Monaco

What to see, what to do in Monaco in 1, 2 or 3 days

vue sur monaco

What to see, what to do in Monaco for a day? What to visit in 2 to 3 days?

The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican.

This city-state occupies only 2.02 km², its territory being enclosed in the French department of Alpes-Maritimes.

But unlike the Vatican or San Marino, Monaco has territorial waters and access to international waters and is not an enclave in the political sense.

With 37,000 inhabitants, it is the most densely populated country in the world!

The lack of space has led the authorities, since the 1960s, to multiply the towers in the Monte Carlo district.

But the Rock of Monaco, the historic heart of the principality, has retained its traditional architecture.

Do you have questions about tourism in Monaco? How to get there, where to park, what to visit, where are the beaches, the luxury shops?

What are the best activities in Monaco? Follow the mouse! 🙂

Why visit Monaco?

Monaco is an original place that attracts tourists because of its location on the touristy Côte d’Azur, its particularities and the memory of Princess Grace.

The Principality is home to several museums, the most famous of which is the Oceanographic Museum, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors every year.

vue sur Monaco depuis la Turbie

But in addition to the old town, you can also discover the princely palace, the exotic garden and the Observatory cave, and of course the Monte-Carlo district and its casino.

In short, Monaco has a lot to offer in a very limited area :

  • an old town
  • two ports
  • a palace
  • an oceanographic museum
  • a casino
  • luxury hotels
  • museums
  • gardens
  • a wildlife park
  • shopping centres…

So many reasons to visit the Principality!

You come to discover a city-state “landlocked” in France, with a special history.

Map of Monaco


View a larger map

You can download a map here : Monaco tourist map (pdf)

A brief history and presentation of Monaco

Monaco was a trading post founded by the Greeks under the name of Monoikos in the 6th century BC.

This is where the current name of Monaco comes from!

It came under Roman rule after the Gallic War, when the territory was conquered by Julius Caesar.

Attached to neighbouring Turbie, Monaco suffered barbarian and Saracen invasions, and ended up almost depopulated in the Middle Ages!

It was not until it was attached to Genoa in 1191 that it regained some of its lustre!

The fortress, the ancestor of the princely palace, was built as early as 1215 and Genoa offered advantages to the population of the surrounding area who would come to populate the town.

 

palais de Monaco

In 1297, the first Grimaldi, François the cunning, seized it, disguised as a monk, according to legend! He founded the autonomous dynasty that still reigns over the principality today.

The princes acquired the territories of Roquebrune and Menton, which brought them income and agricultural resources. They had to eat!

These communes were lost in 1861 when they were declared “free towns”.

Deprived of his income, Prince Charles III had the first casino opened and decided to make his principality a resort for wealthy tourists.

It was to be a success! Monaco then turned to the development of its tourist, services, and of course finance and real estate speculation…

Monaco vue depuis le jardin exotique

The city has “grown”, although without any possible extension of its territory, the smallest plot of land was concreted and everything was developed in height!

Monaco attracts both the big fortunes and visitors, and is a huge employment area in the heart of the French Riviera!

How to get to Monaco from Nice

Getting to Monaco by train

Getting to Monaco is very easy!

Located more or less halfway between Nice and Menton (about 15 km), the city is frequently served (about every 30 minutes during the day) by TER PACA trains linking Grasse and Nice to Ventimiglia.

gare de Monaco Monte Carlo

Timetables and fares on the official website here

Various other medium and long distance trains, notably to Marseille and Paris-Gare-de-Lyon, also serve the Principality.

It only takes 19 to 25 minutes (when everything is going well and when there is no strike!) to link Nice-City station to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, for €3.50 in 2021/22.

Going to Monaco by bus

Line 100 Nice-Port – Menton via Monaco

You can also take bus line 100 from Nice (port) or Menton (bus station).

It serves several stops in the principality, with a quarter-hourly frequency until 8.30pm.

From 10pm onwards, but only on Thursdays to Saturdays and the eve of public holidays, the Noctambus 100 line takes over and links Nice airport to Menton along the same route as the 100 line, with a frequency of 90 minutes and at the same price.

bus ZOU à Nice

Count on 45 minutes of (superb) travel from Nice on the lower corniche with varied views of the coastline! 

