{"id":9883,"date":"2024-02-27T12:01:51","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T11:01:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-gardens-little-africa-monaco\/"},"modified":"2024-02-28T15:24:03","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T14:24:03","slug":"visit-gardens-little-africa-monaco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-gardens-little-africa-monaco\/","title":{"rendered":"The Little Africa Gardens (Monaco): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the famous Monte-Carlo<\/strong> district, and more specifically opposite the touristy Place du Casino<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n

Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to the Jardins de la Petite Afrique<\/strong> in the Principality of Monaco.<\/p>\n\n

\"Discover<\/figure>\n\n
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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 Jardins de la Petite Afrique worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, the Jardins de la Petite Afrique are well worth a visit. We listed them in our article on Monaco’s most beautiful gardens<\/a>. 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)!<\/p>\n\n

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

\"River<\/figure>\n\n

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

Casino de Monte-Carlo<\/h3>\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n

A sculpture by Alexandre Calder<\/h3>\n\n
\"Slender
Slender Legs<\/em>, (1959), Alexandre Calder.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

A succession of fountains<\/h3>\n\n
\"View<\/figure>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

A Wollemi pine<\/h3>\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

A P\u00f4hutukawa<\/h3>\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n

The P\u00f4hutukama 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!<\/p>\n\n

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

We love cacti. We were able to see some fine specimens in the Jardins Saint-Martin<\/a>, 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! <\/p>\n\n

A monument to Prince Charles III<\/h3>\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n

As mentioned above, Prince Charles III was responsible for the gardens. He entrusted their creation to the famous French botanist Edouard Andr\u00e9. 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. <\/p>\n\n

Les Jardins de la Petite Afrique in Monaco: access<\/h2>\n\n

Where are the gardens?<\/h3>\n\n