In the famous Monte-Carlo district, and more specifically opposite the touristy Place du Casino, you’ll find a green setting. These are the Little Africa Gardens, created at the end of the 19th century at the request of Prince Charles III. The goal? Create a green space that gives the impression of eternal spring, to appeal to winter visitors. You’ll be able to bask in the warmth of many exotic species.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Jardins de la Petite Afrique in the Principality of Monaco.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Jardins de la Petite Afrique worthwhile?
Yes, the Jardins de la Petite Afrique are well worth a visit. We listed them in our article on Monaco’s most beautiful gardens. You’ll be delighted to discover this green space in the highly urbanized district of Monte-Carlo. As for us, we loved discovering the exotic species in the gardens. Before you know it, you’ll be moving from the Jardin de la Petite Afrique, featuring plants from the countries of the South Pacific Ocean, to the Jardin des Boulingrins. It takes you on a journey through Oceania, South America and Asia. We recommend that you discover these species by following the heritage tree trail (signposted)!
In our opinion, this is one of the best activities in Monaco!
What you can see
Casino de Monte-Carlo
The gardens offer an exceptional view of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which they enhance. Indeed, the central part is characterized by a succession of concrete fountains with sparse vegetation. This gives a perfect perspective of the majestic building. We loved this viewpoint, which for us is the most beautiful on the monument!
A sculpture by Alexandre Calder
We set off from the Place du Casino to walk up the gardens to the tourist office. We soon came across this metal sculpture by Alexandre Calder. Produced in 1959, it is entitled “Slender Legs”. We thought it lived up to its name, with its “legs” firmly anchored in the ground and its slender stems.
A succession of fountains
The central part of the gardens is a succession of circular concrete fountains. They are surrounded by sparse vegetation, which enhances the perspective offered by the gardens, from the tourist office to the Place du Casino. Unfortunately, due to the drought, most of the fountains were not in operation.
A Wollemi pine
We enjoyed these gardens because of the remarkable trees they contain. This Wollemi pine, for example, caught our eye. Thanks to an explanatory panel, we learned that this species is native to Australia, where it was discovered in 1994. At the time, there were only about forty trees of this type on record! To avoid extinction, the species has been reintroduced worldwide since 2006.
A Pôhutukawa
The Pôhutukama is our 2nd favorite tree in these gardens. As the name suggests, it comes from New Zealand. We were impressed by its “twisted” trunk and massive foliage. It’s New Zealand’s “Christmas tree”, because during this period it produces a huge quantity of red flowers. In our opinion, it’s the best decoration to brighten up the holidays!
Cacti
We love cacti. We were able to see some fine specimens in the Jardins Saint-Martin, on the Rock of Monaco, but also in Corsica, in the Parc Galea near Bastia. We weren’t disappointed here either as we discovered some new varieties!
A monument to Prince Charles III
As mentioned above, Prince Charles III was responsible for the gardens. He entrusted their creation to the famous French botanist Edouard André. So it’s only natural that at the top of the green space, near the tourist office, there should be a monument to this sovereign. The plaques recall that it was to him that Monte-Carlo was created on June 1, 1866.
Les Jardins de la Petite Afrique in Monaco: access
Where are the gardens?
- The gardens are located in the Monte Carlo district of the Principality of Monaco. It faces the casino.
- It’s a ten-minute walk from the station.
Access by car and parking
The nearest parking lot (adjacent to the gardens) is the casino parking lot. It charges for parking of 1 hour or more, and is open 24 hours a day.
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- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
To get there by public transport, take bus lines 1 to 6, stop at “Monte-Carlo Tourisme”. To plan your route, visit the official public transport website here.
Visiting difficulties
Although built on a slope, the gardens are accessible to people with reduced mobility, who can follow the path of the heritage trees. In very hot weather, we recommend avoiding the central fountain area, as it’s very exposed.
Visit the Jardins de la Petite Afrique: useful tips
Schedules and prices
- Admission is free.
- The gardens are open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 15-30 minutes for your visit, whether or not you’d like to take a break.
Best moment
We recommend a visit in the morning. Indeed, the gardens can be very crowded due to their location in the highly touristic Monte-Carlo district. What’s more, the casino is open for tours every morning. We recommend you take advantage of this before relaxing in the gardens!
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for the tour. As for us, we visited the casino, then walked up the gardens to the tourist office. If you like botany, you can follow the “heritage tree trail”, which crosses not only the gardens but the whole principality! To find out more, visit the tourist office website here.
Eating out
The gardens are located in the heart of Monaco, in the tourist district of Monte Carlo. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, including “Chez Pierre”, an address we really enjoyed. This restaurant is located in the Metropole Shopping Center, adjacent to the gardens. To find out more, we invite you to read our article on Monaco’s best restaurants.
Picnics are not permitted on site.
Hotels
You’re in the heart of Monaco, in the Monte Carlo district, famous for its palaces. For more affordable options, we recommend staying in the neighboring Port-Hercule area. Here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN Monaco
Option 1: In Monte Carlo
Discover luxury palaces in Monaco’s most sought-after district:
- Hotel de Paris – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hermitage Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Métropole – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Larvotto
Close to Larvotto beach, you’ll find some splendid resort hotels.
We recommend..:
- Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – view prices, pictures and availability
- Le Méridien Beach Plaza – view prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: At Port-Hercule
Boutique hotels, with superb views of the port and the Rock.
- Hotel Miramar – prices, pictures and availability
- Port Palace – see prices, photos and availability
