MONACO & MONTE CARLO

The Mediterranean Principality of Monaco is surrounded by France but is actually an independent country.

Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, covering only two square miles and has been ruled for more than 700 years by the Grimaldi family. Its present ruler Prince Albert took over the throne in 2005 after the death of his father Prince Rainier. Prince Albert's mother was the glamorous American film star Grace Kelly who died in a car accident in 1982.

Monte Carlo, home of the famous Grand Prix motor race, is one of Monaco's four districts, and has been synonymous with glamour, elegance - and gambling - since the 1800s.

The glittering Monte Carlo Casino was built in the classic Belle Epoque style in 1861 in the reign of Charles III and is arguably the most famous casino in Europe.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air
Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport is 15 miles from Monaco and the nearest airport, providing links with most major European cities. Some airlines also provide direct flights between US cities and Nice.

Helicopter
Daily flights depart every 20 minutes between Nice Airport and Monaco. It's a highly scenic journey taking around seven minutes. The heliport's mini-van shuttle links the heliport to various hotels in Monaco.

Bus
There are regular daily bus connections from Terminals 1 and 2 every hour, from 9am - 9pm. The journey time takes approximately 45 minutes.

Taxi
Journey time: approximately 35 minutes - Average rate: 90 €

Train
All international trains stop at Monaco/Monte-Carlo Station located at Avenue Prince Pierre:
IC-The "Ligure" (Marseille-Milan);
The "Train Bleu" (Paris-Ventimiglia);
The "T.G.V." (Paris-Nice-Monaco).

Car
The Principality is close to both France and Italy. Coming from Italy, take the "Monaco-Roquebrune" exit; from France, take the "56 Monaco" exit.

In addition, between Nice and Monaco, three major roads - called "Basse", "Moyenne", and "Grande" Corniche respectively - are particularly attractive scenic routes for tourists...

ACCOMMODATION

Players who have won full prize packages on PokerStars will be notified of their hotel details by email. You do not need to make a hotel reservation. If you have any queries, please email ept@pokerstars.com.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Official language: French

Currency:  the Euro (http://www.xe.com/).

Banks: Most banks have an exchange counter (open from 10am - 7pm; Mondays to Saturdays) and automatic cash dispensers (ATMs). Some hotels will also exchange money (at rates generally higher than banks).

Visas:  the same requirements as for France. North Americans and Australians can stay for 90 days. Other citizens should consult a travel agent.

International dialling code: +377 (the USA is +1)

Time: Like France, Monaco is in the Central European Time zone. All tournament times are local.

Tourist information: Visit Monaco