Fare: only €1.50 per ticket (or €1 with a 10-trip “Zou!” card, valid for two years, only on this line).

Other lines serving Monaco from Nice

For completeness, the 100x line also serves the principality from Nice (Vauban).

But it takes the motorway with a low frequency, which ensures a higher fare (4 €) and a longer journey time (yes, yes!) and does not offer any interesting view!

Finally, there is also the line n°112 (normal fare), which also connects Nice (Vauban) to Monaco in 50 minutes, but by taking the middle road via Eze.

Unfortunately, the frequency is very low (one bus every 2 to 3 hours!) and it does not run on Sundays and holidays.

But the line offers interesting views and allows you to combine a visit to Eze with one to Monaco in the same day.

place d'Armes, porte d'entrée de Monaco en bus

In short, the train is faster, but Monaco station is slightly out of the way, the bus is slower and frequently very busy at peak times.

But it serves several very central stops and offers great views of the coast for a much lower fare.

Getting to Monaco by car

Monaco can also be reached by car, with a junction linking the principality directly to the A8 motorway and the N7.

Where to park in Monaco to visit?

Although car parks are convenient and numerous in Monaco (40 car parks and 15,500 spaces in 2021!), they are also very expensive!

Even if the first hour of parking is free everywhere, the bill quickly climbs!

Normal regime: 6.50 € for two hours, 10.50 € for three hours, 14 € for four hours. Count on €20 for a day.

Parking at the entrance to the city is a little cheaper.

Official rates here

Monaco Larvotto direction parking Grimaldi forum

The Principality has only about 1000 surface parking spaces. Parking is charged everywhere and limited to two hours (or even 30 minutes), but is free on Sundays.

For a stay of several hours, if there are not many of you, it is better to park in the neighbouring towns and take the bus…

Come on, a tip from the mouse: the car park at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin station (the next station) is free 😉

parking devant la gare de Roquebrune

By helicopter!

Last possibility: the helicopter! A flight of only 7 minutes links Nice-Côte d’Azur airport to Monaco (Fontvieille) every 30 minutes.

But at 138 € one way, few modest readers will probably be interested…

hélicoptère Monaco

How to get around Monaco

Given the size of the Principality, 3 km long, walking is the best solution.

Especially since everyone here is civilised: pedestrians REALLY do have priority! (notice to Parisians)

To climb the rock, and even more so to the exotic garden, the bus can be useful for the less fit.

Getting around Monaco by bus

Some departmental lines of the Alpes-Maritimes cross the city, in particular the line 100 Nice-Menton mentioned above.

It runs from Place d’Armes to Larvotto, usually every 15 minutes, and costs €1.50 per journey.

bus à Monaco

Monaco has its own urban bus network, consisting of six routes, plus two night routes.

The fare is €2 on a paper ticket, or €1.50 with a credit card payment.

Lines 1 and 2 leave from the Rock (Monaco-Ville) and therefore allow access from the Place d’Armes. L

he line 2 goes up to the exotic garden. If you don’t have a car, I suggest you take it to save your legs, the garden is high up 😉

Information on the official website of the Monaco bus company

Visit Monaco by bike

For the moment, the Principality has only a few cycle paths, not easily integrated in such a dense and small territory.

But don’t panic, the network is gradually developing!

vélo public à Monaco

The free bicycle service Monabike makes it easy to hire bikes. The cost is €1 for a journey of less than 30 minutes, or €3 for 24 hours.

However, given Monaco’s pronounced relief, bicycles, even electrically-assisted ones, should be reserved for iron calves!

Visit Monaco by… lift!

If you like unusual tours, you should know that you can take a ride on Monaco’s various public lifts!

In fact, the mechanised links include 79 lifts, 35 escalators and 8 travelators in the Principality in 2021.

The official Monaco Smart Guide (PDF) shows all the routes in the Principality.

