Nestled on the French Riviera, Monte-Carlo is a gem in the heart of Monaco, synonymous with luxury and elegance. Officially recognised by the Franco-Monégasque Treaty in 1861, this country is renowned for its opulent lifestyle, stunning architecture, and illustrious history. The Monte-Carlo Casino, a masterpiece of Belle Époque design, has been a central attraction since its opening, drawing high-rollers and curious tourists alike.
Monte-Carlo’s allure extends beyond its gaming tables. The district offers a picturesque blend of Mediterranean beauty and sophisticated charm. Shoppers can stroll through the One Monte-Carlo which is host to Europe’s largest Louis Vuitton store, enjoy panoramic views from Hôtel Hermitage in your Diamond Suite, or indulge in live music on the terrace of Amazónico, overlooking Place du Casino and Hôtel de Paris.
What makes Monte-Carlo particularly captivating is its seamless blend of history and modernity. While it boasts a storied past, it also offers contemporary attractions like chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. This balance, coupled with its scenic coastal views and mild climate, makes Monte-Carlo a perennial favourite among travellers seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in luxury or simply soak in the ambience, Monte-Carlo promises an unforgettable experience. With that said, here is a traveller’s guide to Monte-Carlo.
A Travellers Guide To Monte-Carlo
Where to Stay
Hôtel de Paris
Where: Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino Mont-Carlo, MC 98000, Monaco
The majestic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is set like a breathtaking tableau on the Casino Square, with the scenic Prince’s Palace and Mediterranean as a backdrop. Its prime location, newly refurbished contemporary interiors, and ultra-personalized service inspire relaxation, harmony, and well-being. The hotel is also home to iconic restaurants such as Le Grill, established to fulfil the wish of Maria Callas to dine overlooking three countries at once, Em Sherif, the fine dining Lebanese restaurant led by Chef Yasmina Hayek, and Le Louis XV—Alain Ducasse, with Alain Ducasse, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer achieved excellence, making Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo the first palace in the world to earn 3 Michelin stars in 1990. These stars have consistently highlighted the charm of this remarkable restaurant. Located in Hôtel de Paris Monte Carlo, Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse enchants guests with its exquisite Mediterranean haute cuisine. Le Bar American is the place to mingle with the glitzy glam of Monaco, enjoy live music, and savour original, timeless drinks.
The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has always held a special place in the life of the Monegasque royal family. Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace’s wedding breakfast, in 1956, was served at the hotel; 20 years later, they celebrated their wedding anniversary there; and in 1974, Prince Rainier celebrated the 25th year of his reign at the hotel with great pomp. Suite Rainier III epitomises luxury with its harmonious blend of classical elegance and contemporary design. Designed by Richard Martinet, the 600 m² suite showcases the pinnacle of French and Italian craftsmanship, featuring straw marquetry, leather headboards, textured paints, and custom-made decorative elements. The suite’s interiors are enriched with the personal effects of Prince Rainier and sculptures by the Sovereign, adding a unique and intimate touch. It includes two bedrooms, multiple lounges, a dining room, and a glass-walled sauna that opens to the Mediterranean sky. The 135 m² split-level terrace, featuring a heated infinity pool, offers spectacular views over Place du Casino. Guests enjoy bespoke luxury services from a dedicated team, including private concierges, valets, housekeepers, cooks, sommeliers, and maîtres d’hôtel.
The Princess Grace Suite honours Princess Grace with its refined, contemporary design and a touch of her personal elegance and generosity. Spanning 910 m² over the 7th and 8th floors, the suite is adorned with Princess Grace’s personal creations, memories, and her favourite poetic and literary works. Floral decorations are inspired by her tastes, and the terrace features Grace roses with a warm tea rose fragrance and a subtle apricot hue, offering a stunning view of the Palace. The suite emphasizes luxury and serenity with elegant curves, minimalist lines, and noble materials like glass, precious wood, straw marquetry, mother-of-pearl, and agate panels. The 440 m² outdoor space across two floors provides an unparalleled Riviera setting, including terraces with a 180° view of the Mediterranean, a heated infinity pool opening to an outdoor lounge, and a hot tub made of rare granite. Guests are treated to bespoke luxury services, including a dedicated team of Clefs d’Or concierges, valets, housekeepers, chefs, sommeliers, and maîtres d’hôtel, all committed to ensuring an exceptional stay.
