The Heritage Tree Trail

The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world. On a surface area of 2 km², gardens and parks occupy 470,000 m², or more than 20% of the territory.

The Exotic Garden, the Princess Grace Rose Garden, the Jardins de la Petite Afrique, the Jardins Saint Martin and the Japanese Garden are among the best-known, but Monaco also boasts many other public and private green spaces.

This "Green Heritage" must be protected, and a number of initiatives have been launched to enhance its preservation.
A "Tree Code" was drawn up in 2011. This document has also made it possible to classify certain plants as "remarkable" trees.
Following this classification, the Heritage Tree Trail was born in 2013. It presents a selection of the most remarkable plants located in the eastern part of the Principality (Monte-Carlo district, Larvotto).

What is a Heritage Tree?

Monaco's heritage trees are identified according to three criteria:

• Biological : According to the calculation of the tree's circumference, taking into account the life expectancy of the oldest species, with the exception of Arecaceae (palms), which work in the opposite way, and whose calculation is based on the height of the trunk;
• Botanical : according to the rarity of the species and its presence on the territory;
• Social/Environmental: according to the tree's origin and history, and the role it plays in the representativeness of a site.
  Over a thousand trees have been awarded heritage status. They are all identified, marked and marked with a plaque containing a certain amount of information. Special measures have been put in place, particularly with regard to treatment and possible relocation.

The Monaco Heritage Tree Trail is part of the "Monaco commits to fighting deforestation" initiative, in which several Monegasque entities and companies are taking part.

Today, the trail has been extended to include vegetation to the west of the Principality (Monaco-Ville, Fontvieille). This "New Heritage Tree Trail" presents the Principality's 92 most remarkable specimens.