Despite its small size and highly urbanized character, Monaco devotes exceptional care and significant resources to creating and preserving green spaces across the Principality. This dedication reflects Monaco’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness, a value deeply embedded in the country’s identity and urban planning strategies.
While Monaco cannot rival the vast parks of larger cities, greenery is present in every corner of its territory. Remarkably, around 20% of the Principality’s surface is covered in vegetation – an impressive achievement for such a densely built environment. From tree-lined streets to beautifully landscaped roundabouts, planted terraces, and facades covered in vegetation, Monaco demonstrates its dedication to integrating nature into the urban environment.
Home to 880 species of plants, the Principality maintains such lush greenery through significant investment in both skilled manpower and expertise, with teams of gardeners and horticulturists working year-round.
Through these ongoing efforts, Monaco continues to affirm its role as a pioneer in sustainable urban development – proving that even the most compact territories can make room for nature.
Here are some of Monaco’s most notable green spaces – each worth exploring for their beauty, design, and unique atmosphere:
1. Saint-Martin Gardens
Nestled between the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée and the Oceanographic Museum, the Saint-Martin Gardens offer a peaceful escape in the heart of Monaco-Ville. This scenic promenade along the cliffs offers exceptional views of the Mediterranean and showcases a rich variety of Mediterranean flora.
Established in 1816 at the request of Prince Honoré V, these are the oldest public gardens in the Principality. You’ll find yourself immersed in both nature and art, with sculptures and art pieces blending seamlessly into the landscape. The trails follow the natural contours of the Rocher, opening up to stunning views over the sea and the Fontvieille district – a perfect balance of botanical beauty and artistic expression. An essential part of discovering the charm of Monaco-Ville.
2. Fontvieille Park
Located in the Fontvieille district, this beautifully landscaped park offers a peaceful and enjoyable stroll through a wide variety of plants and contemporary sculpture. Modern and contemporary bronze works are placed throughout the park, inviting visitors to discover art in the heart of nature.
Covering more than four hectares, the park includes the recently renovated Fontvieille pond, updated in 2020 to include an accessible promenade suitable for visitors with reduced mobility. The pond is also home to turtles, fish, and ducks, bringing the area to life.
Perfect for families with young children, the park also includes a well-equipped playground nestled between the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the Chapiteau. With swings, slides, and open space, it’s a welcoming spot for kids to play while parents enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
3. Princess Grace’s Rose Garden
No visit to Fontvieille Park would be complete without a stop at the Princess Grace Rose Garden – a true haven for flower enthusiasts, created in memory of Princess Grace. The garden was established at the initiative of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III, who envisioned an English-style rose garden with sweeping curves, flowerbeds bordered by lawns, and a Mediterranean touch through the planting of centuries-old olive trees.
At its heart stands a bronze statue of Princess Grace, sculpted in 1983 by Kees Verkade, creating a unique spirit and emotional resonance. This peaceful garden is home to 450 varieties of roses from around the world. Open to visitors at any time, day or night, the Rose Garden lies just a short walk from the Fontvieille harbour.
4. La Petite Afrique
Located just steps from the Casino, this exotic garden is a true oasis of greenery in the heart of Monte-Carlo. With its distinctly tropical atmosphere, it features a wide variety of rare plant species, many of which originate from countries in the South Pacific. An absolute must-do when visiting Place du Casino, this hidden gem invites you to slow down and enjoy a moment of serenity amid the buzz of Monte-Carlo.
5. Princess Antoinette Park
Not far from the Exotic Garden and Villa Paloma lies Parc Princesse Antoinette, a family-friendly park named in honor of Prince Rainier III’s sister. Shaded by centuries-old olive trees, the park offers a wide range of activities for children and teenagers alike.
Designed with young visitors in mind, the park features multiple playgrounds with sandboxes, slides, and swings. Active kids and teenagers can enjoy a variety of sports facilities, including ping-pong tables, badminton courts, and a multi-sport court suitable for basketball and football.
The park is also home to a small farm where children can get close to animals such as rabbits, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, sheep, and goats – bringing a delightful touch of the countryside into the heart of the city.
6. Japanese Garden
Located near the Grimaldi Forum and the Mareterra district, this serene 7,000 m² garden offers a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese design and Mediterranean plant life. Developed in response to Prince Rainier III’s vision in 1994, it provides a tranquil escape from the city – so much so that it feels like you’ve been transported to another part of the world. Every detail has been carefully crafted to create a sense of balance, peace, and natural beauty.
7. Terrasses du Casino
In the very heart of Monte-Carlo, at the historic core of the Principality, the Casino Terraces offer an unforgettable setting: the endless blue of the Mediterranean stretching out on one side, and the grandeur of Monaco’s architectural heritage on the other. Lined with palm trees and enhanced by vibrant seasonal flower displays, these gardens create a truly enchanting atmosphere. It is here that you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the Principality. An absolute must-see.
A Green Commitment in an Urban Setting
Monaco proves that even within a compact, densely built environment, it is possible to create and sustain thriving natural spaces. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these green spaces offer serene escapes and a genuine appreciation for the Principality’s enduring efforts to blend city life with natural beauty.
Sources:
- https://www.monaco.edu/en/monaco-ecosystem/
- https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/enjoy/parks-and-gardens
- https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/inspiration/gardens-parks-monaco
- https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/enjoy/parks-and-gardens/jardins-saint-martin-sainte-barbe
- https://www.visitmonaco.com/profiter/parcs-et-jardins/parc-paysager-de-fontvieille
- https://www.montecarlosbm.com/fr/inspiration/dossier-biodiversite-patrimoine-vegetal-monaco
- https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/enjoy/parks-and-gardens/parc-princesse-antoinette
- https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/enjoy/parks-and-gardens/the-japanese-garden
- https://en.gouv.mc/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/layout/set/popup/Policy-Practice/The-Environment/Helping-the-natural-environment-to-prosper
- https://roseraie.mc/
- https://www.visitmonaco.com/profiter/parcs-et-jardins/roseraie-princesse-grace
- https://meetings.montecarlosbm.com/fr/lieux-dexception/terrasses-du-casino
