Did you know that the Principality attracted numerous innovators of the aviation world?
Few people know that Monaco is not just a pioneering region in the field of sustainability but it has always had a strong role in the innovation sector as well.
It is widely known that Monaco was a pioneer in the history of the casino industry but it is much less known that Monaco was a key site that attracted numerous innovators of the aviation world.
This started in 1908 when Camille Blanc suggested to Prince Albert I of Monaco that they should organise a major flying competition in the Principality.
In 1911, Henri Fabre flew over the Port of Monaco in his seaplane, putting on a unique show for spectators who had flocked to the Casino terraces, before his plane unfortunately crashed on the rocks.
Later in 1914, Monaco was the arrival point for the first air rally, inspired by automobile rallies.
In 1921, Monaco held its last flying competition. The activity was abandoned due to the lack of space to accommodate the ever-growing crowds of spectators. Monaco was proud to have played an important part in aviation history for a decade.
