Once a month, Luxus Magazine sets its sights on a destination in France or elsewhere to discover the most elegant spots—all personally experienced and carefully selected. Exceptional hotels, iconic restaurants, hidden gems, cultural getaways, and the local art of living… Our guide unfolds like a treasure map for discerning travelers, presented in the form of keys. After the Basque Country, we head to Monaco. More than just a destination, Monaco remains a global symbol of refinement, stability, and the Mediterranean way of life.
🔑 Historical Key : The Rock and the Grimaldi Dynasty
Perched on its rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, Monaco has cultivated a unique history for over seven centuries. In 1297, François Grimaldi, disguised as a Franciscan monk, seized the fortress, giving rise to one of Europe’s oldest dynasties. Even today, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco remains a living symbol of this historical continuity. Blending Italian, French, and Mediterranean influences, the Principality has forged a unique identity where heritage, diplomacy, and elegance coexist naturally.
🔑 Key to a Good Night’s Sleep : Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Facing the legendary Place du Casino, this iconic establishment has embodied the Monegasque art of hospitality since 1864. Behind its Belle Époque façade, spectacular suites, a spa, legendary cellars, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean come together to create a timeless experience. The palace remains one of the most iconic spots on the Riviera, frequented by both prominent European families and international travelers in search of excellence.
🔑 Key to the panorama : the Saint-Martin Gardens
Hovering above the sea, the Saint-Martin Gardens offer one of the most beautiful walks in the Principality. Amidst umbrella pines, sculptures, and spectacular views of the Mediterranean, the site reveals a more peaceful side of Monaco, far from the hustle and bustle of Monte Carlo. At sunset, the colors slowly shift across the ochre facades and the yachts moored in Port Hercule.
🔑 Architectural highlight : between the Belle Époque and contemporary masterpieces
In Monaco, architecture tells the story of the Principality’s evolution. The Belle Époque facades of Monte Carlo stand side by side with the most daring contemporary creations. The Anse du Portier district, a land reclamation project designed notably by architect Renzo Piano, exemplifies this constant drive to reinvent the territory while preserving its natural elegance.
🔑 Artistic highlight : the legacy of Grace Kelly
It’s impossible to mention Monaco without thinking of Grace Kelly. Her marriage to Prince Rainier III in 1956 propelled the Principality into a new era of media attention and glamour. More than just a Hollywood icon, Princess Grace made a profound contribution to Monaco’s cultural influence through her artistic, humanitarian, and institutional commitments. ven today, her elegance continues to inspire the Principality’s international image.
🔑 Cultural Highlight : Monte-Carlo Opera House
Designed by Charles Garnier, also the architect of the Paris Opera House, this Belle Époque gem remains one of the highlights of Monegasque cultural life. Concerts, ballets, operas, and prestigious events take place there throughout the year in a sumptuous setting overlooking the sea.
🔑 Exotic Garden Key
Opened in 1933 on the cliffs of Monaco, this spectacular garden features succulent plants from around the world. Its path offers remarkable views of the Mediterranean and reveals a prehistoric cave, showcasing the unique connection between nature, science, and Monaco’s heritage.
🔑 Marine highlight: Port Hercule
The beating heart of Monaco, Port Hercule is the hub of the Principality’s energy. Superyachts, elegant terraces, international events, and departures to sea set the rhythm of life in this unique natural harbor on the French Riviera.
It is here that the legendary Monaco Grand Prix takes place every year, one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.
🔑 Must-Visit Spot : Café de Paris on Casino Square
The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo: a true Monegasque institution since 1868, this iconic venue brings Casino Square to life. Elegant terraces, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and views of the prestigious Monte-Carlo district make it an essential stop for discovering the Monegasque art of living.
🔑 Key to your suitcase on the way there : essentials for embracing the Monegasque style
In Monaco, elegance begins the moment you pack your suitcase. To enjoy the private beaches, the pools of the luxury hotels, and sunny days on the Riviera, the “Monte Carlo” swimsuit by Elastique Athletics is the perfect companion. Designed as a true wellness garment, it combines clean lines, built-in SPF50 protection, and MicroPerle® technology to promote lymphatic drainage and everyday comfort. An innovative take on luxury where the swimsuit becomes a wearable skincare treatment.
On your feet, a pair of Deichmann sneakers adds the essential casual touch for exploring the narrow streets of the Rock, strolling around Port Hercule, or escaping to Èze and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
Finally, you can’t face the Mediterranean sun without expert protection. Lashilé Beauty X Soleil Noir sun care products naturally find their place in your travel kit, combining high protection with sensory pleasure to preserve the skin’s radiance throughout your stay.
