Monte Carlo Honeymoon Guide

Explore the fairytale kingdom of Monte Carlo on a honeymoon or romantic getaway in Monaco.

The city-state of Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican City) at 4.8km long by 2.4km wide (about the size of New York’s Central Park).


What to do and see in Monte Carlo

Glittering with opulence and jet-set glamour, the action of Monte Carlo often centres around the ornate Belle Epoque Casino de Monte Carlo.

Elsewhere in Monte Carlo, explore the 13th century Palais du Prince where the Grimaldi dynasty has ruled from since 1297 AD, the cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier and the Rock of Monaco, where colourful gardens cascade to the sea.

Stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Old Town, with its vaulted passageways and bronze cannons or go clubbing and dance the night away.

Time your visit to Monte Carlo with a special event: arrive in January to see the famous Monte Carlo Rally; in May, when the Formula 1 Grand Prix kicks off; and in July to witness stars such as Ricky Martin, Ray Charles, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Jose Feliciano and many more take to the stage at Monaco’s annual Summer Festival.

Top attractions in Monte Carlo, include…

Appartements du Palais

Get a glimpse inside the home of Monaco’s Royal Family in the 13th century Palais du Prince, which dominates the principality from ‘the Rock’.

Check out the Throne Room and admire artworks by Brueghel and Holbein, among others, as well as Princess Grace’s state portrait.

The ideal time to arrive is 11:55am so you can watch the 10-minute Relève de la Garde (changing of the guard).


Le Grand Casino de Monte Carlo

The legendary Casino de Monte Carlo is one of Europe’s oldest (1878) and most prestigious casinos, located in the independent and sovereign Principality of Monaco.

Surrounded by cultivated gardens, the ornate ‘Belle Epoque’ casino stands on a spectacular panoramic terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.

Try your luck in the elegant gold and marble casino: slots in the Salle Blanche; roulette and trente et quarante in the Salle Europe; chemin de fer, banques à deux tableaux and pai gow poker in the Salon Privés (high rollers only); and craps or blackjack in the American Room.

Expect to hear a smorgasbord of different languages from smartly dressed patrons. It should come as no surprise that the casino strictly enforces a jacket and tie dress code.


Hotel de Paris

Choose from 187 rooms and 75 suites with either a sea, harbour or city view, in the prestigious Hotel de Paris, built in 1864 and located in front of the casino and the Café de Paris.

Savour delicate French cuisine at its finest in the Hotel De Paris’ famed Le Louis XV restaurant with Chef Alain Ducasse. Here in summer, the roof slides back to reveal the sky and one of the most beautiful views available of the French Riviera.

The 35m² to 50m² rooms are designed in white leaded wood or mahogany, bathrooms in faience or pale marble, with elegant 19th-century style interiors. Hotel de Paris also boasts one of the world’s finest collection of wines, a legacy since 1874.

As a guest you’ll receive a Carte d’Or (gold card) entitling you to complimentary access to the Casino de Monte Carlo, the Monte Carlo beach club (with a private beach from April to October), plus complimentary use of the seawater swimming pool, Turkish baths and fitness complex at the adjacent spa.

Carte d’Or holders also receive a 50 per cent reduction on tennis and golf fees at the Monte Carlo country club, with its 23 clay tennis courts, and the Monte Carlo golf club.


Les Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo

Immerse yourself in this 6600m² spa, one of Europe’s most beautiful spas – and discreetly accessible via the Hotel de Paris and Hotel Hermitage. The spa is renowned for its seawater treatments and therapeutic massage.


Collection des Voitures Anciennes de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco

View the private car collection of the late Prince Rainier III, including the 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud that carried the prince and princess on their wedding day; a 1925 Bugatti 35B, winner of the Monaco Grand Prix in 1929; a 1903 De Dion Bouton; and a 1986 Lamborghini Countach.


Shopping

Monaco is famous for its rich collection of deluxe boutiques offering the latest in haute couture, perfumes and jewellery.

For prestigious labels browse Monte Carlo’s ‘Cercle d’Or’ and Galerie des Allées Lumières to find the latest collections from couturiers such as Hermès, Céline, Christian Dior, Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and Prada.

The Place du Casino and adjacent streets display a showcase of exquisite jewellery from Cartier, Chopard, Van Cleef, Arpels, Bulgari, Piaget and Repossi.

And within the narrow streets of the Old Town you can discover more typical souvenirs such as Monégasque chocolates, ceramics and handcraft items. Monégasque stamps are highly prized by collectors.


Where to stay in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo offers honeymoon couples an excellent selection of 5- and 4-star hotels, including the following…

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Location: Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD1060 per room
Description: Hôtel de Paris is situated on the Place du Casino, adjacent to the famous Casino de Monte Carlo. Built in 1864, this traditional grand hotel exudes an atmosphere of a bygone era and features opulent public and private areas and boasts panoramic Mediterranean views. Luxuriously appointed guest accommodations, impeccable service and superb location have earned the Hôtel de Paris its fine reputation. Guests are greeted by marble pillars, statues, crystal chandeliers, sumptuous carpets, Louis XVI chairs and a wall-size mural. Guestrooms come with period or contemporary furnishings. Bathrooms are large, with marble and elegant brass fittings. Each uniquely and elegantly decorated rooms and suite at Hôtel de Paris includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and video games. Each air-conditioned room or suite features period furniture and a minibar. The restaurant "Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l'Hôtel de Paris" has 3 Michelin stars, and the "Salle Empire" serves breakfast and dinner throughout the year. Guests receive a pass allowing free or reduced admission for properties run by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. It includes free entry to the 7,000 m² Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo spa. Free shuttles are provided for access to the private beach in high season. Facilities incl.: 3 restaurants, bar, indoor pool, concierge, health club, full-service spa and 24-hour room service. A 4-minute drive from Monaco-Monte Carlo Train station: Hôtel de Paris is 30 minutes by car from Nice Airport and 7 minutes by helicopter.

