As the second-smallest independent state in the world, the Principality places great emphasis on its parks and gardens, which cover nearly 20% of its territory. This is a significant proportion that needed to be safeguarded in order to protect and preserve it. It was with this in mind that the ‘Tree Code’ was created in 2011, a document enabling certain plants to be classified as ‘remarkable’ trees. For over a decade, visitors and locals alike have been following the various “Heritage Tree Trails”! To discover the most remarkable trees in the eastern part of Monaco, in the heart of the Monte-Carlo and Larvotto districts, head to the Tourist Office. From there, the trail winds its way through the sublime Jardins de la Petite Afrique before skirting the Casino de Monte-Carlo to reach the Japanese Garden. Norfolk pines from the South Pacific, Chinese ginkgo biloba, umbrella trees from Asia and Central America… these majestic trees reveal themselves as you pass through the successive landscapes.
But when it comes to this, the Monaco-Ville district is no slouch either! Its hanging gardens overlooking the Mediterranean are an ideal spot for many rare species. Among them are the West African fig tree, the woolly rambutan from Australia and the vaquois, which usually grows on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
The latest addition to this initiative: Fontvieille and its green spaces dotted throughout the district, from the Le jardin de l'Unesco above the shopping centre to the Princess Grace Rose Garden. The Southeast Asian rain tree, the Canary Island dragon tree and the South African bird of paradise are all reasons to wander through the heart of this area, 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 is well worth a visit!
To find out more and download the brochure: click here