The districts of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is divided into several districts, each with its own “identity”, shall we say:

  • Monaco-ville, also called the Rock, where the historical centre, the palace, the cathedral are located
  • Fontvieille: below the rock, on the west side, with the animal garden, several museums, a port, a shopping centre and a large garden
  • La Condamine: at the foot of the rock, this district was the first extension of Monaco outside the centre, and has a lower built-up area, mainly inherited from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is the main shopping area of Monaco, at standard French prices. There is also the Port Hercule
  • Monte-Carlo, with its beautiful hotels and especially its famous casino!
  • Larvotto, a very modern district with its huge towers, shops, restaurants, beaches, and Japanese garden
  • Moneghetti, on the heights, a residential area with some old houses
  • Jardin exotique, where you can find… the garden of the same name!

plan des quartiers de Monacoplan des quartiers et curiosités de Monaco

How long does it take to visit Monaco?

One day in Monaco allows you to discover the essentials: the rock with the oceanographic museum and the princely palace, the Hercules port and Monte Carlo.

Two days in Monaco allows you to visit the exotic garden, the Observatory cave and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.

You can also visit the museum of the terraces of Fontvieille (car collection, naval museum and stamps). But also discover other aspects of the Principality, such as the Larvotto beach in season.

Three days in Monaco allows you to go deeper into the Monegasque national museum, and the surrounding area in France, such as the coastal path of Cap d’Ail or the tour of Cap Martin. You can also ruin yourself at the casino 😉

La vue depuis le village de Roquebrune

Visit Monaco in 1 day: top 5 must-see places and activities

What to visit in Monaco in one day? The suggestions of the mouse :

  • The rock (old town of Monaco) with the princely palace (official residence of the prince of Monaco since the 13th century) which can be visited from April to October (info here, closed in 2021) and in front of which the changing of the guard takes place (at 11:55 am sharp),
  • the old streets of the rock of Monaco, and the Notre-Dame-Immaculée cathedral of Monaco which houses the tombs of princes and princesses (including of course those of Rainier III and his wife Princess Grace),
  • the oceanographic museum (official website) which offers numerous aquariums with Mediterranean and tropical fish (16 € full price entry in 2021, 18 € in 2022!)
  • Monte-Carlo, its casino, terrace and gardens
  • the exotic garden of Monaco and the Observatory cave (closed in 2021 and 2022 for works) and the museum of prehistoric anthropology (unless you are sporty, take the bus n°2 from the Place d’Armes or the rock, it’s a tough climb!) 

Poisson au musée océanographique de Monaco

The Rock of Monaco

I invite you to discover everything there is to see on the Rock of Monaco, as well as practical information (how to get there, where to park…) in my specific article on the historical centre of Monaco.

What to visit, what to see, what to do on the Rock of Monaco?

Monte-Carlo

Map of the Monte-Carlo district


View a larger map

The Monte Carlo district is of course the second most visited area of Monaco and is one of the must-sees in the principality!

Vu sur Monaco Monter Carlo

Don’t hesitate to visit the casino, typical of the Belle Époque style. No one will force you to spend your fortune, and the lounges are worth a visit.

It was designed by Charles Garnier, who also designed the Monte Carlo Opera and the Paris Opera.

casino de Monaco Monte Carlo

opéra de Monaco

The Casino square is one of the most beautiful in Monaco!

In addition to the casino and the adjoining opera house, you will find the Café de Paris and the Hôtel de Paris.

Café de Paris à Monaco

Place du Casino et Café de Paris à Monaco

Hotel de Paris à Monaco

If your budget allows it, why not go for a drink or a meal in one of these two establishments?

Everything here is Belle Époque, a style I love!

I liked the gardens of the Petite Afrique, or Casino garden, well maintained and relaxing!

jardins Petite Afrique Monacojardins Petite Afrique Monaco

Monte-Carlo is of course the chic district of Monaco, with its beautiful hotels and luxury shops!

Exotic Garden of Monaco

The exotic garden of Monaco is undeniably one of the important tourist places of the principality!

