Camping near Monaco 
The Principality of Monaco, an independent state bordering several communes in the Alpes Maritimes, has been associated with the famous Grimaldi family for 700 years.
Take the morning drive from Les Pinèdes campsite to Monaco. Park near the port, with plenty of parking easily accessible.
You’ll be dazzled and amazed at every step you take in the heart of the Cité des Princes. From the old town, a veritable open-air museum, to the Casino square, the only one of its kind in the world. You’ll barely need a day to visit the castle, the port, the Oceanographic Museum, the exotic garden (reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world), the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology… We’re sure you’ll have plenty to choose from, so here are our tips and favorites.
Le Rocher
Monaco
The Rocher de Monaco is the historic part of the city.
Also known as Monaco-ville, the Rocher is the district of Monaco that houses most of the country’s political institutions. Here you’ll find the Prince’s Palace, the Government, the Town Hall, the courts and more. It’s also home to Monaco’s famous Oceanographic Museum and the Cathedral.
Enjoy the old town with its narrow streets, shops and perfectly preserved Renaissance-style buildings.
The Princely Palace
Located at the highest point of the Rock of Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean, the Prince’s Palace has been the official residence of the Prince of Monaco since 1297.
Originally built a century earlier under the Republic of Genoa, the fortress has seen many sieges and bombardments over the course of its history.
Outside, you can watch the changing of the guard at 11:55 sharp.
The Oceanographic Museum
Clinging to the cliff at the top of the Rocher, it is the only building with direct access to the sea 85 meters below.
With over 6,000 specimens presented in their carefully reconstituted natural environment, and its incredible Shark Lagoon, the Oceanographic Museum invites you to discover the aquatic fauna of the Mediterranean. The Lagoon is remarkable for its size and the species it houses. This giant 6-meter-deep aquarium contains 4,500,000 liters of seawater behind 30-centimeter-thick glass. From four different angles, you can observe several species of shark, a turtle, moray eels and many other marine animals. Its coral reef, created in 1989, is another of the museum’s wonders.
The roof terrace offers a 360° panoramic view of the Mediterranean and Monaco. This is also where you can discover Turtle Island, presented during school vacations by the museum’s animators.
Le Jardin Exotique
Open to the public since 1933, the Jardin Exotique offers a magnificent view over Monaco. You’ll discover succulent plants, of which cacti are the most representative family.
At the base of the garden cliff, you can also visit the “observatory” grotto, named after the historic presence of a small astronomical observatory. The cave slopes down to almost sea level and is partly equipped for tours.
The Casino de Monte Carlo and its surroundings
Built in 1863 to designs by architect Charles Garnier, the Monte Carlo casino stands majestically on the Place du Casino, alongside the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris.
This is also the site of the Opéra Garnier, also built under the tutelage of Charles Garnier and inaugurated at the same time as the Casino. Closed for renovations in 2000, the Opéra underwent a facelift and reopened its doors in 2005, offering an array of shows throughout the year.
On the way back, take the Route des Corniches, passing through Villefranche-sur-Mer, and discover the famous “Baie de Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat” with its peninsula and dream properties.
