{"id":9836,"date":"2024-02-23T11:35:24","date_gmt":"2024-02-23T10:35:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-jardins-saint-martin-monaco\/"},"modified":"2024-02-23T19:45:04","modified_gmt":"2024-02-23T18:45:04","slug":"visit-gardens-saint-martin-monaco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-gardens-saint-martin-monaco\/","title":{"rendered":"Saint-Martin Gardens (Monaco): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Strolling through Monaco’s famous Rocher district<\/strong>? Step away from the tourist hustle and bustle to visit one of our favorites: the Saint-Martin Gardens. Ideally situated between the cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum, these gardens, the first to open in Monaco in 1816<\/strong>, have a lot to offer: superb panoramas<\/strong>, lush vegetation, remarkable sculptures<\/strong>…don’t wait any longer to discover them!<\/p>\n\n

Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to the Saint-Martin Gardens in the Principality of Monaco.<\/p>\n\n

\"Read<\/figure>\n\n
\n

This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Is a visit to the Saint-Martin Gardens worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

The Saint-Martins gardens are well worth a visit. In fact, we listed them first in our list of Monaco’s most beautiful gardens<\/a>. We were delighted to walk around it! As well as featuring a wide variety of flowers and plants, both Mediterranean and exotic, these gardens are home to numerous sculptures by renowned artists (Giorgio de Chirico, Edouard-Marcel Sandoz…). You’ll also find watering holes and pleasant places to rest, like the covered walkway below. If you’re in good physical condition, don’t hesitate to take the paths leading down the cliffs – the views are superb!<\/p>\n\n

In our opinion, this is one of the best activities in Monaco<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n

\"View<\/figure>\n\n

What you can see<\/h2>\n\n

A leisure pool<\/h3>\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n

As soon as we entered the gardens, we noticed this superb pond. We were amazed by its lush vegetation. We were immediately immersed in a serene environment, lulled by the sound of trickling fountains. In the center, the fountain adorned with a sculpture set the tone for the visit: these gardens are all about art!<\/p>\n\n

Remarkable sculptures<\/h3>\n\n
\"K.Verkade,
K.Verkade, Invitation<\/em>, 1982.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

As art lovers, we particularly enjoyed the gardens, which are dotted with sculptures. We were impressed by Giorgio de Chirico’s Ettore e Andromaca<\/em> (1986), but our favorite is the one above by Dutchman Kees Verkade. Indeed, unlike the Italian surrealist’s work, this one is set in a particularly flowery environment, highlighting the sculpture’s theme: love. We were touched by this embracing couple. In a completely different genre, you’ll also see a sculpture of Prince Albert I, depicted as a “prince navigator” turned towards the sea.<\/p>\n\n

An avenue of cacti<\/h3>\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n

Originally, the Saint-Martin Gardens featured only Mediterranean plants. They were later enriched with exotic species, including numerous cacti. They have been grouped together in a very pleasant walkway.<\/p>\n\n

Magnificent views over the Port de Fontvieille<\/h3>\n\n
\"Panoramic<\/figure>\n\n

The location of the Saint-Martin gardens offers superb panoramic views of the Mediterranean, and in particular of the Port of Fontvieille. To make the most of the scenery, we advise you to keep your eyes open, take your time, and venture out if you can along the paths winding along the cliffs.<\/p>\n\n

Caves <\/h3>\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n

Near the promontory where the sculpture of Prince Albert I as a navigator stands, there are numerous paths leading down the cliffside. Take them if you want to discover the Saint-Martin caves. The descent is easy as there are steps, but the ascent can be tiring as the slope is steep. The caves, nestled deep in the cliffs, are small but home to many bats! <\/p>\n\n

A birdwatching trail<\/h3>\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n

The lower areas of the gardens feature numerous information panels on local bird species. For example, we learned a lot about the Mediterranean crested cormorant! Unfortunately, we were unable to observe any.<\/p>\n\n

Remarkable trees<\/h3>\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n

Just before leaving the gardens, this magnificent and impressive fig tree in Moreton Bay caught our eye. It reminded us of the one we had admired a few days earlier at the Villa Sauber in Monaco’s New National Museum<\/a>. We love this elegant tree with its light bark and exotic look. This tree is marked as part of the “Heritage Tree Trail”, which crosses not only the garden but the whole principality! To find out more, visit the tourist office website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Saint-Martin Gardens in Monaco: how to get there<\/h2>\n\n

Where are the Saint-Martin Gardens?<\/h3>\n\n