La Condamine

To experience the real Monaco and meet the locals, head to La Condamine market, on the Place d’Armes. Every morning, the large esplanade wakes up to the vibrant colours and fragrant aromas of the fruit, vegetables and flowers sold on the market stalls, surrounded by shaded arcades where you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat as you relax with a newspaper.

This is the place to be for Monegasques, with its market halls housing around twenty stalls, selling specialities from Monaco, Italy, the south-west, and even Asia, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere with the emphasis on high quality, varied produce.

Then make your way towards Rue Princesse Caroline, a pedestrian area that’s perfect for strolling, finding good food, shopping or playing with the children in the little square.

At the far end, you can admire Port Hercule, originally a natural cove, and the beautiful yachts always moored here, alongside the wide esplanade that every year hosts world-class events including the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo and the Monaco Yacht Show, not to mention the fair in summer and autumn, and the Christmas Village in winter. This is also where you’ll find the Stade Nautique Rainier III and its heated seawater swimming pool.

Below on the promenade, stop and treat yourself to something tasty at one of the many restaurants overlooking the sea, and perhaps stay for the nightlife? During the Formula 1 Grand Prix, this area is transformed into a huge open-air nightclub.

Don’t miss the area around the legendary Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit. Along the sides of the road, you’ll see the red and white kerb that helps the drivers to see the edge of the track while racing.  Stand on the starting grid (by the “Casino” supermarket), and imagine yourself at the wheel of a Formula 1 car as you contemplate the legendary twists and turns of the Chicane and the Rascasse.

Finally, the new home of the Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, which officially opened on 8 July 2022, will take you back in time to the key events in the life of the Princely Family, with unique models including the Chrysler that Prince Rainier III ordered specially from the United States to collect Princess Grace at the port, or the glass-topped Lexus made for the wedding of H.S.H. Prince  Albert II and H.S.H. Princess Charlene in 2011.

A district where history mingles with modernity, full of charm and vibrant local colour.

©Benjamin Vergély / Longines Global Champions Tour Monaco/ Mickael Alesi - Government Communications Department