Hôtel Hermitage
Location: Square Beaumarchais, Monte-Carlo
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD536 per room
Description: Set in a palace in Monaco listed as an historic monument, Hôtel Hermitage is a luxurious five-star hotel featuring Belle-Époque décor just 200 m from Monte-Carlo Casino. It features a winter garden and guests can access the 7,000 m² spa. A minibar, flat-screen TV and period furnishings feature in the individually decorated and air-conditioned rooms at Hôtel Hermitage. Each room has a view of the city, garden or sea. A DVD player and video games are available upon request. A selection of vintage wines and spirits are served in the Crystal Bar, with its leather armchairs. Savour gastronomic cuisine in the Vistamar restaurant, which has a terrace offering harbour views, and enjoy freshly made pastries in the Limùn Bar. You can request seawater treatments and enjoy a sauna session, and the fitness centre offers a panoramic sea view. Free WiFi is available in the hotel lobby. Facilities incl.: restaurant, 2 bars, concierge, indoor pool, health club w/sauna, full-service spa and 24-hour room service. Nice Airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel and a helicopter service is possible upon request. Free shuttles are provided for access to the private beach.

Hotel Metropole
Location: 4 Ave. de la Madone, Monte-Carlo
Rating: 5-star
Prices: from AUD524 per room
Description: Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo is located in the Carré d'Or in Monaco, less than 100 m from the luxury boutiques and the Casino Square. With a mix of classical and modern architecture, this hotel offers 126 rooms and suites decorated by interior designer Jacques Garcia. Rooms are furnished with a satellite flat-screen TV and a minibar. It offers elegant marble bathrooms and a bathrobe and slippers are provided. Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo features 3 restaurants, all managed by Michelin-starred chef Joël Robuchon. Guests can enjoy gastronomic cuisine at the Joël Robuchon restaurant, go to Yoshi for modern Japanese dishes or taste Odyssey's Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can relax at the 2000 m² Métropole ESPA, which offers a large selection of holistic and therapeutic treatments. Guests are also invited to discover the haute couture exterior space including a heated sea water pool, gardens, a bar and a pool-house. Facilities incl.: 2 restaurants, bar, concierge, indoor pool, health club w/sauna, full-service spa, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. With private parking on site, the hotel is 2 km from Monte-Carlo Golf Course. Nice Côte-d’Azur Airport is 19 km away.

Hôtel Port Palace
Location: 7 Ave. John F. Kennedy, Monte-Carlo
Rating: 4-star
Prices: from AUD357 per room
Description: Port Palace is a 4-star boutique hotel in Monaco overlooking Port Hercule. It features a location at the epicentre of Monaco's legendary Grand Prix circuit and the Monaco Yacht Show. Guests can relax at the on-site spa with a hot tub and hammam. All of the luxury air-conditioned guest rooms at Port Palace offer satellite TV and a minibar. Each has a private dressing closet and en suite bathroom complete with a whirlpool bath, bathrobe and slippers. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Restaurant La Marée serves fresh fish and seafood, and guests can dine on the terrace overlooking the marina. Guests can shop in Monaco’s large range of luxury stores nearby and the famous Monte Carlo casino is just a 6-minute walk away. Facilities incl.: restaurant, bar, concierge, health club, full-service spa and 24-hour room service. Access to Monaco Train Station is a 5-minute walk from the property. Private parking is possible on site and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.


Best time to honeymoon in Monte Carlo

The best time to visit Monte Carlo for hot-weather activities is from mid-June through August. However, anytime during spring and early summer, from mid-April to mid-June is also good; likewise September, but it is quite rainy.

Tip: to avoid the crowds, noise, traffic jams and high prices of July and August, visit Monte Carlo in May, June and September.

Monaco enjoys a Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

More information about weather in Monte Carlo, Monaco


Getting to Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monte Carlo is located on the French Riviera around 22km (13mi) from Nice, 55km (34mi) from Cannes and about 8km (5mi) from the western border of Italy.

The most convenient route to Monte Carlo is by air to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), located 7km (4mi) southwest of Nice city centre and around 30km from Monte Carlo, followed by a short car, bus or helicopter ride.

A shuttle bus operates hourly from Nice Airport to Monaco Monte-Carlo Casino, taking about 45 minutes.

Monaco Heliport (MCM), also known as Monte Carlo Heliport, links the Principality of Monaco with Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport in just seven minutes, with more than 50 flights daily.

The heliport is the only aviation facility within Monaco. Shuttle buses provide connections to and from the heliport with major hotels and other locations within Monaco.

More information about how to get to Monte Carlo, Monaco


Did you know?

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, after the Vatican City, at 4.8km long by 2.4km wide – about the size of New York’s Central Park.


More about Monaco…



Latest update: Honeymoon in Monte Carlo: 1 August, 2022



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