The Principality of Monaco is not renowned for its greenery. And yet, it has gardens and parks that made a lasting impression on us and that we enjoyed visiting. They’re a pleasant place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Due to Monaco’s cliff-side layout, most of the buildings are on high ground. They offer superb panoramic views of the Mediterranean!
Here’s our selection of Monaco’s most beautiful gardens, with helpful tips in pictures!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Monaco’s best gardens: tips + map
Monaco is home to many gardens. Although small in size, they offer peace and quiet and very appreciable views over the principality.
But there’s much more to do in and around the city: see our guide.
If you only need to do 3, we recommend it:
- Les Jardins Saint-Martin: we’ve fallen in love with them. We were overwhelmed by their beauty, taking place in the Rocher district, our favorite!
- Le Jardin Exotique: unfortunately, it was closed for renovation during our stay, but we were right next door and can tell you that the views of the coast are magnificent, as the garden overlooks the principality.
- La Roseraie de la Princesse Grace: although not very large, we enjoyed this rose garden, which offers a wide variety of roses. It must be even prettier in spring!
To help you find your way around, here’s a map of Monaco’s main gardens:
1. Saint-Martin Gardens
Why visit them? Our review
These gardens, the first to be opened in Monaco in 1816, are a real highlight! Located right next to the Oceanographic Museum in the Rocher district, they are built on the edge of a cliff. We loved the lush vegetation, water features and sculptures! You’ll see a wide variety of flowers and plants, both Mediterranean and exotic. For example, there’s a whole section with cacti! But our favorite part was getting lost in the winding paths that run down the cliffs. Here we discovered a small cave and information panels on local birds. Finally, we found that the views they offer are among the finest in the principality.
Useful tips
- The gardens are located in the Rocher district, between the Oceanographic Museum and the Cathedral.
- To get there by public transport, take bus lines 1 and 2 to the “Monaco Ville Le Rocher” stop. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Length of visit: allow 30min to 1h, depending on whether or not you wish to take breaks and descend the cliff.
- Difficulty of access: there is wheelchair access opposite the cathedral and in front of the Oceanographic Museum. There are, however, some steep slopes. If you have difficulty walking, don’t venture downhill on side roads.
- Children will be delighted to discover the sculptures and water features in the gardens. Younger visitors, however, will tire of the cliffside paths.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Look out for our dedicated article soon!
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
2. Exotic Garden
Why visit it? Our review
Unfortunately, the Jardin Exotique was closed for renovation at the time of our stay (scheduled to reopen in 2025). Despite our disappointment, we were able to catch a glimpse of it and understand its significance, as we visited the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology next door. The garden includes a botanical center created in the 1960s, which, with its 10,500 plants, boasts the world’s largest collections of cacti and succulents. But that’s not all! At the base of the observatory cliff, where the garden was built in the early 20th century, lies a grotto that slopes down almost to sea level. This cavity, at an altitude of 100m, was frequented by prehistoric man, as attested by the animal bones found there. We discovered them in the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.
Useful tips
- The Jardin Exotique is located in the area that bears its name, high above the Condamine district.
- We recommend you get there by public transport, as the climbs are steep on foot! You can take bus lines 2 and 3 to the “Villa Paloma” stop. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Difficulty of access: the garden is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. It has many slopes.
- The garden and grotto will appeal to children, but the youngest may tire quickly (many slopes).
- Full adult rate: New rates will be set when the site reopens.
- Opening hours: the botanical center is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. New opening hours will be introduced when the site reopens.
- Link to the official garden website here.
3. Rainier III Animal Garden
Why visit it? Our review
Are you with your family? If so, we recommend a visit to the Jardin Animalier de Monaco. As its name suggests, this park was founded by Prince Rainier III in 1954. One of the world’s last royal housewives, it is home to almost 250 animals of some 60 different species. For example, we discovered this otocyon, known as the non- marsupial mammal with the most teeth (between 46 and 50!). The construction of the garden on the southern flank of the rock explains the narrowness of the enclosures. So you won’t see any large animals. We would also like to point out that no garden animals have been purchased. They come from donations, abandonment or customs seizures. Finally, the garden offers beautiful views of the Fontvieille district and the Prince’s Palace, and includes a playground that will delight your children!
