Tour de France begins in Monte Carlo, Monaco

Tour de France 2009 begins in a destination perfectly befitting of the tour's rich history: Monaco.

Here is the official Tour de France blurb on Monte Carlo, capital of the principality of Monaco:

• 5-time stage-town
• Population 32,000
• Capital of the Principality of Monaco

Bordering the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco spans a total surface area of 2 square km - the second smallest State in the world after the Vatican - of which 40 hectares of land were recovered pacifically from the sea. It unfurls along a narrow coastal strip of 4 kilometres bounded by the French Riviera and the Italian Riviera and benefits from a particularly mild and sunny climate throughout the year.

The Principality has only one commune, Monaco, whose limits are the same as those of the State and is divided into 5 main districts: Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvieille and Les Moneghetti. The population, very cosmopolitan, consists of 125 nationalities for 32 000 inhabitants including 8 000 citizens of Monaco, 9000 French and 5000 Italians.

It is a sovereign and independent state within the framework of the general principles of international law and specific conventions with France. For seven centuries, the Grimaldi dynasty has been watching over and working for the destiny of the Principality of Monaco. Throughout history, the Grimaldi have managed to hold on to the independence and sovereignty of the Principality, making Monaco a sovereign state recognised by all.

Find out more: Tour de France 2009 | Monte Carlo, Monaco Picture Gallery