1953.
Football matches are held at the grand Stade Louis II, which serves not only as the home for the AS Monaco FC and the Monaco national football team but also as a venue for Meeting Herculis, a track-and-field meet of the Diamond League. Even if you’re not a big fan of football or sports in general, the stadium is worth checking out just for its grandeur and its distinctive nine arches at the away end of the ground.
Other sporting events
Other notable tournaments in Monaco include the Monaco Marathon, the Monte-Carlo Polo Cup, and the Monaco Solar and Energy Boat Challenge. You might also want to check out the principality’s local basketball and rugby matches.
Monaco is brimming with world-class sporting activities. If you’re interested in any of these, be sure to get your tickets fast so you can get the best seat in the house.
If you want to know more about what it’s like to live in Monaco and the myriad things to do in this country, call Spark & Partners at +377.97.777.000 or email hello(at)spark-estate(dotted)com
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