Monaco: History of a Micro-state

Written and directed by Frédéric Compain

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In Monaco, one in two inhabitants is a millionaire. But behind the glitz, glamour and extreme wealth, the tiny principality hides a fascinating history of suppressed revolts, lucrative alliances and political intrigue. In three episodes, this series takes a behind-the-scenes look at a micro-state shaped by the Grimaldi family over seven centuries.

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Episode 1 - Princes and Croupiers

For centuries, the Grimaldi family, originally from Genoa, owned vast territories in France as well as the principality of Monaco, an isolated fishing village. Around 1860, with the support of Napoleon III, Prince Charles Grimaldi transformed this penniless rock on the Mediterranean into a shiny paradise for gambling: Monte Carlo…

Episode 2 - Dandies and Straw Men

The 1920s saw Monaco lose its European gambling monopoly. Weakened, the principality found a new way to attract the wealthy: holding companies. By guaranteeing secrecy to the wealthy owners of these financial companies, Monaco attracted a great deal of interest: Fascists who wanted it to be annexed to Italy, Nazis and collaborators who grew rich and wanted to protect their assets, then Communists after the Liberation... In 1945, the young Prince Rainier had to rebuild the principality, which had been ravaged by war.

Episode 3 - Stars and Estate Agents

The marriage of Rainier and Grace Kelly restored Monaco's immense notoriety by reviving its glamorous history, which would continue with their children. In addition, the prince embarked on an urban transformation: to welcome the wealthiest individuals to his tax haven, more and more construction was needed. Freed from France, the principality found itself more exposed to international scrutiny: is it a democracy? Is the Principality doing enough to combat money laundering? Monaco will have to adapt again and again.

Directed by: Frédéric Compain
Written by: Frédéric Compain
Production: YAMI 2 - Antoine Boukobza and Christophe Nick
Broadcaster: ARTE
Year of release: 2025
Duration: 3 x 45 min

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Frédéric Compain's three-part documentary brilliantly illuminates the political, social, economic and even geostrategic issues of this confetti born of the Grimaldis' conquest of a Genoese stronghold. Rich in archival material, it gives a voice to historians as well as contemporary figures, including the mayor of Monaco, the head of the Société des Bains de Mer, the former director of urban planning, a real estate agent, and others. From a rural, deprived territory to an artificial tax haven, from the golden age of the casino to the strategies of the princely family, a remarkable picture emerges. It could have been indigestible without its intelligent structure, alternating between present-day Monaco and its past, all served up by a mischievous commentary with a welcome touch of irony...
- Télérama (3T)