Opened in the 1930’s, completely on the side of a high cliff, it allows you to discover succulents and cacti.

vue sur le jardin exotique de Monaco

Many plants come from South America, Central and Southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, hence the name “exotic garden” 😉 

These types of plants do indeed acclimatise well in the Côte d’Azur sun!

jardin exotique de Monaco

Unfortunately, it is closed in 2022 for consolidation work on the cliff… A pity!

I had the chance to visit it before and I liked it ! It reminds me of the exotic garden of Eze.

jardin exotique de Monaco

Be careful, the garden is very steep! 

From there, very nice view on Monaco, the rock, Fontvieille…

vue sur le rocher depuis le jardin exotique de Monaco

I advise you to go up there with bus 2, it’s a steep climb to get there on foot!

You can also visit the Observatory cave! It is a cave dug in the cliff, which goes down to the sea level!

grotte de l'Observatoire à Monaco

Well, you won’t see everything, but the guided tour is interesting.

Remember to bring a jacket in summer as it is always cool and damp!

The entrance ticket to the exotic garden also gives access to the museum of prehistoric anthropology.

All the information on the official website of the exotic garden

The Fontvieille district 

The Fontvieille district was built in the 1970s and occupies a site reclaimed from the sea. The principality was already short of space!

vue sur le quartier de Fontvieille à Monaco

There are several points of interest, so with a little time on your hands, I suggest you take a look around!

You will discover the Monaco animal garden, various museums, a shopping centre with French prices, the port, and further on, a very nice garden!

Monaco vue depuis la tête de Chien

The upper part of the district is built on several terraces, which makes it difficult to find your way around! 

This is where the museums are, the animal garden, and then right below, the shopping centre.

The port is rather pleasant, and offers a particular view under the rock and the palace!

port de Fontvieille à Monaco

The animal garden of Monaco

Monaco’s animal garden is located on the southern side of the rock, just below the princely palace.

It offers a beautiful view of the port of Fontvieille and the heights of Monaco!

port de Fontvieille

Founded in 1954 by Prince Rainier III, it has the particularity of only taking in animals that have been abandoned or seized by customs.

jardin animalier de Monaco

It is one of the last royal or princely menageries still in existence today.

Along a sloping path (but accessible to PRM), you will meet 300 animals!

jardin animalier de Monaco

They belong to exotic species such as parrots, primates, caimans and even a hippopotamus!

hippopotame dans le jardin animalier de Monacojardin animalier de Monaco

Open in summer from 1 June to 30 September from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm. From 1 March to 31 May: from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. Closes at 5pm from October to February inclusive.

Price: adults 6 €, children (6-17 years) 3 €, free under that age. Half price for the disabled.

Information on the website of the Princely Palace of Monaco

Fontvieille Garden and Princess Grace Rose Garden

Further on, the district offers a pleasant garden in the middle of its modern dwellings. Moreover, I didn’t find the buildings all that ugly!

The architects have tried to give a “neo-regional” style, with colours, balconies… I prefer them to the Larvotto towers 😉

parc de Fontvieille à Monacoroseraie princesse grace

The Condamine district

The Condamine district is located below the rock, behind the Hercules port.

It is one of the first extensions of Monaco, the district having developed in the 19th century.

Vue sur le quartier de la Condamine à Monaco

Today it is the commercial centre of the principality, with several international brands at all prices, as well as various bars and restaurants.

It is a district with more or less French prices, so generally affordable for the average tourist!

There are still some beautiful old buildings here, and not very high!

quartier de la Condamine à Monacoboutique déco quartier de la Condamine à Monaco

The Place d’Armes and its market are the living heart of it!

place d'Armes à Monaco

The Port Hercule, which has been enlarged several times, is the main port of Monaco. Nice to walk around, even if it has a rather modern look!

port Hercule vu depuis la Tête de Chien à la Turbie

Nice view on the rock ! This configuration reminded me of the port of Nice and the hill of the castle!

port Hercule de Monaco

Museums in Monaco

In addition to the famous Oceanographic Museum, the Principality of Monaco has several other museums.