Useful tips
- The garden is located on the southern flank of the Rocher, on what are known as the “Terrasses de Fontvieille”.
- To get there by public transport, take bus lines 3, 4 and 6 to the “Fontvieille, C. Commercial” stop. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours.
- Difficulty: there are many slopes, but the route is still accessible to people with reduced mobility. There are adapted sanitary facilities.
- This garden is perfect for kids!
- Full adult price: €6
- Opening times: vary according to the season, but the garden is open every day (9am-7pm maximum, 10am-5pm minimum), with permanent closure between 12pm and 2pm.
- Link to the official garden website here.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- 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.
4. Japanese garden
Why visit it? Our review
Created in 1994 by Japanese landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, at the request of Prince Rainier III, this small garden is ideal for taking a break. It respects the principles of Zen thinking and offers a change of scenery by combining Japanese tradition with Mediterranean essences. We enjoyed watching the many koi carp in the main pool and strolling over the Japanese bridges that cross it. The covered terrace with Japanese dolls is a delight, as are the waterfall and the teahouse dedicated to Princess Grace of Monaco. As you can see, there’s a lot to see in this little garden!
Useful tips
- The garden is located in the Larvotto district.
- To get there by public transport, take bus routes 6, 5 and 1 to the “Portier” stop. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Length of visit: Allow 20min to 1h for your visit, whether or not you’d like to sit by the pool for a while.
- Difficulty of visit: the paths are flat but narrow. Traffic may be difficult during peak periods.
- The garden is suitable for children, who will be delighted to observe the koi carp and Japanese dolls!
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 6:45pm in high season, and until 5:45pm out of season.
- To save time, you can opt for a multi-stop bus tour of Monaco, with the garden as the 3rd stop on the tour. Book your tour now.
To find out more about the Japanese Garden, you can read our dedicated article here.
5. Princess Grace Rose Garden
Why visit it? Our review
The Princess Grace Rose Garden was created by Prince Rainier III as a tribute to his wife Grace Kelly. Inside, you’ll discover almost 315 varieties of rose, over a surface area of more than 5,000m2. Most of these flowers are named after movie stars, sovereigns and other celebrities. We were immediately drawn to this bright red rose! This is the “Ingrid Bergman” variety, an American actress from the 1950s. But this rose garden has other surprises too! A number of sculptures and fountains line the route. Designed according to the principles of an English garden, the rose garden retains a Mediterranean character with its century-old olive trees. We recommend that you continue your walk in the garden adjacent to the rose garden, as it is very pleasant!
Useful tips
- The rose garden is located in the Fontvieille district.
- To get there by public transport, take bus lines 4 and 6 to the “Roseraie” stop. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Length of visit: allow 30min to 1h, depending on your interest in roses.
- Difficulty of access: the rose garden is accessible and has sanitary facilities adapted for people with reduced mobility. There are no particular difficulties.
- The rose garden has no special facilities for children.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: open every day, 24 hours a day.
- Link to the official Rose Garden website here.
Read our article on the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
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6. Jardin de la Petite Afrique
Why visit it? Our review
You won’t want to miss this garden, as it’s located in Monaco’s most touristic area: Place du Casino, in the heart of the Monte-Carlo district. The Jardin de la Petite Afrique is adjacent to the Jardin des Boulingrins. While they may seem quite insignificant, these gardens actually have a rich history that began in the late 19th century. It was at this time that Prince Charles III called on the famous French botanist Edouard André to create a green space that would give the impression of eternal spring, in order to appeal to winter visitors. The Petite Afrique garden has been planted with species from the South Pacific Ocean. As for the Boulingrins store, it offers a journey through Oceania, South America and Asia. We recommend that you discover these species by following the heritage tree trail (signposted)!
