Monaco, luxury and wealth on the Mediterranean Sea

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Monaco is a popular holiday destination, known for its luxury, glamour, and beautiful location on the French Riviera. It is the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican and has an area of only 2.02 square kilometres. François Grimaldi took the Rock of Monaco in the thirteenth century. From that moment on, the Grimaldi's have the power in Monaco. On this rock stood a simple fortress that was built in 1191. It has been replaced by a magnificent palace that is partly open to the public. The Prince's Palace of Monaco showcases the rich history and glamour of the principality. For almost 700 years, this palace has been the residence of the Grimaldi family, who have ruled Monaco since 1297. The palace dominates the Monaco-Ville district and offers stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco is best known because many rich people live there. From a tax point of view, living in Monaco is attractive. An important source of income for Monaco is tourism and casinos such as Monte Carlo, where many millions of euros are gambled every year. From your holiday home,  Monaco can be visited in a day.

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Visit the Palace of Monaco during the holidays

A visit to the Prince's Palace, which is located at 60m above sea level and is a symbol of glamour and jet-set life, is a must for anyone visiting Monaco on holiday. Prince Rainier III's marriage to  American film star Grace Kelly in 1956 brought Monaco to global fame. In the years that followed, the country was flooded by Americans who came to this fashionable principality. Part of the palace is open to the public. Visit the Grands Apartments:

  • The Court of Honor, with its impressive Renaissance frescoes
  • The Hall of Mirrors, which resembles the opulent interiors of Versailles
  • The Throne Room, the heart of Monegasque sovereignty

One of the most popular attractions is the daily changing of the guard at 11:55 AM, performed by the  Prince's Carabinieri. The palace houses a museum where Napoleon's sock and handkerchief  can be seen.

Things to do in Monaco

  • Casino de Monte-Carlo
  • Palais Princier de Monaco
  • Harbour Port Hercules
  • Monaco Cathedral
  • Monaco Ville
  • Gardens of Monaco
  • Monaco Beaches
  • Musée Océanographique
  • Circuit Formule I
  • Shops and restaurants
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Monaco-Ville

Near the palace lies Monaco-Ville, the oldest part of Monaco. You’ll find cosey, lively streets here, where visitors can enjoy local restaurants and cafes. This historic district offers a charming atmosphere and has a grandeur that contrasts with the modern luxuries of other parts of Monaco. Stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. From Monaco-Ville you have a beautiful view of the city, the harbor and the French coastline. This part is also home to Monaco's Notre-Dame-Immaculée Cathedral. There is an altar dedicated to Sainte-Dévote, the patron saint of Monaco, the altar in the Chapelle du Saint-Sacrement from 1667 and an episcopal throne made of Carrara marble. It is the final resting place of many Grimaldi's, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III. This part of Monaco is also home to the world-famous "Musée Océanographique de Monaco".

Monte Carlo

If you go to Monaco from your holiday park, visit Monaco's Casino de Monte-Carlo. This is a must-see attraction for any holiday-maker in the Provence - Côte d'Azur region. The beautiful Belle Époque-style building which was designed by Charles Garnier, is not only a gambling paradise but also an architectural masterpiece and a cultural monument that has been captured in countless films, including several James Bond films. Visitors can admire the interior in the morning until 13:00, including:

  • The Salle Europe with its impressive chandeliers
  • The elegant Salle Blanche
  • The Salle Touzet with its beautiful glass ceiling

From 14:00 to 04:00 the casino is open for gambling. For a fee you can go in to watch this, even if you don't want to gamble yourself. Please remember the dress code: Chic clothing is required. For men, a jacket is recommended, and sports shoes are not allowed.

The Harbour: Port Hercules in Monaco

Monaco's port is a spectacular place of luxury and glamour, where the largest and most expensive yachts in the world can be admired. Port Hercules, Monaco's largest port, can accommodate around 700 ships and can even accommodate huge cruise ships up to 300 metres long. In addition to Port Hercules, there is also the smaller port of Fontvieille, which can accommodate 275 boats and has a more sheltered location. Both ports are guarded 24 hours a day, which guarantees the exclusivity and safety of the moored yachts. Monaco's ports are more than just moorings for luxury yachts. The ports are are at the heart of the fashion industry that is so characteristic to the principality of Monaco. Along the quays you will find exclusive restaurants, bars and designer shops, where the jet-setters gather. It's the perfect place to experience Monaco's unique ambiance, with a blend of luxury, glamour, and Mediterranean charm. Monaco's ports are not only a sight to behold, but also provide the backdrop for various events. The most famous is undoubtedly the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where formula 1 cars race right past the harbour. Max Verstappen won with Red Bull in 2021 and 2023.

