Once upon a time, there was a casino...

It all began – in the mid-19^th century – with a somewhat mad venture to transform the Spélugues plateau, a barren and wild Mediterranean headland, into a holiday resort and gambling destination for the nobility and the Mediterranean upper middle classes. The idea was suggested at the time by François Blanc, founder of the Société des Bains de Mer, to Prince Charles III of Monaco.

And so, in 1863, the Casino de Monte-Carlo was built, followed by the Hôtel de Paris a year later. And because ‘nothing can be done here as it is done elsewhere’, as Monsieur Blanc emphasised, the casino quickly became an emblem of the Principality, attracting royalty, artists, intellectuals and the curious in search of luxury and excitement. Whilst the rules of the game have evolved, the aura of the place has remained intact.

A gateway to sophistication

Before coming to try your luck, take the time to soak up the atmosphere during a morning visit. Every day, from 10 am to 1 pm, with free admission, the Casino de Monte-Carlo opens its doors to lovers of fine things, and to enthusiasts of history and Belle Époque architecture. Just like its façade, it already holds the promise of a world apart.

At the entrance, discover its magnificent marble-paved Atrium, flanked by 28 Ionic columns. A bold display of opulence designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera House. In fact, one of its jewels is hidden behind the casino: The Opéra de Monte-Carlo, an Italian-style theatre accessible via the grand staircase...

Art at the heart of the salons

The heart of the casino also beats to the rhythm of the works it houses. In its salons, on their walls and ceilings, paintings and frescoes all tell the same story: that of woman, the eternal muse, an allegory of nature and the arts. The works are by 19^th-century masters. Take the Salle Europe, for example, adorned with its imposing glass roof, its eight Bohemian crystal chandeliers, and works by Picard, Steck, Lucas and Ribera.

Once past the modern Salle des Amériques, you arrive in the elegant and light-filled Salle Blanche, formerly a reading and relaxation room. Here one can recognise the features of La Belle Otero and Liane de Pougy, the ‘socialites’ of Monte-Carlo, immortalised as Florentine Graces by the painter Paul Gervais. Finally, in the prestigious Salle Médecin, Émile Peynot’s bas-reliefs seem to make the sun, Helios, and the moon, Selene, dance.

Some rather mischievous mysteries

The Casino de Monte-Carlo also has its little secrets… Starting with the bull’s-eye windows in the Salle Europe. Now bricked up, they were once used to observe the players in complete discretion. And you might just spot something surprising on the ceiling of the Salon Rose, this former smoking room turned restaurant: a rather odd cherub has his back to you, seemingly presenting his sacred backside to you wherever you happen to be.

Finally, there’s that clock hanging on one of the walls of the Salons Touzet, or ‘twin’ rooms. It’s curious, given that clocks are often banned from casinos, where players are encouraged to lose all sense of time. But you’ll learn that the one in the Salons Touzet is a relic of a time when, caught up in the frenzy of gambling, players could nevertheless not afford to miss the last train!

Place your bets!

After your peaceful morning visit, it’s time, in the afternoon (from 2 pm), to enjoy the thrills of the game! The gaming rooms of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which were still so quiet just a few hours ago, are suddenly filled with players from all walks of life: novices, casual players and enthusiasts – there’s something for everyone. The only requirements are that you must be over 18 and dressed appropriately. Otherwise, the Casino de Monte-Carlo offers a variety of games to suit all tastes.

Choose your gaming room and try your luck! Take on the state-of-the-art slot machines in the Salle Renaissance or the Salons Touzet. Try your hand at roulette, blackjack or punto banco in the Salle Europe. Here, every detail has been designed to make gaming an experience that is both elegant and immersive.

From one table to the next

At the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the art of gaming blends with the art of fine dining. Extend your experience by savouring the flavours of its restaurants. With its alcoves and high ceiling, Le Salon Rose restaurant has retained its boudoir-like charm whilst serving cuisine from near and far. Don’t miss its terrace overlooking the Mediterranean – a true marvel!

For a moment of indulgence, take a seat beneath the glass roof of the Atrium at the Café de la Rotonde. Or perhaps you’d prefer to accept the invitation to the Salle Europe lounge bar to sample one of its signature cocktails. Did you know that James Bond used to be a regular there? Come evening, step aboard Le Train Bleu, a Belle Époque ‘dining car’, and set off on a journey to the very heart of Italian gastronomy. Through the window, you’ll see the Place du Casino!

Practical information

Visits from 10.00 to 13.00 (last admission at 12.15)

Adults with audio guide | 20 euros
Children aged 13 to 17 with audio guide | 15 euros
Children aged 6 to 12 with audio guide | 0 euros

Groups of 10 or more:

Adults with audio guide | 17 euros
Children aged 13 to 17 with audio guide | 12 euros
Children aged 6 to 12 with audio guide | 0 euros

Games rooms from 2.00 pm

Flat rate of 20 euros + Casino Royal offer included from 2 pm (Casino Royal offer not included if ticket purchased in the morning)
Casino Royal offer (valid only when purchasing a ticket in the afternoon): a choice of a €10 voucher to be used on the slot machines, at the bar or at the Salon Rose restaurant (minimum spend of €40 per person at the restaurant)

Admission is restricted to adults only.

National identity card (for EU member states) or passport with photo required.