Casino
Cafe
Hotel
Vincent Laganier
Monte Carlo’s legendary Casino Square attracts the international players
A fairy-tale of light Casino Square, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Cherubs, mouldings, cornices and balconies, all are lighted to reveal the artistry of the architecture
F
amous throughout the world for its many artistic and sporting events, the vitality of Monte Carlo developed during the belle époque. Dominating the bay of Monaco is the famous Casino, a gaming house established by the Societé des Bains de Mer (SBM) in 1863. Under the enlightened management of the billionaire François Blanc, it made Monaco a synonym of fortune, gaming, holidays and travel. Today it is the main building in the square, having been increased in size and then embellished and rebuilt. In 1878 it gained a neo-classical frontage surmounted by
two pinnacles designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Opéra de Paris. The Hôtel de Paris was built in 1864 on the model of the Grand Hotel in Paris. Opposite the hotel, on the other side of the square, is the Café de Paris, with magnificent windows again by Garnier. Renovated throughout, the new Café de Paris was inaugurated on 21 July 1988. The entrance hall, the drugstore and the huge bistrostyle terrace pleasantly complement the rest of the building, permitting the Café de Paris to retain its place in the first rank of Monegasque tourist facilities. 2
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