The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo cellars reinvent themselves
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, initiated in 2024, entrusted to the Moinard Bétaille architectural firm, in collaboration with Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. They were inaugurated in their new configuration on Wednesday 11 June by HSH Prince Albert II and Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, in the presence of Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille and Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. Dug into the rock ten metres below the surface, the cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are now home to an ultra-private club for the world's greatest wine lovers: the Cercle des Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The art of fine living and the art of fine wine come together in this exceptional setting of 1,500 m2, making it the largest hotel cellars in the world, with a reputation that extends as far afield as the Osaka World Fair.
The most beautiful cellars in the world
Born of the avant-garde intuition of Marie Blanc 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 great art of living that is the Group's DNA. For their 150th anniversary in 2024, the Caves have embarked on a transformation of their hospitality spaces, in order to offer a more exclusive customer experience. Entrusted to the Parisian agency Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora, these major works have been phased in 2 stages (early 2024 and 2025). The new spaces were inaugurated on Wednesday 11 June.
The main hall immerses us in this totally preserved site, 10 metres underground, in a hushed, timeless atmosphere. Light-coloured wood, stone from La Turbie and a particularly sophisticated lighting system magnify the new spaces. Innovation is subtly brought to this historic site. In the reception room, the history of the Caves is told in association with the founding couple of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer: François and Marie Blanc.
It is also to this great lady that the Caves pay tribute, in particular with the Réserve Marie Blanc, the only one of its kind in the world. It is here that the oldest and rarest bottles, not intended for sale, are carefully preserved, like a Grande Champagne Cognac 1809 and 1811, a Mouton-Rothschild from 1945, or a Petrus from the same year. A tribute that continues in the brand new Cellier, dedicated to presenting the great French vineyards - Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux - alongside an expert oenologist and the unexpected welcome of Marie Blanc.
This new setting can be discovered 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 de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
The Cercle des Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: a club for wine enthusiasts
Following on from the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which has been bringing together the world's greatest cigar enthusiasts since 28 May, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is turning its attention to wine lovers with the creation of the Cercle des Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. This exclusive club offers its members privileged access to the finest vintages of the Hôtel de Paris cellars, as well as exceptional oenological experiences: exclusive food and wine pairings, meetings with the best winegrowers, and tailor-made accompaniment by Patrice Frank, the hotel's Director. By joining this ultra-private club, each member joins a privileged circle of connoisseurs and enjoys special recognition within the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
After an induction ceremony within the Cercle, members join a community of great wine lovers to share their passion and enjoy unique experiences. They will be able to take part in exclusive events: prestigious dinners in the heart of the Caves, enhanced by the food and wine pairings of the Group's sommeliers, in the presence of winegrowers and owners of great estates, access to a selection of rare wines and prestigious vintages, and private tastings. H.S.H. Prince Albert II was officially inducted into the Cercle des Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo by Patrice Frank, Director of the Cercle and the Caves.
There are places where magic works with such force that it leaves unforgettable memories. The Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are such a place. Reserved for wine professionals and a handful of privileged visitors, the 1,500 m2 of galleries are gradually being revealed to visitors, as you have just seen. This vast renovation project, which I felt was absolutely strategic, was entrusted to the Parisian firm Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. This showcase is a tribute to Marie Blanc, widow of the founder of the Société des Bains de Mer, which was created by the will of Prince Charles III.
The Hôtel de Paris cellars travel to Japan
Designed around the theme "Take Care of Wonder", the Monaco Pavilion at the Osaka World Expo, which opened on 13 April, pays special tribute to the Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Two elegant areas (the Lounge and the Belvedere) offer visitors an exceptional oenological journey, devised by Patrice Frank, Director of the Cercle et des Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Three exclusive tastings will feature grands crus and a Grande Champagne XO Cognac. The ephemeral boutique offers a selection of refined objects. In the Principality as elsewhere, the Caves de l'Hôtel de Paris embody, more than ever, the great art of living Monte-Carlo style.