  • the new National Museum of Monaco
  • the Museum of Stamps and Coins (on the Terrasses de Fontvieille)
  • the Prince Rainier car collection (on the Terrasses de Fontvieille)
  • the naval museum (on the Terrasses de Fontvieille)
  • the Museum of Old Monaco (only on Wednesdays and Fridays from June to September)

The Car Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco

The Automobile Museum of Monaco, located on the terraces of Fontvieille, offers the personal collection of Prince Rainier.

Although it does not occupy a very large surface, it is quite dense!

musée automobile de Monaco

The prince started his collection in the 1950s and decided in 1993 to share it with the public, his garage having become too small!

Today, one can admire about a hundred vehicles, from all eras and in all styles!

Beautiful old cars, very classy!

musée automobile de Monacomusée automobile de Monacomusée automobile de Monaco

But also beautiful sports cars, F1 (logical in Monaco…) Lamborghini, Maserrati, Ferrari…

musée automobile de Monacomusée automobile de Monacomusée automobile de Monaco

Monaco also has a small collection of Formula 1 cars!

voiture de formule 1 à MonacoSo, amateurs beware!

The Monaco Automobile Collection is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5.30 pm), for a fee of 8€ in 2022 (4€ for children).

All the info on the official website

Monaco Naval Museum

The Monegasque Naval Museum is also located on the terraces of Fontvieille (next to the car collection!)

It gathers in a very dense space about 250 models of boats, paintings and objects related to the maritime world.

There are ship models from all periods, including Egyptian and Roman (!), and from different countries.

musée naval de Monaco

Quite interesting for enthusiasts, like my friend!

Alas, with the restructuring of the Fontvieille space in the coming years, the existence of this museum is uncertain, so don’t delay if you are tempted! 🙁

The Monaco Naval Museum is open every day from 10am to 6pm, for a fee of 4€ (2,5€ for reduced rate)

musée naval de Monaco

Museum of stamps and coins

The Museum of Stamps and Coins is also located on the terraces of Fontvieille, right next to the entrance to the animal garden. It gathers an important collection of Monegasque philately, since the first stamps of 1885.

musée timbres et monnaies monaco

There are also the various coins of the principality and some presses.

I visited it several years ago and I liked it!

I recommend it for those who are interested in the subject.

 

musée des timbres à Monacomusée des timbres à Monaco

The Monaco Stamp and Coin Museum is open every day from 9.30am to 5pm, 6pm in August, for a fee of €3, €1.5 for reduced rates.

Information on the official website

New National Museum of Monaco

The National Museum of Monaco is divided into two sites:

  • the Villa Paloma, on the heights, near the exotic garden
  • the Villa Sauber, in the Larvotto district.

Both host temporary exhibitions dedicated to art, mainly contemporary. Both sites are open every day during the exhibition period, from 10am to 6pm, for a fee of €4.

Information on the official website of the new National Museum of Monaco

villa sauber à Monaco

Museum of Old Monaco

Located on the Rock (logical, of course), the Musée du Vieux Monaco traces the history and identity of Monaco through ceramics, furniture, costumes…

Open to visitors free of charge on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm from June to the end of September.

musée du Vieux Monaco

Gardens of Monaco

  • the Japanese garden (Larvotto)
  • the Princesse-Grace rose garden (Fontvieille)…

Japanese Garden of Monaco

A real curiosity in the heart of Larvotto (a dense and unattractive neighbourhood, albeit with flowers), the Japanese garden was designed by Yasuo Beppu, winner of the 1990 Osaka Flower Show.

It contains the classics of Japanese gardens, on a surface of 700 m² (not very large, but it’s not the size that counts!): miniature mountain, stream, small waterfall, traditional bridge, and Zen garden dedicated to meditation.

jardin japonais de Monaco

Coastal path from Monaco to Cap d’Ail

Admittedly, it’s not really in Monaco per se! But with a bit of time, and sunshine, why not take this walk on the magnificent coastal path of Cap d’Ail?

It was a real coup de coeur for me! 🙂

You can start from Fontvieille. From there, you can access the port of Cap d’Ail, completely stuck to Monaco.

Then continue along the path, which is really pleasant and offers superb views!