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Hôtel Hermitage
Where: Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo Square Beaumarchais, Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco
This modern and luxurious hotel in the heart of Monaco oozes elegance, calm and understated refinement. With the Michelin-starred restaurant, Yannick Alléno à l’Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo and the amazing spa Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, this is the ideal hotel for experiencing supreme comfort and serenity in Monaco.
Listed as a historic monument, part of its charm is the sublime Eiffel cupola in the winter garden, designed by the uncontested master of metallic architecture. Overlooking the Mediterranean, with one of the most beautiful views of the Rock and the Port in the Principality, the hotel has a fabulous location, close to the vibrant centre of Monaco, yet remains a haven of peace for its guests.
The hotel boasts a unique collection of prestigious rooms and suites and a fine collection of luxury apartments, the Diamond Suites. Modern touches blend seamlessly with the Belle Epoque spirit for a sense of the Monaco dream. Imagine taking your meals or sunbathing on the private terrace, relaxing in your exclusive Jacuzzi suite, or just enjoying the breathtaking view of the sea.
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Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel
Where: Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel Avenue, Princess Grace, 06190, Roquebrune Cap-Martin
This glamorous seaside hotel exudes elegance and is an ode to the Mediterranean Sea and to la dolce vita of the French Rivera. Contemporary and chic, with an intimate feel, the Monte-Carlo Beach was redesigned by architect and designer India Mahdavi and is now open for the season.
Located between pine woods and the Mediterranean Sea, the boutique hotel seamlessly blends with nature, offering an organic and locally-produced gastronomic experience while providing an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquillity in a preserved and intimate environment.
Monte-Carlo Beach Relais & Chateaux features 40 suites, including an exclusive Diamond Suite with a private rooftop terrace and jacuzzi. The hotel encompasses Elsa, a certified 100% organic wild fisher restaurant, Le Deck, and La Vigie Lounge & Restaurant. Additionally, it offers water sports, a heated Olympic-sized seawater swimming pool surrounded by cabins in the pine forest, a private beach, and seaside tents and cabanas. Also within the hotel, Maona Monte-Carlo is an open-air summer cabaret that celebrates Monaco’s heritage with its glamorous and retro vibes.
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Where to Dine
Le Grill
Where: Le Grill Place du Casino, Hôtel de Paris, 98000
Perched atop the eighth floor of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Grill offers an exceptional panoramic view over the Principality as far as the Italian coast. Le Grill offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean. The roof opens entirely so you can enjoy lunch in the sun and dinner under a starry sky on warm days. The cuisine features grilled meats that have built the restaurant’s reputation.
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Blue Bay Marcel Ravin
Where: Blue Bay Marcel Ravin 40 Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, 98000
Awarded two stars by the prestigious Michelin Guide, Chef Marcel Ravin offers a bold repertoire at the restaurant Blue Bay, with a cuisine that features a fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavours. Indoors, the open kitchen gives a glimpse into the chef’s hustle and bustle behind the scenes. Outdoors, customers can admire the sea view from the panoramic terrace.
Like the conductor of an orchestra, Marcel Ravin directs the flavours, blending flavours with an artistic flair, creativity and passion. His gourmet creations resound originally. Examples include green papaya spaghetti carbonara; truffle and Jabugo jamón ibérico de bellota; the unmissable signature dish, organic egg with cassava, truffle and passion fruit; and the Blue Bay classic Chocolate and passion fruit desserts. As part of the Escapade Set Menu or à la carte, these Blue Bay dishes will take you on a culinary journey.
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Amazónico
Where: Amazónico Monte-Carlo Place du Casino, 98000, Principauté de Monaco
Sitting centre-stage in the iconic Place du Casino, Amazónico Monte-Carlo officially opened in April, bringing a unique gastronomic and festive adventure to the French Riviera. This extraordinary dining destination transcends a mere restaurant experience, inviting guests on a culinary voyage along the Amazon River.
