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The world's second smallest country (beaten only by The Vatican), Monaco is a tiny principality ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297. The city-state, of which Monte Carlo is one district, tumbles down the foothills of the Alpes Maritimes mountain range to a glittering bay littered with super yachts.
Though it boasts shoreline along the aqua-blue Mediterranean, few come to Monaco for the scenery alone. Our specialists know the principality well, however, and can take you away from the ugly apartment blocks in the city's heart. They’ll introduce you instead to the quainter old town, the royal palace, botanic gardens and the white-stoned cathedral which is the final resting place of actor and princess, Grace Kelly.
France specialist SamanthaI think Monaco has so much to offer beyond the casino — the royal family’s long history, the changing of the guard at the palace, and the views of both France and Italy from its shores.
Things to see and do in Monaco and Monte Carlo
Casino de Monte Carlo
One of the world's most legendary gambling dens, the Casino de Monte Carlo is an extravagant Belle Époque confection, dripping in marble and gold, elaborate plasterwork and detailing. It was designed by Charles Garnier (who also created Paris’s premier opera house) and was the brainchild of Prince Charles III, after whom the Monte Carlo (Mount Charles) district is named.
In fiction, it’s often been used as a glamorous setting for super spies and royalty, a reputation that’s based in historical reality. Mata Hari herself slinked through the gaming halls here and Egypt’s King Farouk glutted himself on oysters while gaming away fortunes. Even if you don't intend to try your luck on the tables, it’s worth going inside just to see the extravagance of the interiors.
The Monaco Grand Prix
Typically held in late May, Monaco’s annual Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious Formula One races in the world. The course takes 78 daring laps through the narrow city streets. It involves tight corners, sudden elevation changes and a tunnel that occurs right before a series of chicanes. These factors make it both the slowest and most challenging course on the circuit, and drivers come from around the world to test their mettle.
There’s little margin for error here and overtaking is almost impossible, making it one of the most exciting and dangerous races of the Formula One calendar. If you're visiting Monaco at any other time, it's possible to simply walk around the circuit.
Monaco-Ville and the Carabiniers du Prince (the Changing of the Guard)
The Prince’s Palace sits on a rocky promontory in Monaco-Ville, the old quarter. It’s still the home and working state headquarters of the Monégasque sovereign. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, it’s been home to the Grimaldi clan almost continuously since the late 13th century, when the family’s patriarch captured it through wily deception.
The white and cream palace has a low, wide profile and lacks the ornate elegance of most Renaissance or Baroque palaces. That’s because it was a fortified citadel rather than a mere ceremonial palace for much of its long history. Inside, however, you can find sumptuous state rooms, which are open for public tours during the summer months.
Regardless of the season, however, the changing of the guard happens every morning at 11:55. The guard in question is the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince (Prince's Company of Carabiniers), who provide round-the-clock protection for the royal family. Dressed in antiquated white uniforms, a small contingent of the Carabiniers marches through the palace courtyard to the accompaniment of two drums and two trumpets.
Also in the old town is the 18th-century Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a grand Romanesque-Byzantine-style structure that's best known as the burial place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace.
Botanic Gardens
The Jardin Exotique de Monaco is home to the world's largest collection of succulents and cacti but the gardens’ real trump card is their views over the principality. Set on a hillside and laced with a web of paths, stairs and bridges, the gardens overlook the old town and the marina.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Monaco and Monte Carlo
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Monaco and Monte Carlo, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Monaco and Monte Carlo
- ȳú±ð 6 kilometers away
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat 10 kilometers away
- Nice 16 kilometers away
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence 25 kilometers away
- Antibes 31 kilometers away
- Grasse 42 kilometers away
- Saint-Tropez 83 kilometers away
- The French Riviera 84 kilometers away
- Provence 103 kilometers away
- Aix-en-Provence 162 kilometers away
- Roussillon 173 kilometers away
- ²Ñé²Ô±ð°ù²ú±ð²õ 179 kilometers away
- Gordes 180 kilometers away
- L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue 192 kilometers away
- ³§²¹¾±²Ô³Ù-¸éé³¾²â-»å±ð-±Ê°ù´Ç±¹±ð²Ô³¦±ð 209 kilometers away
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine region 212 kilometers away
- Les-Baux-de-Provence 212 kilometers away
- Avignon 213 kilometers away
- Orange 215 kilometers away
- ¸é³óô²Ô±ð-´¡±ô±è±ð²õ 224 kilometers away
- Arles 226 kilometers away
- Pont-du-Gard 234 kilometers away
- Chamonix 238 kilometers away
- ±«³úè²õ 244 kilometers away
- Talloires 253 kilometers away
- Annecy 263 kilometers away
- Lyon 305 kilometers away
- Alsace 443 kilometers away
- Dordogne 462 kilometers away
Photos of Monaco and Monte Carlo
Ideas for experiencing Monaco and Monte Carlo
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Monaco and Monte Carlo, and which use the best local guides.
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Touring Monaco, Monte Carlo and Èze Touring Monaco, Monte Carlo and ȳú±ð
Touring Monaco, Monte Carlo and ȳú±ð
Explore the rambling streets of Monaco on a guided tour that introduces you to the history of the tiny principality and its ruling family before taking you to the hilltop village of ȳú±ð to wander its winding, cobbled streets.
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