This recent commune, a real French suburb of the Principality of Monaco, was named after the Cap d’Ail, a green haven accessible by the path, with a superb view!

The path continues to the magnificent beach of La Mala!

The Mala beach is one of the most beautiful in the area! It is especially the site, in the heart of a cove, that we admire!

It’s beautiful, isn’t it? ?

What to visit for free in Monaco?

What can you do for free in Monaco?

Of course, you can visit the rock of Monaco freely, including the Notre-Dame-Immaculée cathedral and its princely tombs.

But don’t forget to visit the gardens! They are all free to visit (except for the exotic garden), in particular the Prince Grace rose garden in Fonvieille and the Larvotto Japanese garden (more limited hours).

Discovering the Monte-Carlo casino is also free… as long as you don’t gamble! ?

What to do in Monaco when it rains?

Um, even if Monaco and the French Riviera are famous for their mild sunny climate, it can sometimes rain! Yes, yes, I’ve been there!

So what to do in Monaco when it rains?

In this case, you can of course first of all visit the princely palace, but especially the oceanographic museum.

With its 6000 m² and 6000 specimens, you can spend 3 hours there! That’s what I did, and I can tell you that I was not alone, um…

You can also visit the various museums in the Principality of Monaco. Those in Fontvieille are very close to each other, so you won’t get too wet!

Those allergic to cultural places can of course take advantage of the shopping centres (see below).

Got money to lose? You can always take shelter in the Monte Carlo casino, with a bit of luck you might win!

Monaco also has two indoor public swimming pools.

  • The Saint-Charles swimming pool will allow you to relax in the Monte-Carlo district, with its 18 x 12 m freshwater pool
  • The Albert II water sports centre is located at the Louis II stadium in the Fontvieille district and has a 50 m Olympic pool, enough to train! Well, the timetable is not very practical…

You can also relax in one of the city’s spas.

If that’s not enough, don’t hesitate to go to Nice (by car, bus or train) to discover the museums, notably the MAMAC, the main museum of modern and contemporary art in the region, or to try other activities (cinemas, spas, theatres…).

Visit Monaco by tourist train

From February to mid-November, a small tourist train takes you around Monaco in about 30 minutes.

Departure on the rock, in front of the oceanographic museum.

The route crosses the port of Monaco, the Monte Carlo district (Casino Square and luxury hotels), then the city centre, the Rock with the Prince’s Palace, the cathedral and back to the Oceanographic Museum.

In 2022, the price is 10 € (a bit expensive), 5 € for children from 2 to 8 years old.

Practical information on the official website of Monaco-Tours

Visit Monaco by bus

In addition to the urban bus network, a hop on – hop off tourist bus, “Monaco le grand tour”, goes around the Principality of Monaco in about an hour, from Larvotto to Fontvieille, with 12 stops.

The bus runs all year round from 10 am to 5.30 pm (last departure), except on 19 November (Monegasque bank holidays).

Day pass at 23 € in 2022, which is not cheap… Information on the official website

What else to do in Monaco?

Send a postcard from Monaco!

You can also take advantage of your stay to… post a postcard from Monaco!

Despite the postal union with France, which ensures identical rates, you must use a Monegasque stamp (French stamps refused) to send a letter from the principality!

It’s a good thing: Monaco publishes very beautiful stamps, as do most of the micro-states…

Here, mailboxes are red! (just like in Britain) ?

The Monaco Grand Prix

Finally, if you are interested in car racing and if you are in the area at the end of May, don’t forget the famous Monaco Grand Prix!

It has the particularity of not taking place on a specialised circuit but in the middle of town!

You can find up-to-date practical information on the official Monaco tourism website

What day to visit Monaco?

What day to go to Monaco? Some people ask this question, and the answer is simple: any day!

Monaco’s museums, such as the Oceanographic Museum, are open every day of the week, with no weekly closures.

If you can, choose the week outside the school holidays to visit the rock in peace. Otherwise, there is no day that is not recommended ?

Where to eat cheap in Monaco?

Monaco has quite a few restaurants. But these are generally more expensive than in the rest of the region.

