The Cellars at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are getting a makeover
They are one of the treasures of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group. The cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, which celebrated their 150th anniversary last year, have just completed a major renovation project, which began in 2024, entrusted to the architectural firm Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with the Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. They were inaugurated in their new form on Wednesday 11 June by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Stéphane Valeri, Deputy Chairman of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, in the presence of Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille, as well as Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. Carved into the rock ten metres below ground, the cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo now house an ultra-exclusive club for the most discerning wine connoisseurs: the Cercle des Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The Grand Art de vivre and the Art of Fine Wine come together in this exceptional 1,500 m² setting, making it the largest Hotel cellars in the world, with a reputation that extends beyond borders, all the way to the Osaka World Expo.
The finest cellars in the world
Born of Marie Blanc’s avant-garde vision in 1874, the prestigious cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are a true testament not only to the rich historical heritage of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, but also to the Grand Art de vivre that forms the Group’s DNA. To mark their 150th anniversary in 2024, the Cellars have embarked on a transformation of their hospitality spaces to offer a more exclusive customer experience. Entrusted to the Parisian agency Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with the Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora, this major project has been divided into two phases (early 2024 and 2025). New spaces were unveiled on Wednesday 11 June.
The grand hall immerses us in this fully preserved space, 10 metres underground, in a hushed, timeless atmosphere. Light wood, La Turbie stone and carefully crafted lighting enhance the new spaces. Innovation has been subtly introduced into this historic venue. In the reception room, the history of the Cellars is now told, linked to the founding couple of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer: François and Marie Blanc.
It is also to this great lady that the Cellars pay tribute, notably with the Réserve Marie Blanc, unique in the world. For it is here that the oldest and rarest bottles, not intended for sale, are carefully preserved, such as a 1809 and 1811 Grande Champagne Cognac, a 1945 Mouton-Rothschild, and a Petrus from the same year. This tribute continues in the brand-new Cellar dedicated to showcasing the great French wine regions – Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux – alongside an expert oenologist and the unexpected welcome of Marie Blanc.
This new setting can be explored through exclusive experiences, such as tours of the Cellars (with or without tasting), a dinner or a cocktail reception, but also through the brand-new ultra-private club: the Cercle des Caves at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
The Cercle des Caves at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: a club for serious wine enthusiasts
Following the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which has been bringing together the finest cigar connoisseurs since 28 May, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is now catering to wine enthusiasts with the creation of the Cercle des Caves at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. An exclusive club offering its members privileged access to the finest vintages from the Hôtel de Paris cellars, as well as exceptional wine-tasting experiences: exclusive food and wine pairings, meetings with the finest winemakers, and bespoke guidance from Patrice Frank, the cellar’s director. By joining this ultra-exclusive club, each member becomes part of a privileged circle of connoisseurs and enjoys special recognition within Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
Following an induction ceremony into the Cercle, members join a community of serious wine enthusiasts to share their passion and enjoy unique experiences. They will thus be able to take part in exclusive events: prestigious dinners in the heart of the Cellars, enhanced by food and wine pairings curated by the Group’s sommeliers, in the presence of winemakers and owners of prestigious estates, access to a selection of rare wines and prestigious vintages, and private tastings. H.S.H. Prince Albert II was thus officially inducted into the Cercle des Caves of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo by Patrice Frank, Director of the Cercle and the Cellars.
There are places where magic works with such power that it leaves unforgettable memories. The Cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are one such place. Reserved for wine professionals and a select few privileged visitors, the 1,500 m² of galleries are gradually revealed to visitors, as you have just seen. This vast renovation project, which I considered to be of strategic importance, was entrusted to the Parisian firm Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with the Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. This setting is a tribute to Marie Blanc, widow of the founder of the Société des Bains de Mer, which was established at the behest of Prince Charles III
The Cellars of the Hôtel de Paris travel all the way to Japan
Designed around the theme ‘Take Care of Wonder’, the Monaco Pavilion, on display at the Osaka World Expo since 13 April, pays a special tribute to the Cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Two elegant spaces (the Lounge and the Belvédère) offer visitors an exceptional wine-tasting experience, curated by Patrice Frank, Director of the Cercle and the Cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Three exclusive tastings showcase fine wines and a Grande Champagne XO Cognac. The pop-up boutique offers a selection of refined items. In the Principality and elsewhere, the Cellars of the Hôtel de Paris embody, more than ever, the Grand Art de vivre, Monte-Carlo style.