What to do in Monaco in May
Sports
May gets off to a flying start with the Monaco E-Prix! This year, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will be electrifying the crowds on Monaco's urban track with two rounds on the programme, on 3 and 4 May. These races promise to be breathtaking, full of suspense and twists and turns: last year, spectators witnessed almost 200 overtaking manoeuvres!
Ideally placed between the Monaco E-Prix and the Formula 1 Tag Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco, the 20th edition of Top Marques Monaco will take place from 7 to 11 May 2025. This show of excellence offers the chance to marvel at supercars, and also devotes space to haute horlogerie, haute joaillerie and superboats. Every year, Top Marques hosts world premieres of supercars and hypercars. This 2025 edition will be no exception, as car lovers will be able to witness 10 launches and 3 premieres, including the Lafitte LM1 Monaco Edition, with 1,000 bhp under the bonnet.
The Mare Nostrum returns to Monaco in 2025. This prestigious series of international competitions bringing together the swimming elite will be stopping off in Monaco on 17 and 18 May. This not-to-be-missed event, which has been held in the Principality for the past 30 years, once again promises to set records, thrill and an electrifying atmosphere at the Louis-II stadium.
Formula 1 Tag Heuer Monaco Grand Prix
May in Monaco means the Formula 1 Grand Prix! The most famous of all motor races will be held from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 May. The most eagerly awaited event on the calendar, the Formula 1 Tag Heuer Monaco Grand Prix is one of the drivers' favourite events, with its unique circuit. A true symbol of elegance and excellence, it is a must on the Monegasque sporting and events scene. In 2024, Monegasque Charles Leclerc won on this demanding circuit. Will he succeed in securing a second consecutive victory?
Visit Monaco tip: to enjoy all these events with peace of mind, the Salines car park is the ideal solution. This car park is designed for major events and offers attractive rates. What's more, thanks to its position at the entrance to the city, it avoids the Principality's heavy traffic while offering quick and easy access to the circuit via a free shuttle bus or a signposted footpath. |
The final sprint in the French Ligue 1 championship continues! AS Monaco host Olympique Lyonnais at the Stade Louis-II on Saturday 10 May at 9pm. At stake: the podium and European qualifying places for next season.
Monaco's basketball team is also playing a leading role. In the Betclic Elite French league, Roca Team, who have already qualified for the play-offs, host JL Bourg on 11 May at 7pm. In the Euroleague, Mike James' team-mates managed to qualify for the Final Four after five intense matches against FC Barcelona and will be looking to reach the final of the competition!
Culture
Monaco and stand-up comedy, it's a real comedy story! The Principality hosts a number of events, and on Monday 5 May, the Grimaldi Forum will be the setting for a unique evening. The Stand Up Monaco event will see Gad Elmaleh, Gabrielle Giraud, AZ, Hassan de Monaco, Nino Arial and Nash take to the stage in succession! Two shows, at 7pm and 8.45pm, for a unique evening.
Roman Frayssinet returns with Ô Delà, the second part of his trilogy of shows. Following on from Ô Dedans, where he explored the inner self, this new show invites us to step back and take a fresh look at life. With his unique brand of humour, he looks for nuance, beauty, balance... and above all, laughter!
Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox
Scott Bradlee and the Postmodern Jukebox collective are coming to the Principality for an unforgettable retro evening on 27 May! Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox revisits contemporary hits in jazz, swing soul and doo-wap versions, offering a unique experience.
Il était une première fois" exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the Stade Louis-II
40 years of the Stade Louis-II, act II! The home of the Principality's sporting exploits is 40 years old this year and is celebrating its anniversary in style. After the official ceremony last February, which highlighted its construction and inauguration, the Stade Louis-II is now showing off all its "firsts" in the heart of its inner pedestrian street. There are 14 display cases, featuring press articles, archive photos and posters, evoking the first football match, the first world records in swimming and athletics, and the first concert. It's a journey through 40 years of sporting, cultural, technical and institutional events.
Centenary of Marcel Duchamp's Monte Carlo Roulette Bond Exhibition
We all know Marcel Duchamp and his contemporary works, which have left their mark on international art. Less well known is the impact of his time in Monaco and the influence of gambling on his artistic approach. The Centenary of the Monte-Carlo Roulette Obligation exhibition takes a closer look. In it, the artist examines chance and gambling through this piece, transforming a simple lottery ticket into a conceptual object. The exhibition also doubles up as an exhibition in the Atrium of the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Espace Fontvieille will be hosting the Monaco International Dog Show on 10 and 11 May. The featured breeds at the 2025 show? The Pyrenean Shepherd, the Beauce Shepherd, the Brie Shepherd and the Picardy Shepherd.
International bouquet competition
Under the High Patronage of H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince and the Presidency of H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover, the 56th International Bouquet Competition will be held in the Principality on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025. The theme of this year's competition is "Flowers in Motion".
L'apéro des Frenchy - Marché de la Condamine
Fancy some dancing to round off the day in style? The now famous Apéro des Frenchy is back at Marché de la Condamine! The concept: good humour, entertainment and lots of music, a carefully balanced mix that's winning over an ever-growing audience. In a festive and friendly atmosphere, this life-size apéro will delight blind-test fans and those nostalgic for hits from the 50s to the 80s!
Exhibitions still on show
- "Méditerranée 2025" at the Musée Océanographique
- "Karl goes to Memphis" at the Almine Rech gallery
- "CINEAM, le club des artisans cinéastes de Monaco" at the Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco
- "L'effet papillon, la pré-histoire des animaux" at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology - until 1 December 2025
- World Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai - Monaco Pavilion
Gourmet
the Principality is unveiling a host of exclusive concepts for unforgettable experiences. From Monte-Carlo Beach to the Méridien Beach Plaza and the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, Visit Monaco has put together a non-exhaustive selection of Monaco's best places to enjoy and eat.
Cédric Grolet takes up residence at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
In addition to this selection, this summer pastry chef Cédric Grolet will open Cédric Grolet Monte-Carlo in the heart of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, where he will become Executive Pastry Chef. This new space will house a tea room and a boutique, enhancing the gastronomic offering in Monaco and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Crowned World's Best Pastry Chef in 2018, Cédric Grolet will offer signature pastries and exclusive creations, including one dedicated to H.S.H. Prince Albert II. His artistic and innovative world will extend to all the hotel's restaurants, except Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse.
The regional council
Rose and plant festival at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The most important thing is the rose... The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is putting this great French song into practice with its 14th "Rose and Plant Festival" on 3 and 4 May. Visitors will be able to share their passions with horticulturists, rose growers and nurserymen, discover the villa's 9 listed gardens, enjoy a sales exhibition and a programme of events for the general public.
May on the Côte d'Azur is also, of course, the Cannes Film Festival! The city and the region are abuzz with the excitement of this not-to-be-missed event, with all the screenings, meetings and events that put the seventh art on the map. This 78th edition, which runs from 13 to 24 May, will be presided over by French actress Juliette Binoche.