Useful tips
- The Jardin de la Petite Afrique is located in the Monte-Carlo district, between the tourist office and the casino.
- To get there by public transport, take bus lines 1 to 6, stop at “Monte-Carlo Tourisme”. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Length of visit: allow 15min to 30min for your visit, whether or not you’d like to take a break.
- Difficulty of visit: although built on a slope, the garden is accessible to people with reduced mobility, who can follow the path of heritage trees.
- The garden has no special facilities for children, but they will certainly appreciate the central fountains and the shade provided by the trees.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Our dedicated article will be available soon!
7. Parc Princesse Antoinette
Why visit it? Our review
This one-hectare park is located on the heights of the principality, next to the exotic garden and the New Villa Paloma National Museum. We recommend a stopover in this green space if you’re climbing to the heights of Monaco on foot. Believe us, you’ll be delighted to be able to take a break while admiring the panoramic view of the Rocher! This park is ideal for families. It features a small menagerie with farm animals, and multiple play areas (swings, slides). Older children can enjoy multi-sports courts (badminton, volleyball…), a small skateboard structure, table tennis and 18-hole mini-golf. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the centuries-old olive trees!
Useful tips
- Parc Princesse Antoinette is located high above the principality in the Jardin Exotique district.
- To get there by public transport, take bus lines 3 and 5 to the “Parc Princesse Antoinette” stop. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Length of visit: allow 15min to 1h, depending on whether or not you’d like to take a “play” break with your children.
- Difficulty: the garden is accessible but steep. We advise you to be vigilant.
- The park is ideal for children, with its many play areas and sports facilities.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: open daily from 8:30 am. Closes at 7pm from May to September, at 5:30pm from November to March and at 6pm during October and April.
- Find all the latest information on the official website here.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
8. Unesco Garden
Why visit it? Our review
This garden is located on the terraces of Fontvieille, overlooking the port. It also offers beautiful views of the Prince’s Palace perched on the Rock. Although small, this green space is ideal for taking a break. It features lush vegetation, a few fountains and geometric paving that we really appreciated. But it’s the sculptures that make this garden so remarkable. It houses works by major 20th-century artists such as François-Xavier Lalanne, César and Antoine Boudelle. The flower beds enhance the beauty of this tranquil garden.
Useful tips
- The garden is located in the Fontvieille district.
- To get there by public transport, take bus routes 3, 4 and 6 to the “Fontvieille – Centre commercial” stop. To plan your itinerary, visit the official website here.
- Length of visit: allow 15 to 30 minutes for your visit, whether or not you’d like to take a break.
- Difficult to visit: we didn’t see any access to the park other than a grand staircase. We do not recommend it for people with reduced mobility.
- The garden has no special facilities for children, but it’s a great place to take a family break.
- Free admission.
- Opening times: opening times change regularly. We recommend you visit between 10am and 4pm.
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Other gardens near Monaco
During your stay in Monaco, you’ll be sure to take in the nearby towns of Nice and Menton, and stroll around the Cap Ferrat peninsula. It’s an opportunity to discover some magnificent gardens, which we’ve listed in this article.
We’d like to share with you some of our favorites, which have been awarded the “Remarkable Gardens” label. This recognition is awarded to gardens of cultural, aesthetic, historical or botanical interest:
- Jardins de la Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: to the east of Nice, we loved this lush garden, a symbol of luxury on the Côte d’Azur. Find out more here. Save time by buying your tickets.
- Jardin Exotique d’Èze: with its impressive collection of cacti and succulents and breathtaking panoramic views, this is a must-see! Read our dedicated article here to find out more.
- Jardin botanique de Menton Val Rahmeh: we were fascinated by this oasis of freshness with its exceptional variety of plants, especially in the aquatic section! For more information, read our dedicated article here.
