Experience
Monaco

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : MONTE-CARLO

Luxury lifestyle, beautiful beaches and James Bond at the casino

A legendary district of the Principality of Monaco, Monte-Carlo is synonymous with luxury with its famous casino and Cercle d’Or, home to jewellers, designer shops and antique dealers. Not to mention Monaco’s Formula 1 Grand Prix, impressive buildings and marina.

A SCENIC WALK IN MONACO

The idea of Monaco conjures up images of luxury boutiques, Ferraris, glitzy casinos and sleek modern buildings. But the principality is far more than its flashy features, offering some breathtaking scenery. There are several walks that allow you to discover Monaco in a different light. One, in particular, lets you see it from above and take in the coast’s best views: the Tête de Chien (dog’s head) circuit. This walking trail takes you on a six-kilometre loop up 550 metres and is the perfect choice for nature enthusiasts. It’s an intermediate walk (leave high heels at the hotel) and can be accessed from Monaco via the Basse Corniche. This old Roman road climbs up to the Tête de Chien military fort, also known as Fort Masséna, in the town of La Turbie. When you reach its limestone cliffs, your efforts will be rewarded with exceptional views of the Principality of Monaco and the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You can see the whole of Monaco, the world’s second smallest country! This unmissable activity is free, apart from all the hard work involved.

Must-sees in Monte-Carlo

THE OCEANOGRAPHIC MUSEUM

Built a century ago on a cliff’s edge, this is one of the world’s oldest aquariums, home to over 6,000 specimens. Don’t miss the shark lagoon! A little further along, it’s impossible not to be in awe of Monaco Cathedral, Monaco’s most important religious building.

THE CASINO

Housed in a Belle Époque building designed by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris opera house, Monte-Carlo Casino is a must-see. It’s here that certain scenes from the James Bond film, Golden Eye, were filmed.

THE EXOTIC GARDEN

The Exotic Garden of Monaco opened to the public in 1933, home to various succulents, some of which are extravagant, and the famous Mexican cactus This cliffside garden has a cave at its base and offers breathtaking views of Monaco.

LARVOTTO BEACH

Located along Avenue Princesse Grace, named after the actress Grace Kelly, Lavrotto beach is Monaco’s only public beach. A row of hotels and restaurants look onto this manufactured sandy beach, divided into a public section, open to all, and a private area with sun loungers and parasols.

THE PRINCE’S PALACE OF MONACO

The Prince’s Palace is home to the Grimaldi family, an ancient family from Genoa who’ve lived there since the end of the 13th century. It sits at the top of the rock of Monaco. From April to October, you can visit the sublime apartments and the dual staircase. Don’t miss the changing of the guard every day at 11:55 at the Place du Palais.