The soul of Monte-Carlo
In Monaco, Monte-Carlo embodies a certain art of living. Around the Place du Casino, the district brings together some of the destination's most iconic landmarks. Completely redesigned, this legendary square remains the beating heart of the Principality, an open, elegant space ideal for strolling and contemplation.
The Casino de Monte-Carlo
The Casino de Monte-Carlo remains one of the great symbols of the area. A jewel of the Belle Époque, it is not just about gambling: its legendary façade, majestic lounges and incomparable atmosphere make it a visit in its own right. At its heart is the The Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo adds a major cultural dimension: the jewel in the Casino's crown, it perpetuates Monegasque artistic excellence in a setting of gold, velvet and noble woods. Just a few steps away, the prestigious hotels and terraces extend the Monte-Carlo experience, which is both historic and resolutely contemporary.
Gardens, heritage and greenery
Monte-Carlo can also be discovered at a more leisurely pace. Nestling at the foot of the Casino, the Jardins des Boulingrins and the Jardins de la Petite Afrique offer a breath of fresh air and serenity in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Monaco. With their French-style elegance, lush vegetation, fountains and beautiful views over Place du Casino, these green spaces are an invitation to take a stroll.
Further up the district, the Saint-Charles church brings another facet to the discovery. Inaugurated in 1883 at a time when Monte-Carlo was expanding, the Renaissance-style church was designed by architect Charles Lenormand. Restored in 2013, it features a painted vault, a Romanesque-symphonic organ installed in 2016 and 19 stained glass windows that illuminate the nave.
Shopping, a complete offer
The district is also a top-of-the-range shopping destination. In the Carré d'Or, One Monte-Carlo, due to open in 2019, extends the stroll between heritage and contemporary architecture. The Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade brings together prestigious boutiques and restaurants in a refined environment, entirely dedicated to the Monegasque art of living.
The Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo extends the experience of the district with an interlude dedicated to prestige shopping. Located on avenue des Spélugues, this elegant centre brings together a wide range of boutiques, fashion houses, accessories, beauty shops and gourmet addresses in a refined setting, just a stone's throw from Place du Casino. Easy to get to, it is an integral part of the Monegasque art of living, combining shopping, strolling and elegance in one of the Principality's most emblematic areas.
The boulevard des Moulins is also well worth a visit. This historic thoroughfare, which stretches from the Park Palace to the Place des Moulins, reveals a different side to Monte-Carlo: more local, more peaceful, but still elegant, with its independent boutiques, galleries, jewellers and perfume shops.
The art of living by day and by night
Monte-Carlo boasts some of the Principality's best-known restaurants, from the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo at Louis XV - Alain Ducasse as well as Pavyllon Monte-Carlo or Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac gourmets will be spoilt for choice.
When night falls, the district changes tempo even more: the Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo extends the experience in a lounge atmosphere conducive to both relaxation and partying, while the Amazónico Monte-Carlo is a showcase for Monegasque nightlife, with its bar, live music and Club Selva, a festive setting on the Place du Casino.
The thrill of the legendary Monaco Circuit
Monte-Carlo also offers the thrill of motor sport. The district includes part of the Circuit de Monaco, inextricably linked to the history of the Principality. Here, the adrenalin takes over the urban setting: during the Grand Prix, the cars pass through the Place du Casino in particular, giving this iconic location a unique intensity. Further down, near the Fairmont Monte-Carlo the famous Fairmont Hairpin is the embodiment of the Monegasque legend: the slowest bend in the calendar, a mythical passage that underlines the technical nature of the event. In Monte-Carlo, elegance meets performance, and not just at major sporting events.