As the world's second smallest independent state, the Principality is particularly proud of its parks and gardens, which cover almost 20% of its territory. A sizeable proportion that needed to be protected and preserved. With this in mind, in 2011 the "Tree Code" was created, a document enabling the classification of certain plants as "remarkable" trees. For more than a decade, visitors and locals alike have been taking part in the "Heritage Tree Trail"! To discover the most remarkable plants in the eastern part of Monaco, in the heart of the Monte-Carlo and Larvotto districts, head for the Tourist Office. From there, the route winds through the sublime Jardin de la Petite Afrique, before skirting the Casino de Monte-Carlo to reach the Jardin Japonais. Norfolk pine from the South Pacific, ginkgo biloba from China, umbrella tree from Asia and Central America... the majestic trees are revealed as the successive landscapes unfold.
But Monaco-Ville is no exception! Its hanging gardens, overlooking the Mediterranean, are an ideal landmark for a number of rare species. These include the West African fig tree, the Australian woolly rambutan and the vaquois, which usually grows on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The latest addition to this initiative is Fontvieille and its green spaces, from the Le jardin de l'Unesco above the shopping center to the Princess Grace Rose Garden. The rain tree from South-East Asia, the dragon tree from the Canary Islands and the bird of paradise from South Africa are just some of the reasons to meander through this area, which was entirely reclaimed from the sea over 30 years ago!
An ideal route to marvel at and discover a lesser-known side of the Principality that's totally worth the detour!
To find out more and download the brochure: click here