Fontvieille is the most westerly district of the Principality. Surrounded by the sea, Fontvieille has a small harbour where you can enjoy a stroll at lunchtime or dinnertime. The boats and restaurants along the quaysides are a perfect match, facing the cliffs of the Rock. There are plenty of establishments to suit all tastes, with a wide range of culinary delights on offer.
Flying over the Principality
From this area, you can take in the immensity of the blue sea on a helicopter flight. Flying over the Principality of Monaco and the surrounding area for an unforgettable first flight and discovering the colourful panorama of the Côte d'Azur from unsuspected angles, is to experience, in complete safety, some of the exhilarating and privileged moments offered 7 days a week by the companies based at Monaco Heliport, avenue des Ligures.
Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
In the immediate vicinity of the heliport, you'll notice a huge white tent. This is none other than the big top that hosts the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival in January. Monte-Carlo Circus Festival and the New Generation The festival is presided over by Princess Stéphanie of Monaco. Each year, this renowned event rewards the best artists in their category. The Golden Clown is the highest distinction.
In the heart of flowers
For flower lovers, a visit to the Fontvieille Landscape Park during your stay. The Princess Grace Rose Garden , created by Prince Rainier III in memory of his wife Princess Grace, covers 5,000m² and features more than 315 varieties of rose. It offers visitors and art lovers the chance to admire a number of monumental sculptures by Arman, Blake, Botero, Calder and César, all part of the "Chemin des Sculptures" trail. For children: A merry-go-round and playground line the landscaped garden.
Sport
Sports fans are not left out in the cold! The Stade Louis II stands proudly in the heart of the district, where it was inaugurated in 1985. A football pitch surrounded by a 16,000-seat athletics track, a 3,000-seat sports hall and a heated freshwater Olympic swimming pool, the stadium hosts top-level international competitions such as the Mare Nostrum, the Herculis and Champions League matches, to name but a few.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, the Fontvieille district offers a pleasant and accessible experience with the Centre Commercial de Fontvieille and its many boutiques. With a wide range of brand names and local shops, it's easy to stroll around and find what you're looking for. The friendly atmosphere is ideal for a shopping break away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Culture and animals
As you walk up the Esplanade Rainier III, you'll come across two museums, a Rainier III's Zoological Garden and a theatre where you can learn more about the Principality. The Museum of Stamps and Coins opened its doors to the public in early 1996 to showcase the stamps and coins in the magnificent private collection of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III.
The Rainier III's Zoological Garden , which overlooks the port of Fontvieille on the side of the Rock, was founded in 1954 by Prince Rainier III. The special feature of this park is that it takes in animals that have been abandoned or recovered through customs seizures or exchanges with other parks. Your visit will plunge you into a wild world right in the middle of the modern Principality of Monaco. For the little ones, there is a Playground inside the park.
The Espace Léo Ferré , a major cultural venue in the Principality, is a multi-purpose space that can host a wide variety of events (shows, concerts, exhibitions, etc.), both in terms of type and configuration. For your next visit to the Principality, take a look at the programme.
As you can see, the Fontvieille district is at the crossroads of many disciplines: sport, industry, culture, art and technology, and has managed to retain a peaceful atmosphere for its residents.