Page "Monte Carlo" Paragraph 1

Monte Carlo ( literally " Mount Charles ") is situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera.

Near the western end of the quarter is the world-famous Place du Casino, the gambling center which has made Monte Carlo " an international byword for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth.

" It is also the location of the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris, and the Salle Garnier ( the casino theatre which is the home of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo ).

The eastern part of the quarter includes the community of Larvotto with Monaco's only public beach, as well as its new convention center ( the Grimaldi Forum ), and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.

At its eastern border one crosses into the French town of Beausoleil ( sometimes referred to as Monte-Carlo-Supérieur ), and just 5 miles ( 8 km ) further east is the western border of Italy.