In the streets of the rock of Monaco, several small restaurants, rather for tourists, offer sandwiches, pizzas or crepes at very competitive prices.

If you want authentic local food for cheap, here is the mouse’s advice ?

Just at the foot of the rock, a stone’s throw from the Place d’Armes, the Condamine covered market is home to fresh pasta or pizza stands with seating.

Freshness and unbeatable prices! This is where many employees of the Principality of Monaco come from, with more or less modest means.

Where to shop in Monaco?

There are two options and two shopping centres in Monaco, depending on your budget!

Do you like big brands in a luxurious setting? Head to the Metropole shopping centre in Monte Carlo!

Located at 17, avenue des Spélugues, it offers 80 prestigious shops in a very elegant setting.

There are also a few places to eat, as well as a FNAC. Of course, it’s not for everyone, but looking is free! ?

The Monte-Carlo district is home to the big luxury and haute couture brands (Vuitton, Prada, Chanel…) around Princess Charlene’s promenade and the Boulingrins alley, 50 metres from the casino.

The Condamine district, in particular Rue Grimaldi, a stone’s throw from the market, is the commercial heart of Monaco, with numerous shops in all price ranges.

If your budget is more limited, head for the Fontvieille shopping centre in Monaco, with a few shops and a Mac Donald’s around a Carrefour shop.

Much simpler setting, and it’s not very big! But a project for a large shopping centre with 80 shops is planned on its site by 2027, to be followed…

Where to swim in Monaco?

Monaco has three public swimming areas.

The Larvotto artificial beach is the largest beach in Monaco. It has the particularity of being also a marine reserve!

A mask and a snorkel will allow you to have a look at the fishes of the Mediterranean Sea ?

The Plage des Pêcheurs (Fishermen’s Beach) is the only natural beach in Monaco. This small, little-known cove is located at the end of the Rock. It is accessible by a staircase from the fishermen’s path.

Access under Fort Antoine or by lift from the car park on the Fishermen’s path, next to the Oceanographic Museum.

The Solarium beach is an artificial bathing area. It is located at the foot of Fort Antoine, along the breakwater of the outer harbour.

Beware, these two swimming areas are not sheltered and quickly reach great depths. To be reserved for good swimmers and to be avoided on days of heavy swell!

Map of the beaches and information on the official website of the Principality

Near Monaco, I recommend the beautiful beaches of Golfe bleu and Buse in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a stone’s throw from the station.

Otherwise, the Marquet beach in Cap-d’Ail is less than 200 metres from the Principality, beyond the Louis-II stadium in Fontvieille.

The most beautiful views of Monaco

Where to go to discover the most beautiful views of Monaco?

As you may have noticed, my article is full of photos with a bird’s eye view of the principality!

The most beautiful views of Monaco are from the top of the Tête de Chien in La Turbie.

The Trophée des Alpes garden, also in La Turbie, also offers a bird’s eye view of Monaco.

By car, try a stop on the Vistaero, (route de la Turbie, before the entrance of the A8) commune of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, between two construction sites!

Not always easy, but the view is worth it!

Moreover, a belvedere in the perched village of Roquebrune will offer you a view of the modern districts of Monaco.

Finally, the Mont des Mules in Beausoleil (only accessible by car, avenue des Anciens combattants d’Afrique du Nord) offers a view over the whole principality of Monaco!

Opinion of the mouse on Monaco

Visiting the Principality of Monaco offers an original experience: you discover a landlocked territory in France that doesn’t really look like France.

Monaco offers a curious appearance, particularly contrasted! You see a preserved historical rock, the Monte Carlo district with its casino and luxury hotels.

But all of this is surrounded by ultra-dense neighbourhoods, where high-rise buildings alternate with continuous construction sites!

Apart from the two preserved and dapper tourist areas, I don’t consider Monaco to be a beautiful city.

Too dense, too concrete. But here, everything is clean and safe, the streets are wonderfully flowered, not the slightest tag or rubbish! The visit is therefore particularly exotic for Parisians ?

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What to see on the Rock of Monaco

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