Monaco forms an enclave into the French Departement of the Alpes Maritimes. The narrow ribbon of coastline is backed by the mountains, which form a protective barrier. This area creates a natural amphitheater. From the heights of the Tête de Chien or Mont Agel, or from lower down from the Moyenne-Corniche at the level of the entrance to the Jardin Exotique, there are a number of panoramic viewpoints looking out over exceptional scenery. The ancestral Rocher and the promontory of Spélugues border the harbor where pleasure boats are moored. The Rock of Monaco has a medieval air. It is a city of bright, clean streets which converge on the Prince's Palace Square, where there are museums, boutiques and restaurants.
Monaco is well located for exploring Provence and the French Riviera. For a description of the area of France surrounding Monaco, see Côte d'Azur in the France section.
