Monaco Neighbourhoods
Located in the heart of Monaco, Monte-Carlo is the Principality’s largest and most famous district – housing 24% of the residential properties. Divided into two areas, the prime space around the Place du Casino and its iconic buildings is referred to as the “Carré d’Or” and the remainder is simply called “Monte-Carlo.”
The Carré d’Or features luxury fashion stores and a high-end shopping center. Sir Richard Rogers – the Pritzker Architecture Prize winner behind One Hyde Park (in London) – has brought the shopping experience at One Monte-Carlo to the highest level of luxury, featuring collections from Louis Vuitton, Celine, Lanvin, and Yves Saint Laurent.
The buildings’ modern façades stand out amidst the Place du Casino’s distinctive Belle Époque style. The Hôtel de Paris and Casino were built in the 1860s and nurtured Monaco’s early economic development by attracting tourists and gamblers. The Casino has since become a global icon, featured in such Hollywood films as GoldenEye. The Opera, which was built by the famous French architect, Charles Garnier, was inaugurated in 1879. Like the Casino, its reputation has grown steadily to the point where it has put the Principality on the international cultural stage.
The Carré d’Or also includes a number of high-end restaurants and bars, from the Hotel Metropole’s cozy bar, which was decorated by the famous designer Jacques Garcia, to the Louis XV – the Hôtel de Paris’ 3-Michelin star restaurant that fostered the reputation of the (now) 20-Michelin star chef, Alain Ducasse.
The neighborhood features numerous landmarks, such as Sun Tower, Park Palace, Mirabeau, and the newly-built 26 Carré d’Or – which each offer many amenities, such as private pools and stunning views.
In addition to the Carré d’Or, the Monte-Carlo area offers many residential and commercial options, from the traditional “bourgeois” boulevard des Moulins to the Art Deco building Le Victoria.
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The country’s oldest and smallest district, Monaco-Ville accounts for only 3% of the Principality’s residents. Often referred to as “le Rocher,” Monaco-Ville is home to the Prince’s Castle, which the Grimaldi family has resided in since 1297. The district also houses the country’s political institutions, cathedral, and courthouse.
Over the years, the neighborhood has maintained its medieval charm with its characteristic low-rise buildings and townhouses. In fact, the government has mandated that any new building must match the “look” and size of the existing infrastructure. The district’s history, oceanography museum, charming streets, and authentic restaurants make it a popular tourist destination.
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Located just below “le Rocher,” la Condamine is the Principality’s first natural expansion and is also home to Port Hercules. As one of the only deep-sea harbors in the Riviera, it welcomes yachts year-round.
Accounting for 11% of Monaco’s residents, the district is split between “le Port” and la Condamine (which refers to the inland part of the district). “Le Port” is a hotspot for the Formula 1 Grand Prix and the Yacht Show, two world-class events.
The properties in this prime neighborhood usually have a direct view of the harbor, perhaps none more spectacular than the magnificent Yacht Club de Monaco, designed by Norman Forester. “Le Port’s” few residential buildings tend to be high-rises, such as the Palais Héraclès – the Principality’s first skyscraper, built in 1965.
By contrast, la Condamine is inland and contains traditional low-rise buildings, narrow streets that are full of popular shops and restaurants, and a lively marketplace that is open daily. Recently, developers have expressed interest in reshaping some parts of this area, such as the modern Stella or “45.”
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Monaco’s newest district, Fontvieille is built atop land that was reclaimed from the sea in the 1980s. Though it only houses 11% of the city-state’s residents, Fontvieille is the most diverse district, with a mere third of its footprint allocated to residential use. The rest is divided between commercial, industrial, and entertainment use.
Fontvieille boasts the national stadium – Stade Louis II – which is home to the French Premier League, AS Monaco Football Club, which regularly qualifies for the UEFA Champions League. The stadium also hosts the equally successful basketball team, Roca Team, and a number of international events in several sports, such as a meeting of the Diamond League.
The district’s shopping mall will soon undergo major renovations to double its size and reduce its environmental impact through planting 2000 trees and creating a park. Another mainstay is the Principality’s second harbor, with its dock lined with restaurants and bars. Nearby, a heliport offers regular shuttle services to Nice’s international airport as well as flights to Saint Tropez, Cannes, and various ski resorts.
The district is renowned for its sea and harbor views and calm atmosphere, not to mention its premium residences – the Palazzo Leonardo, Seaside Plaza, and Les Terrasses du Port.
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Renowned for its beautiful view of the city, sea, and its tranquility, the Jardin Exotique district is located in the Principality’s northwest. The gateway district is primarily residential, accounting for 12% of Monaco’s residents. It also offers numerous family and cultural activities, such as the Parc Princesse Antoinette (which is ideal for children), the modern art museum, Villa Paloma, and the famous botanical garden, which offers 15,000 m2 of paths that wind past thousands of exotic plants. The district’s Princess Grace Hospital, with its 845-bed capacity, is being completely remodeled to meet the highest standards of patient safety and quality of care.
In recent years, the district has benefited from the construction of several skyscrapers, such as the Simona, the Monte-Carlo View, and L’Exotique – that offer high-quality accommodations and beautiful views.
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La Rousse, which is commonly referred to as “Saint-Roman,” is located in the Principality’s northeast and houses 19% of Monaco’s residents. Although the district has long been known for its skyscrapers (such as the Chateau Perigord, the Monte Carlo Sun, and the Parc Saint-Roman), new developments are drastically increasing the neighborhood’s amenities. Specifically, the Tour Odéon is the highest residential building in Europe and offers its occupants a vast array of services from a private pool, gym, on-site hairdresser, spa, and concierge to chauffeur services.
Newer developments, such as the Tour Giroflées and Testimonio II, offer residents similar amenities. What’s more, Testimonio II is part of the new campus of The International School of Monaco, which welcomes up to 700 students annually.
On the edge of the district, the spectacular Monte-Carlo Country Club hosts the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters’ tennis tournament each year. It offers its members access to over 20 clay tennis courts, a swimming pool, an area to practice golf, a squash course, gym, and a variety of wellness activities.
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As the smallest district in the Principality, Les Moneghetti only accounts for 5.7% of Monaco’s territory but still manages to boast 10% of its residents. Since housing accounts for 89% of the district’s infrastructure, it is very peaceful. The boulevard de Belgique is well known for its quietude, elegant and old low-rise buildings and villas, as well as its beautiful views of the harbors and “le Rocher.”
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Located in the Principality’s east end along the sea, the Larvotto district is known for its beach and beautiful sea views. Despite the fact that it only comprises 10% of Monaco’s residents, property sales are rare and most of the apartments are only available for rent.
It is also the most cosmopolitan region of Monaco, offering residents and visitors a plethora of high-end restaurants, bars, and clubs. As the official entertainment district, it features cultural institutions such as the Grimaldi Forum and Villa Sauber, the relaxing Japanese Garden, the Monte-Carlo Sporting, the elegant Monte-Carlo Beach Club, and resort-style hotels and casinos.
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