Monégasque culture is the type one buys a new frock for; it’s an ideal accompaniment to martinis and finger food. Most of its cultural institutions sprang up fresh-faced in the 17th century under the patronage of Prince Honoré III. The prize-winning Monte Carlo Philharmonic has been thumping out tunes since 1863, while the more modern Monte Carlo Ballet was established by Princess Caroline to honour her mother’s memory. Monte Carlo also has its own opera and several theatres.

If you scrape off Monaco’s flawless make-up, however, you’ll find the remnants of a deeply religious, spiritual culture underneath. The legend of Dévote, the country’s patron saint and founder, is a cherished part of Monégasque heritage. Every year on 27 January a torchlit ceremony is held for her at the Church of St Dévote. Monaco also venerates saints such as St Roman, a martyred Roman legionary, and St John.