Fontvieille: Monaco's Modern Gem by the Sea

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [see-voo pleh/dee ree-an]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ey voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prawn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, see-voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, see-voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-coor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo-zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la Police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uhn meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zheh-shay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zheust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-ehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Fontvieille is one of the newest districts in Monaco, developed in the 1970s. Its creation was a monumental engineering feat as it involved reclaiming land from the sea. The project was initiated to accommodate Monaco's growing population and to provide more space for residential and commercial buildings.

The development of Fontvieille was largely driven by Prince Rainier III, who envisioned the area as a modern extension of Monaco. His vision included not only residential and commercial spaces but also cultural and recreational facilities, making Fontvieille a well-rounded district.

Fontvieille Harbour, completed in 1973, became a new hub for maritime activities. The harbour can accommodate up to 275 boats and yachts, making it a popular destination for luxury vessels. It also hosts various marine-related businesses and offers scenic views of the Mediterranean.

Opened in 1985, the Stade Louis II is one of the landmarks of Fontvieille. This multi-purpose stadium is home to AS Monaco FC and hosts a variety of sports events, including athletics and international competitions. The stadium is also known for its distinctive architecture, featuring nine arches at its entrance.

Established in 1976, the Monaco Heliport in Fontvieille serves as a vital link between Monaco and the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport. This heliport has significantly improved accessibility to Monaco, making it easier for tourists and business travelers to reach the principality.

Inaugurated in 1984 in memory of Princess Grace Kelly, the Princess Grace Rose Garden is a tranquil oasis in Fontvieille. The garden features over 4,000 rose bushes of various varieties, offering a peaceful retreat for both locals and visitors.

The Fontvieille Shopping Centre, opened in the 1990s, provides a variety of retail options, from luxury boutiques to everyday stores. This commercial hub also includes dining establishments and entertainment facilities, making it a popular spot for both shopping and leisure.

Fontvieille Park and Zoo, established in the 1980s, offers a green space for relaxation and recreation. The zoo houses a diverse collection of animals and is dedicated to conservation and education. It is a favorite destination for families and animal enthusiasts.

Fontvieille is located in the Principality of Monaco, easily accessible from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a private transfer, or the express bus line 110, which connects Nice to Monaco in about 45 minutes. If you prefer traveling by train, the Monaco-Monte-Carlo train station is serviced by the SNCF network, providing frequent connections to major French cities and Italy.

Fontvieille is a compact area and many of its attractions are within walking distance. The local bus service operated by Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) is efficient and covers various parts of Monaco, including Fontvieille. Taxis are readily available, but can be expensive. For a unique experience, consider using the electric bike-sharing service, MonaBike, which has several stations in Fontvieille.

The official currency of Monaco is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Fontvieille, and most offer services in multiple languages. Carrying some cash is advisable for smaller establishments or market purchases.

Fontvieille is generally a safe area with a low crime rate. However, as with any tourist destination, it is wise to stay vigilant. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods in Fontvieille, but standard travel precautions should always be observed.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Fontvieille has several medical facilities, including the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies during your stay.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, as Monaco is known for its stylish dress code. Avoid overly casual attire, especially in upscale establishments. Religion: Do respect religious customs and dress modestly when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do validate your bus tickets before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and dine at local restaurants. Don't forget to tip, as it is customary in Monaco.

To experience Fontvieille like a local, stroll through the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a serene spot beloved by residents. Visit the Fontvieille Harbour for a relaxed evening by the water. Engage with locals at the weekly market where you can buy fresh produce and local goods. Don't miss the chance to explore the Museum of Vintage Automobiles, showcasing Prince Rainier III's car collection.