🔑 The key to your suitcase on the way home : bring a little bit of Monaco back with you
Some destinations leave memories ; others inspire new desires. Monaco belongs to the second category.
To prolong the spirit of the Riviera, Agnès Sandahl’s ceramic creations make for a refined souvenir. Blending artisanal craftsmanship with contemporary decorative pieces, they capture the light and colors of the Mediterranean coastline.
It’s hard to resist the collections from Maison LIVIA Monte-Carlo. From its workshops on the Rock, the brand cultivates an elegant seaside savoir-faire where exquisite details become true design elements.
Finally, APM Monaco, founded in Monaco in 1982 by Ariane and Philippe Prette, embodies the elegance of the Riviera. This contemporary jewelry house combines artisanal expertise, creativity, and a Mediterranean spirit to shine across the globe today.
🔑 Artist Spotlight: Ginette Fermon
A painter renowned for her sensitivity and colorful style, Ginette Fermon regularly exhibits her work at the Monaco International Circus Festival. Inspired by the poetry of the circus world, she devotes much of her work to depicting clowns, whose expressions, emotions, and whimsy she captures with great finesse. Working in oil, gouache, and watercolor, she has developed a personal style in which the richness of the colors and the delicacy of her brushstrokes bring her characters to life.
🔑 Lunch highlight : COYA Monte-Carlo
Just steps from the sea, COYA brings the vibrant energy of Latin America to Monaco. In a setting blending Peruvian influences with Mediterranean elegance, the restaurant offers colorful and refined sharing dishes. Ceviches and grilled dishes are accompanied by a spectacular view of the Mediterranean from the terraces of the Sporting Monte-Carlo. At lunchtime, the restaurant has become a favorite spot for international guests coming to enjoy the Monegasque sun in a chic yet relaxed atmosphere.
🔑 Key to the secret getaway : Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Just a few minutes from Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin offers a more low-key side of the Riviera. With villas perched above the sea, secluded coves, and Mediterranean gardens, this unspoiled retreat appeals to lovers of understated elegance. It was also here that Le Corbusier chose to spend many summers.
🔑 Key to the Mediterranean Balcony: Château Eza
Perched on the heights of the medieval village of Èze, between Nice and Monaco, Château Eza offers one of the most spectacular views on the entire French Riviera. A former princely residence transformed into a boutique hotel, this property suspended between sky and sea overlooks the Mediterranean from an altitude of over 400 meters.
From its terrace, the view takes in the entire Riviera all the way to the Italian coast. A setting that makes this one of the most romantic spots in the Monaco area.
🔑 Dinner highlight : Beefbar
Located in the former Belle Époque hall at the Port of Fontvieille, Beefbar has become one of the most popular restaurants in the Principality. Founded by Riccardo Giraudi, the restaurant reimagines the steakhouse experience with a contemporary and cosmopolitan approach. Exceptional meats from Japan, Australia, and the United States, signature dishes to share, and a sophisticated atmosphere attract a loyal international clientele every evening.
🔑 Gourmet highlight : Cedric Grolet Monte-Carlo
Since his arrival in the Principality, pastry chef Cedric Grolet has drawn lovers of sweet creations from around the world. His famous sculpted fruits, now iconic on social media, sit alongside pastries, floral confections, and signature desserts.
🔑 Culinary highlight : Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris
A true institution of Mediterranean cuisine, this legendary restaurant has celebrated the flavors of the South for decades. Amid the palace’s gilded splendor, the cuisine showcases Mediterranean fish, seasonal vegetables, and exceptional ingredients in a spirit of sunny refinement dear to Alain Ducasse.
🔑 Key to the legend : the Casino de Monte-Carlo
You can’t leave Monaco without stepping inside the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. More than just a gambling establishment, this monument, inaugurated in the 19th century, symbolizes the Principality’s golden age. Its spectacular architecture, historic salons, and close ties to the history of international luxury continue to fuel the Monegasque legend.
Recommended Reading :
Monte-Carlo | 2023 | Assouline
Monaco Interdit | 2026 | Claude Palmero | Éditions Nouveau Monde
Discover Monaco through the prism of movies :
Amicalement Votre (saison 1, episod 1) by Basil Dearden | La fille du Pont by Patrice Lecomte | l’ Arnacoeur by Pascal Chaumeil | GoldenEye by Martin Campbell
Good to Know 💡
With an area of just 2 km², Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican. Yet the Principality hosts some of the most high-profile events on the planet, from the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Monaco Yacht Show, and the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, to the Rose Ball, the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, and the International Jumping Competition.
Next stop: Barcelone and Gaudi
Read more > An iconic Stopover… Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Featured photo : © Matthias Mullie
