In which quarter house in Monaco?

During a stay in the Monaco Principality, where to sleep to spend a good time? Discover the best areas to stay in Monaco!

It has the reputation of an island-refugee of all excesses: jet-set, oligarchs, heirs and rich holders of capital, business bankers and great annuitants, politicians and tax exiles. Yet, the 37,308 inhabitants of this city-state Monaco are not all millionaires or billionaires and are not necessarily at the table of the ostentatious wealth contest. Second smallest country in the world – after the Vatican -, enclosed in that of the French republic, Monaco has only expanded on 2,02 km2, there are many antagonistic social worlds that live there. So, where to stay in Monaco when you're a "Lambda" tourist?

The 2013 administrative division covers nine districts in Monaco: Monaco-ville, Ravin Sainte-Dévote, Monte-Carlo, Larvotto, La Rousse, La Condamine, Jardin Exotique, Les Moneghetti and Fontvieille. Discover with us where to sleep in Monaco, along this pearl of the Mediterranean.

Monaco-Ville

It is the “Rocher”, the seat of the Principality. It is the oldest historic centre of the city, which includes the political institutions of the country: the Princely Palace, the Town Hall, the government, the National Council, the Municipal Council, the courts, the prison, the cathedral. The narrow and enclosed streets of the neighborhood are sprinkled with luxurious little shops, restaurants and picturesque buildings. This is where the city was founded in the 6th century by the Phoceans of Massalia (Marseille).

Monte-Carlo

Located in the east of Rocher, it is the most famous neighbourhood in Monaco. You will find the casino, palaces and luxury boutiques. Here, the spread of wealth does not shock anyone, it is a virtue. This neighborhood of Monte-Carlo is very central, between the Beaches and the port of the Condamine, plunging straight to the sea.

Condamine

This area, located north of the Hercule Port, offers more accommodations (deluxe hotels and apartments) and possibilities to recover only in Monte-Carlo. And because of this, it is Monaco’s commercial lung. After a shopping session in refined boutiques and classes, fill your shopping cart in the daily market of Place d’Armes. It is also here that the Formula 1 races of the Monaco Grand Prix are organized. In 2018, this will take place from May 24 to 27. Don’t miss the event, but you must find accommodation before this deadline!

Fontvieille

Very often forgotten tourists, Fontvieille is a neighborhood almost built in offshore , won over the sea. First of all, it does not have any interest: it houses the industries and businesses of the Principality. But you will also find the Animal Garden – if you love animals -, the port of Fontvieille with bars and restaurants in front of the sea, the Roseraie Princesse Grace – a huge floral park in full Monaco in tribute to Grace Kelly (1929-1982), Princess of Monaco -, the international circus festival. Don't look for a cheap hostel, instead target luxury hotels to be able to stay in Monaco.

Main photo credit: Flickr – Bernard DUPONT