Monaco Exotic Garden: a plant balcony between sea and sky
Since 1933, the Exotic Garden has been one of the jewels of the Riviera. Set on a steep cliff face, it boasts a remarkable collection of succulent plants from the four corners of the globe. Cacti, agaves, aloes and crassulas thrive here, enjoying the Mediterranean climate and flourishing all year round.
The plant diversity is impressive: over 1,000 species of succulent plants are represented, mainly from Latin and North America, South and Central Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Each season reveals its treasures, from winter blooms to spring bursts of color.
The path winds its way through clumps of plants in extravagant shapes and shimmering colors. At every turn, breathtaking views open up over the sea, the Monaco Rock and the contours of the coastline.
Grotte de l'Observatoire: a descent into the heart of the rock
Below the garden, another marvel awaits visitors: the Grotte de l'Observatoire. Discovered in 1916 during the garden's foundation works, this natural cavity offers a veritable underground journey. Access is via a staircase of over 300 steps, winding its way through galleries adorned with limestone concretions.
Stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and columns intertwine, sculpted drop by drop over millennia by water laden with carbon dioxide. The visit, guided by specialists, plunges 98 m to 40 m above sea level, providing a better understanding of the geological phenomena behind these formations, while discovering a mysterious and silent universe.
The Grotte de l'Observatoire is a precious testimony to the region's geological history. A visit to the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, located in the garden, is an excellent complement. Its collections present a number of relics found in the cave, attesting to the presence of prehistoric man on the site.
A site steeped in history and science
At the beginning of the 20th century, Prince Albert I, a great explorer and patron of the sciences, launched the project for a garden featuring rare species from the world's arid regions.
Work began in 1913, and it was not until 1933 that the garden was inaugurated by Prince Louis II. The steep topography of the site, previously inaccessible, was taken advantage of to create a spectacular path, entirely on the cliffside.
The Grotte de l'Observatoire owes its name to its proximity to an ancient astronomical observatory. Discovered in 1916, it has been open to the public since 1950.
Today, in addition to botanical walks and cave tours, the site offers regular events and temporary exhibitions, as well as a store. In 2020, major work was undertaken to secure and embellish the site, highlighting the Exotic Garden's 25,000 or so plants. When it reopens in late summer 2025, a snack bar will be available in the Garden, and the Grotte de l'Observatoire will feature a children's Playground and a terrace overlooking the Rocher.
Practical information
The Exotic Garden Botanical Center is open to the public free of charge from Tuesday to Saturday, 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
The Exotic Garden Boutique is also open when the Garden is closed, from Tuesday to Saturday, 8.30am to 5pm.
Accessibility : Due to its topography, wheelchair access is limited to the plateau at the entrance to the showroom.
The panoramic view of the Principality and Riviera is accessible.
Strollers are not allowed in the garden (parking available at the entrance).
Free admission for wheelchair users and reduced rate for accompanying adults.
Reduced rate for disabled visitors on presentation of disability card.