Relocating to a new country with children involves more than just finding the right property – it means building a life where your family can truly thrive. From world-class schools to safe neighborhoods and enriching extracurriculars, Monaco is uniquely equipped to support families at every stage.
In this guide, we explore five reasons why the Principality offers an outstanding environment for raising children.
1. A World-Class Education in Monaco
Monaco provides an excellent education system that includes both public and private options, with French and international programs available.
Public Schools
Monaco’s state schools are free, follow the French national curriculum, and enjoy a strong reputation for academic excellence. Each district has its own primary school, making access convenient for residents. Notable secondary institutions include:
- Lycée Albert 1er – a prestigious general high school.
- Lycée Rainier III – specializes in hotel management and vocational training.
Students from middle school onwards can also join an international section with enhanced English instruction.
Private & International Schools
- International School of Monaco (ISM) – Offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from primary to secondary level.
- François d’Assise–Nicolas Barré (FANB) – A private Christian school that follows the French national program from primary through high school.
Across the board, Monaco’s schools are known for small class sizes, early language instruction (including English from age 3), and an environment that prepares children for academic success in a multicultural world.
If you’d like to explore your options, the full list of educational institutions and contact details can be found here.
2. A Safe Environment for Families
Safety is one of Monaco’s greatest advantages, making it an exceptional place to raise children. Here’s why:
- Unmatched police presence
Monaco has over 600 police officers for approximately 35,000 residents over just 1.98 km² – the highest per-capita and per-area police ratio in the world (roughly 1 officer per 80 residents) - 24/7 surveillance
A comprehensive network of more than 1000 surveillance cameras operates continuously across Monaco. - Strict public order policies
The Security Department enforces clear rules on public conduct. Behaviors such as begging in the streets or being improperly dressed in public spaces are prohibited, contributing to Monaco’s polished and orderly atmosphere.
In Monaco, safety is more than just a statistic – it’s something families feel in their everyday lives. With constant surveillance and a strong police presence, parents can confidently let their children enjoy public spaces like playgrounds, promenades, and parks. The Principality’s clear expectations around public behavior also help maintain a clean, respectful, and welcoming environment. Ultimately, Monaco doesn’t just offer safety – it offers peace of mind, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
3. Parks, Playgrounds & Outdoor Spaces
Despite its small size, Monaco offers a surprising variety of options where families can walk in green spaces, relax, and let children play. Here’s our curated list of the best outdoor spaces for families with children:
Parc Princesse Antoinette
Located on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, this park is a family favorite:
- Several playgrounds with swings, slides, climbing frames, and sandpits
- A small petting zoo featuring goats, rabbits, chickens, and ducks
- Sports courts for badminton, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis
- A mini-golf course and shaded picnic areas
Larvotto Beach
Recently redeveloped, Larvotto is Monaco’s primary family-friendly beach:
- A calm, protected bay with netting to prevent jellyfish and regular lifeguard patrols
- A separate promenade with a children’s play area, shaded benches, and walking paths lined with palm trees
Fontvieille Park & Princess Grace Rose Garden
This beautifully maintained park offers a peaceful setting for families. The Rose Garden is home to hundreds of blooming rose bushes, ideal for relaxed strolls and nature appreciation. The area includes:
- A children’s play area
- A small lake with ducks and fish
- Shaded benches and walking paths for family outings
St Martin Gardens (Jardins Saint-Martin)
- Terraced gardens on the Rock of Monaco, with pine trees, agave, archaeological remains, and coastal paths.
- Offers panoramic walking routes and space to pause and enjoy the city views as well as a children’s play area.
Ultimately, for such a compact country, Monaco delivers when it comes to accessible, well-designed outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking for nature, recreation, or family bonding time, you’ll find plenty of green corners and seafront escapes to enjoy.
4. Activities, Sports & Enrichment Programs
Children in Monaco have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities that support both personal and academic development.
Académie Rainier III (Prince Rainier III Academy of Music & Theatre) offers training in music, theatre, and dance. It supports both casual learners and those aiming for diplomas like the DEM, with over 800 students taught by professionals from the Monte‑Carlo Philharmonic and Opera de Nice
AS Monaco Football Club provides youth football training through its academy, nurturing aspiring young footballers and participating in local school tournaments like the Challenge Prince Rainier III .
Stade Louis II / Rainier III Nautical Stadium is the central sports complex for Swimming, Athletics, Diving (with Olympic‑size pools and diving platforms), and even operates as an ice rink in winter .
Beyond these institutions, there is a rich supporting ecosystem:
- Prince Albert II Leisure Centre and Larvotto Mini‑Club offer organized holiday camps, summer programmes, and after‑school clubs in sports, cultural and creative arts.
- The Pass’Sport Culture initiative (ages 11–25) gives reduced rates or access to a wide range of sports, arts, theatre, dance, martial arts, racket sports, archaeology, and more during school holidays.
- For young sailors, the Yacht Club de Monaco hosts a youth sailing section from age 6 with Optimist and Laser dinghies, school-year classes, holiday stages, and competitive training.
From sports and maritime skills to performing arts, languages, and creative pursuits, Monaco offers exceptional extracurricular options. Many are subsidized or free for residents, and most are bilingual and multicultural – perfectly aligned with a globally minded family lifestyle.
5. Healthcare Services
When it comes to healthcare, Monaco offers a high standard of medical services that are modern, efficient, and easily accessible – making it an ideal place for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) is the main public hospital in Monaco. It provides a full range of services, including:
- Pediatric care for children of all ages
- Emergency services available 24/7
- Maternal health support, including prenatal classes and postnatal care
In addition to CHPG, Monaco is also home to the Institut Monégasque de Médecine du Sport (IM2S), which specializes in orthopedics, sports medicine, and rehabilitation – ideal for active individuals or families with children involved in sports.
You’ll also find a wide range of general practitioners, dentists, and medical specialists, many of whom speak English, Italian, and French. This common multilingual capacity ensures clear communication, which can be especially reassuring for expats.
Monaco also boasts a well-organized pharmacy network, where multilingual staff can provide guidance and support – an added layer of comfort for international families.
In short, you can expect comprehensive and high-quality care tailored to your needs.
Find your Family Home with Prime Estate
At Prime Estate, we understand that moving with children involves more than choosing a home – it’s about finding the right environment for your whole family to flourish. That’s why we offer tailored support to help you find properties close to top schools, safe outdoor areas, and essential services.
From navigating administrative steps to settling into daily life, our multi-family office – Prime Family – has been guiding international families since 2017. Let us help make your transition to Monaco smooth and stress-free.
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