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Gardens of Monaco

Princess Gracia was a lover of flowers. Visit the Princess Grace Rose Garden, near the Fontvieille Park. In this garden, which is shaped like a heart, there are as many as 4000 rose bushes in 150 different varieties. The Jardin Exotique de Monaco in Fontvieille is also beautiful. Various species of cacti grow in a botanical center with seven greenhouses. There is a cave with various archaeological findings and stalagmites and stalactites. On the coast is a Japanese garden with many bridges and waterfalls. Prince Rainier III had this garden laid out on the basis of Zen principles. Other gardens include the Jardins de Saint-Martin, famous for its lush vegetation, water features, and sculptures; Jardin de la Petite Afrique, planted with species from the South Pacific; Unesco garden, with sculptures by 20th-century artists and a beautiful view of the Prince's Palace.

Beaches on the Mediterranean Sea

Monaco, with its spectacular location on the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its glamorous lifestyle. Its beaches are also very popular among visitors
Larvotto Beach
Public Beach - Larvotto District
This is the largest and only public beach in Monaco, with a length of more than 400 meters. The beach has fine pebbles, a promenade full of restaurants, and offers facilities such as showers and toilets. It is also popular for snorkelling because of its clear waters full of fish.
Méridien Beach
Private Beach - Hôtel Méridien Beach Plaza
This beach offers an intimate setting with sun loungers and umbrellas, and access to both an outdoor and indoor pool. It is ideal for guests of the hotel who want to enjoy a luxurious holiday.
Solarium Beach
Artificial Beach - At the foot of Fort Antoine
This unique beach is made up of concrete platforms overlooking the sea. It offers a quiet place for relaxation and also has facilities for sports enthusiasts.

Beaches near Monaco
Marquet Beach (Cap d'Ail)
Distance: 15 minutes’ walk from Monaco
This beach is popular with families and offers a range of possibilities to practise water sports. The beach has both sand and pebbles and is easily accessible thanks to the parking facilities nearby.
Èze Beach
Distance: 20 minutes’ drive from Monaco.
Located near the picturesque village Èze, this beach offers a serene environment with beautiful views of the cliffs and azure waters. It is less crowded than other beaches.
Plage de la Petite Afrique (Beaulieu-sur-Mer)
Distance: 20 minutes from Monaco
Nestled between cliffs, this quiet beach offers an authentic coastal experience, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Shopping in Monaco

Monaco is known as a paradise for luxury shoppers, with an abundance of exclusive boutiques and high-end shopping areas:
Carré d'Or
The heart of the luxury shopping experience in Monaco is the Carré d'Or, located near the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Here you will find prestigious brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci and Prada. This is Monaco's most exclusive shopping area, where the crème de la crème of the fashion world are represented. The elegant shops and well-kept environment make shopping here a unique experience.
Les Pavillons de Monte-Carlo
Opposite the casino you’ll see the striking egg-shaped buildings, where all the exclusive designers present their collections.
Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
In this luxury indoor shopping centre there are more than 80 shops with a wide variety of high-end fashion brands, jewellers and watchmakers. The interior alone, with marble floors and chandeliers, makes a visit worthwhile. While Monaco is known for its luxury shopping, there are also options for shoppers on a more modest budget. Near Place d'Armes and in the narrow streets of Monte Carlo you can find nice and affordable boutiques.

Restaurants

There are several affordable eateries in Monaco: Miami Beach: Beach bar with large portions of fish, meat, pasta and pizza for relatively little money; Stars and Bars: American-style bar/restaurant on the harbour, ideal for burgers and tacos; La Salière: Italian restaurant on the port of Fontveille; Caffé Milano: International cuisine with an Italian twist at Port Hercules; Marcello: Recommended for fresh pasta on Rue Grimaldi; Tip Top: Hamburgers and salads on the Av des spelugues; Le Petit Bar: Simple but tasty meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

For those who still want to experience luxury, there are also star-rated restaurants such as La Montgolfière.

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