Monaco: Old Town (Monaco-Ville, Le Rocher)

Discovering Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher)

Monaco-Ville, affectionately known as "The Rock" (Le Rocher), is the historic heart of the Principality and its oldest district, dramatically perched on a high promontory overlooking the Mediterranean. This fortified old town is the cradle of the Grimaldi dynasty, whose lineage dates back to 1297. The district's founding tale is legendary: François Grimaldi, disguised as a Franciscan monk, seized the fortress by trickery, establishing a dynasty that has ruled ever since. This historic citadel, now home to the Prince's Palace, is a living testament to Monaco’s enduring heritage and provides a tangible link to its centuries-old past. Its narrow, winding streets are a delight to explore, offering a sense of timeless charm.

Parking in Monaco. How to get to the centre of old town

Due to its historic and elevated position, vehicle access to the heart of Monaco-Ville is highly restricted. The Principality's innovative solution to this challenge is a network of multi-level underground parking garages carved directly into the rock. The Parking des Pêcheurs is an engineering marvel that offers a convenient and secure place to leave your car. This strategic parking solution not only frees up the old town for pedestrians but also provides a seamless transition from your car to the main attractions via a system of modern escalators and elevators, making the journey effortless.

The interior of the rock, on which the Monaco-Ville is built, is now hollow and contains seven levels of Parking des Pecheurs (1; GPS: 43.731765, 7.427453). After arriving, you should use the escalators and elevators to get to the surface near the Oceanographic Museum. We propose to move down the street of Saint-Martin in the direction of the center of old town. Along the way, you can see the Cathedral of Monaco (A; GPS: 43.730065, 7.422681). After entering the Rue de l'Eglise street you are in the center of old town and can admire colorful houses and lots of souvenir shops. To get to the Place du Palais, go left down the Emile de Loth street. Anyway, the area is so small so there is no possibility of getting lost - see the Monaco Ville map below.

Place de Palais

The Place du Palais is more than just a square; it is the official heart of the Principality, dominated by the magnificent Prince's Palace. This grand residence is a blend of medieval fortress and Renaissance palace, a visible testament to the Grimaldi family's long and rich history. The square itself is a large open space that hosts public events and offers a perfect vantage point for observing the ceremonial life of the Principality. From here, you can feel the pulse of Monaco, a unique blend of historical tradition and modern governance, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking views. The famous Changing of the Guard ceremony is a daily tradition that draws crowds and is a highlight for many visitors.

The biggest building in the Place de Palais is the palace itself. The entrance is guarded by the guards (Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince). On the right there is the famous statue of François Grimaldi (B; GPS: 43.731226, 7.421030) dressed as a Franciscan monk. However, under the monk's habit you can see a piece of the sword. Since the old town was built on the rock, you have the opportunity to admire the great views of Monaco, both the eastern (C; GPS: 43.731480, 7.421364) (La Condamine with the main harbor of Monaco and Monte Carlo) and western districts (D; GPS: 43.730619, 7.419991) (Fontvieille - Monaco's newest quarter, which was built on land reclaimed from the sea).

If you are on the Place de Palais in the morning, you might want to wait until twelve o'clock and watch the spectacular changing of the guard. However to keep the best place, from which you can freely see the details of the ceremony, you must come at least half to twelve.

The Oceanographic Museum

The Oceanographic Museum is a world-class institution dedicated to marine sciences and oceanography, famously directed for many years by the legendary Jacques Cousteau. Its stunning clifftop location is matched by its impressive collection, which offers a deep dive into the underwater world. The building itself is a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture, a colossal edifice that seems to rise directly from the sea. The museum's mission is to educate the public on the importance of marine life and conservation, making it a compelling and educational visit for people of all ages.

When you return to the Parking des Pecheurs, you should absolutely visit the Oceanographic Museum (E; GPS: 43.730619, 7.425556). It has one of the most impressive aquariums in Europe, presenting to visitors more than 4000 species of fishes and 200 families of invertebrates. The museum keeps also various objects related to the sea, like the skeletons of animals, ship models, weapons and tools.

Museum is open from 9:30 to 19:00 in the spring and summer months (July and August: to 19:30). Adult tickets cost 14 €; children 4-12 years: 7 €; students (13-18 years): 10 €; people with disabilities: 7 €; children under 4 enter for free.

The St Martin Gardens

The St. Martin Gardens provide a peaceful and picturesque pathway connecting the Prince's Palace to the Oceanographic Museum, offering a delightful respite from the bustling tourist paths. This lush green space is a horticultural paradise, with meticulously maintained terraced gardens that are home to a diverse array of exotic and Mediterranean plants. The paths are lined with charming benches, inviting visitors to pause and soak in the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the breathtaking views of the port below. It’s an easy and rewarding walk that combines natural beauty with incredible coastal panoramas.

We also suggest you to take a nice walk from the Palace to the Oceanographic Museum through St Martin Gardens and admire not only the breathtaking views of the water, but the varied and amazingly well-tended landscaping. Many different kinds of plants are abundant among the mini gardens and beautiful sculptures. The path is very well marked and pretty easy to follow. The entrance to the gardens is located opposite to the cathedral (F; GPS: 43.729873, 7.422245).

Gastronomy in Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher)

Monaco-Ville, with its charming old-world atmosphere, offers a more traditional and intimate dining experience compared to the glamorous restaurants of Monte-Carlo. As you explore the narrow, cobblestone streets of "The Rock," you will find a variety of small cafes, family-run restaurants, and gelaterias tucked away in picturesque squares. The cuisine here is a delightful mix of French and Ligurian influences, focusing on fresh, flavorful ingredients and time-honored recipes. Dining on the Rock provides a more authentic taste of Monegasque life, away from the city's hustle and bustle.

What to Try?

Local Eateries: Look for places that specialize in local delicacies like `barbagiuan` (chard and ricotta fritters) or `pissaladière` (a savory tart with onions and anchovies). These are perfect for a quick snack or a light lunch.
Seafood: Given its seaside location, fresh seafood is a staple. You can find restaurants offering fresh fish, mussels, and other marine specialties.
Ice Cream & Crêpes: The old town is dotted with delightful ice cream parlors and crêpe stands, perfect for a treat on a warm day as you wander through the streets.

Where to Eat?

There are several restaurants with lovely outdoor terraces near the Place du Palais and the Cathedral, offering stunning views of the city and the port. These spots are ideal for a leisurely lunch. You can also simply grab a coffee at one of the cafes and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Dining on the Rock is an experience that combines excellent food with the unique charm of this historic district.