With a dynamic blend of inventive cuisine, exotic cocktails, live performances, and a private club, Amazónico Monte-Carlo promises an all-encompassing sensory journey. Enveloped in lush greenery, the vibrant setting features diverse spaces such as the Lounge bar, open-air restaurant, and cigar lounge, each crafted by renowned artist Lázaro Rosa-Violán.
With sea views and overlooking Place du Casino and Hôtel de Paris, the terrace of the open-air restaurant will host four live music bands playing salsa and bossa nova music. Offering as well intimate spaces for private gatherings, Amazónico Monte-Carlo seamlessly merges the glamour of Monaco with the wild allure of the Amazon, creating an unforgettable year-round destination.
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Where to Get Pampered
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo
Where: Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo 2, Avenue de Monte-Carlo, 98000 Monaco
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo combines innovation and savoir-faire in a 6,600-m2 facility dedicated to wellness, fitness and preventive health. It’s the perfect place for a luxurious and healthy break in the heart of Monaco, facing the Mediterranean. Beauty, slimming and relaxation are all within reach thanks to a team of multidisciplinary experts who assess every need and desire, providing a holistic solution in the way of personalised treatments and protocols.
A haven of calm and luxury, Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo is an exceptional place that maximises the benefits of the sea and the Mediterranean climate. The bird’s eye view of the sea from the heated pool is simply sublime. Here, everything is dedicated to wellness: the outdoor jacuzzi facing the port and the Rock, solarium, hammam, sauna & panoramic fitness room.
Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo is equipped with a wide range of the latest technological equipment for highly effective results on slimming, anti-ageing, health and performance. A team of experts including therapists, a doctor, a nutritionist, and health and sports trainers define the personalised treatments and protocols in accordance with each person’s characteristics and requirements.
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Cinq Mondes Spa
Where: Cinq Mondes Spa Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, 40 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000
Tradition, beauty, quality, and authenticity are the values that Cinq Mondes Spa at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort holds most dear and embodies in its vision and savoir-faire. Face and body treatments, beauty rituals and traditional massages are all carried out with the utmost respect for ancient traditions. This 900m² facility is entirely dedicated to wellness, offering a peaceful and restorative journey of the senses.
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Monte-Carlo Beach Spa
Where: Monte-Carlo Beach Spa Avenue. Princesse Grace, 06190 Roquebrune Cap-Martin
Situated between the pines and the Mediterranean, the Monte-Carlo Beach Spa is a haven of well-being. Here, self-care is part of everyday life. The spa offers a unique experience, combining treatments with open-air yoga. Just steps from the hotel’s Olympic-sized pool, a visit to the Monte-Carlo Beach Spa promises a refreshing escape and moments of deep relaxation. Enjoy treatments from PAOMA, an eco-ethical, organic, and made-in-France luxury skincare brand. Personalized sessions in the open air, surrounded by the sea and pine forest, provide an ideal setting for rejuvenation and tranquillity.
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Where to Shop
Promenade Monte-Carlo Shopping
The One Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade is a cluster of over 40 luxury fashion and jewellery boutiques near the Place du Casino.
Begin your shopping tour by meandering through One Monte-Carlo opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo where you will find one of Europe’s biggest Louis Vuitton store, Chanel or Dior. Once you’ve passed these buildings resembling contemporary sculptures, continue past the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, then down the prestigious Avenue de Monte-Carlo and Allée François Blanc. There, you’ll find the other big names in fashion, haute couture and jewellery in a setting that beautifully mirrors the prestige of the Principality of Monaco. The perfect place to shop for the world’s most renowned luxury brands in one location and in open air, under the warm, blue Mediterranean sky.
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Le Patio
Immerse yourself in the brilliant world of prestigious jewellers and prepare to be amazed by the gleaming window displays, with their solid marble surrounds a striking contrast to the sparkle of the precious gems.
The tree-lined Le Patio offers an ultra-exclusive setting for leading fine jewellery such as Graff, Harry Winston, Stardust, Tasaki and Buccellati. Le Patio offers direct access to the Avenue des Beaux-Arts, opening onto the new One Monte-Carlo shopping area and its beautiful promenade. Surrounded by a covered walkway, with mosaic flooring using motifs found in the Lobby’s central cupola, and the marble-clad façades using the distinctive dark black Saint Laurent marble with strands of red and yellow, the central Patio area is a calming green space at the heart of Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
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