A palace under guard
It was on the heights of the Rock that the history of the Principality was born, behind the walls of the Prince's Palace of Monaco. It is the beating heart and living memory of the Principality. Immerse yourself in this fascinating history with a visit to the grand flats, with their Renaissance splendour, delicate tapestries and polychrome woodwork, not forgetting the elegant marble staircase in the Cour d'Honneur. Also not to be missed: the changing of the Carabinieri Guard, every day at precisely 11.55 am in the vast Place du Palais. A few minutes' walk and you'll find yourself facing the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-Immaculéethe final resting place of the late Princes. Adorned with the white stones of La Turbie, it watches over Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. Combine your visit to the Palace with that of the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, below, along Port Hercule : a treasure trove for all lovers of fine motorcars!
Gardens from near and far
Monaco has countless parks and gardens. Head for the Land of the Rising Sun, along the paths of the Japanese Garden, a stone's throw from the Grimaldi Forum and the new Mareterra eco-district. It's a peaceful stroll bathed in thoughts of Zen among the stone lanterns, red bridge and waterfalls, streams and Koi carp ponds. On the heights of Monaco, the Monaco Exotic Garden invites you to wander among cacti, euphorbias and aloes. This is the largest rock garden of succulent plants in the world, with an exceptional view over the Bay of Monaco. Below, the Grotte de l'Observatoire, an underground marvel shaped by water over thousands of years and home to 350,000 years of human history. A visit is included in the garden entrance ticket, so enjoy! Also attached to the Exotic Garden is the Monaco Botanic Centre, home to one of the world's finest collections of cacti and succulents. The views from the light-filled greenhouses are breathtaking! From the kingdom of greenery, move on to the animal kingdom at the Rainier III Animal Garden for a "wild walk" on the heights of the Port of Fontvieille among some 300 animals of around sixty different species. As for the Jardins Saint-Martin, suspended between sky and sea on the Rock, they are the ideal setting for a pleasant family stroll along the winding paths with an uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean. And not far from there, below the Prince's Palace, a playground with a "knights and princesses" theme will provide the perfect opportunity for a fun break.
Sharing art and culture
On the cliffside, it has been keeping watch over the Big Blue for over a century. Monaco's monumental Oceanographic Museum invites you to plunge into the heart of the Mediterranean marine world, as you explore its tanks housing almost 6,000 specimens. Not to be missed is its famous shark lagoon! Another trip, to the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology : a journey back in time to the origins of mankind, with temporary exhibitions and educational activities. Finally, the New National Museum of Monaco, divided between the Villa Sauber and the Villa Palomacombines contemporary art and Monegasque heritage, all in the context of carefully-designed scenographies designed for young visitors.
A majestic casino
The other emblem of the Principality is the Monte-Carlo Casino. From 9am to 12pm, enjoy the morning calm - and the players' rest - to come and explore this mecca of gambling and refined luxury designed by Charles Garnier. Its majestic rooms and marble-paved atrium set with 28 onyx columns make it an impressive Belle Époque jewel. A fascinating visit, even for the youngest visitors! Outside, continue your exploration in the Casino Gardens. Rising gently from the Place du Casino, the Jardins des Boulingrins impose their French landscape art, while the Jardins de la Petite Afrique display their exotic luxuriance in the heart of the Monte-Carlo district, with palm trees, waterfalls and rare species. Two of the Principality's most sparkling green diamonds!