17 November 2007

A night out in Monte Carlo - 2


We've walked up the steps of the Hôtel de Paris, passed through the revolving doors, been greeted by one of the Lagerfeld-dressed doormen, of course. Just inside the lobby of this magnificent Belle Epoque building is a statue of Louis XIV on horseback. You can see the patina on the horse's knee, where it's been rubbed - for luck - by countless gamblers over the years. The casino is just a few steps away across Casino square.

Alain Ducasse's famous Michelin three-starred Le Louis XV restaurant is off to the right. You can just see the entrance in this photograph. It has a wine cellar with reputedly millions of dollars worth of century-old Napoleon brandy and Chateau Margaux 1920. No, I'm sorry, we are not eating there but do click on the link - you can do a virtual tour of the restaurant - and as you'll see it's absolutely stunning. You do need to mortgage your house to eat there tho.

To the left, out of shot, is the American Bar - that is where we'll be going for a drink before eating in Le Grill upstairs.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, this is a beautiful place. And after you rubbed the horse's knee, how much did you win while gambling?

Nice photograph.

Ann (MobayDP) said...

It's all so shiny!

Wayne said...

That is one heckuva statue! Very ornate. And the lobby and restaurant entrance in the background make me feel like I not dressed up enough to view these pictures! I guess I should have changed when I left the Caves Tour. :)
Thanks,
Wayne

NorthBayPhoto said...

Very beautiful photos and lobby.

Ming the Merciless said...

I immediately thought of Louis XIV when I saw the statue.

I love the gold color everywhere. IT's so decadent.

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