L'Automne

Under the reign of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince, the National Celebration takes place on 19 November, Saint Rainier’s Day. This happy day starts with a Te Deum in the Cathedral of Monaco in the presence of the Princely family. This day is the opportunity for the population of Monaco to pay homage to their Princes.

Autumn in Monaco, Indian summer

Celebrations are organised across the entire city, with a grand fireworks display, concerts, parades on the Place du Palais, presentation of awards. The fun fair, which has already been in place for two weeks, is in full swing, a treat for young and old; it concludes a week after the National Celebration.

Autumn in the Principality is also marked by other highlights dedicated to luxury such as the Top Marques Watches exhibition , as well as to sport with the Sportel convention. Inspiration is promoted with TEDx Monte-Carlo, whilst many art galleries display their treasures. This is also an operatic and artistic season: the Orchestre Philarmonique de Monte-Carlo takes us off on a musical voyage, and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo rolls out its attractive creative programme. Of course, rhythm and emotion will again make their presence felt around the artists of the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival.

Autumn in Monaco also means rock music with the Monte-Carlo Classic Rock! Don’t miss concerts by groups like: Caravan, Pendragon, Cock Robin, Procol Harum, The Musical Box and King Crimson, performing at the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo.

At the end of autumn, Port Hercule is the theatre for the events of the festivities to mark the end of the year. "Monaco Lumières 2000-2001," "Monaco, sous le signe de la nativité," every year Monaco City Hall outdoes itself coming up with beautiful ideas for the last days of the year. A skating rink slides into the Stade Nautique Rainier III, facing the sea, for moments of joy.
The city then takes on its sparkly clothes with giant Christmas trees, the Place du Casino is completely decorated, and there are illuminations in the four corners of the Principality.
Later, for New Year’s Eve, many establishments in the Principality organise celebrations to bring in the New Year.

Every season is a delight in the Principality...

The Literary Prize, the Musical Composition Prize, and the International Prize of Contemporary Art are awarded throughout the year by the Prince Pierre Foundation in Monaco, with the aim of promoting contemporary art. The Foundation was set up in 1966 by H.S.H. Prince Rainier III as a tribute to the memory of his father, Prince Pierre, a great defender of the arts and literature. It organises a number of conferences on a wide range of themes, featuring highly renowned speakers.

From comedy to jazz, from the classics to puppet shows, from visual performances to funny one-man productions, in French, English, Italian and German, the Théâtre Princesse Grace, at the behest of its founder H.S.H. Princess Grace, lives and breathes eclecticism.

Under the direction of its new Artistic and Musical Director Kazuki Yamada, the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra will transport you to all four corners of the Earth.

The Monte-Carlo Opera offers a brilliant presentation of the operatic arts, with exceptional productions such as Verdi’s Nabucco, performed for the first time in the Principality in 2002 with a Chorus of 120 singers, 60 extras, a large corps of dancers, and 300 costumes. It also presents baroque operas which have been entirely revamped and delightful operettas. Under the direction of Jean-Louis Grinda, the Opera offers a programme full of charm, surprise and talent.

From Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes to the current company led by Jean-Christophe Maillot, the Ballets de Monte-Carlo have navigated a century in the history of dance with passion. Director and choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot has been able to move the company towards contemporary creativity through both his own works and by partnering with internationally renowned choreographers who are regularly invited to Monaco.

Over the months, the Ballets, the Philharmonic Orchestra, the Opera and the Théâtre Princesse Grace all present original performances of outstanding quality.