48 hours in Monaco in summer

Day 1

Le Méridien Beach Plaza welcomes you for your stay in the Principality! The only hotel in Monaco with its own private sandy beach, Le Méridien Beach Plaza is resolutely focused on the arts and is an exhibition venue in its own right. Artists represented by local and international galleries are regularly invited to exhibit their work in the hotel lobby and gardens.

9h00

A good day begins with breakfast for two overlooking the sea or on the terrace by the pool at Le Méridien Beach Plaza. A unique moment around a choice table and fresh produce to recharge your batteries before setting off to discover the Principality.

10h00

The discovery of Monaco begins with a morning stroll through the heart of the Larvotto district, where the beach and promenade have recently been renovated. Following the beaches along a pleasant shady promenade, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco reveals its large glass roof. It's a great place to cool off and discover the summer exhibition on offer. .

12h30

Lunch break at Larvotto, with your feet in the sand and your eyes on the horizon! Founded by Monegasque chef Tigrane Seydoux, Big Mamma welcomes you with its central kitchen, open in the middle of the restaurant, and fresh produce prepared to order. Specialising in Italian cuisine, Big Mamma is one of the top ten pizza chains in Europe.

And here's a little tip: a digestive walk to the Japanese Garden is well worth the diversions! A stylised copy of Japanese nature, relax in the water features, waterfall and carefully tended plants.

14h30

Off to the Fontvieille heliport! Monaco can also be discovered from the air... So hop on the shuttle bus with private driver, let yourself be guided and take in the sights as you admire the Principality from the sky on a panoramic helicopter flight! Take a moment out of time and enjoy the breathtaking views offered by the expertise of Monacair and the know-how of Héli Air Monaco. Culture buffs and the curious can also indulge in a guided tour revealing the best-kept secrets of the Côte d'Azur, from Saint-Tropez to the hinterland of Nice, with a stopover including a glass of champagne!

16h00

Back to earth... , the Villa Paloma, an integral part of Monaco's New National Museum built at the beginning of the 20th century, focuses on the theme of "art and territory". A not-to-be-missed cultural outing in this villa nicknamed "La Coquette" for its appealing charm, before a debriefing in the villa's gardens offering a superb view of the Principality!

17h30

Time for a break! Return to the Hôtel Méridien Beach Plaza to make the most of your hotel's facilities, in particular its sandy beach. You'll have plenty of time to reminisce about your time in the Principality... And don't forget the Alang Bar and its tropical fruit cocktails. In the shade of the thatched roof (made from alang-alang, natural thatch) in the style of a traditional Balinese bar, Le Méridien Beach Plaza is a direct invitation to relax and unwind.

19h30

The Grande Bleue awaits you for dinner! Nestling on the roof of the Hôtel Fairmont Monte-Carlo, the Horizon Rooftop is the perfect place to unwind while overlooking the Mediterranean. For fans of fusion cuisine, the Fairmont Monte-Carlo is also home to Nobu: the perfect marriage of Japanese and South American cuisine, all in a cosy atmosphere overlooking the sea.

21h30

Every summer, the famous Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra brings its expertise to the heart of the Cour d'Honneur of the Prince's Palace for performances like no other. The idea was born in 1959 and revives an age-old tradition of the Grimaldi family. The orchestra is installed between the two arms of the seventeenth-century staircase, and the magic happens in an instant. Or when classical music and the Princely Palace contribute to each other's magnificence...

Day 2

10h00

To start your day, there's nothing like joining the locals at the Marché de la Condamine, held every morning on the colourful Place d'Armes. Situated just below the Prince's Palace, it's the place to be if you want to soak up local life, and it's a great place to settle down for a coffee before taking the Rampe Major stairs up to Monaco-Ville.

Once on the Rock, let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the place, with its shady Sainte-Barbe and Saint-Martin gardens overlooking the sea, its picturesque walkways and its breathtaking panoramas. Discover the majestic Musée Océanographique, full of surprises, and make your way to the Place du Palais. Every day at 11.55am, the Prince's Carabinieri carry out the changing of the guard: a privileged rendezvous with the Principality's centuries-old history.

12h30

The summer season invites you to enjoy a light lunch on the terrace: the Tavolo restaurant at the Hôtel Columbus Monte-Carlo welcomes all those who wish to enjoy a meal with Mediterranean flavours and fresh produce. Enjoy the finest seasonal ingredients from responsible sources overlooking the Princess Grace Rose Garden, with the Exotic Garden stretching out behind: you're in Monaco!

14h30

Take time to admire the rose beds of the Roseraie Princesse Grace, some of whose flowers are named directly after great names in culture: "Maria Callas", "President Léopold Senghor" or "York and Lancaster", the famous rose created in 1551 to celebrate the peace that put an end to the War of the Two Roses.

On your way to the Monte-Carlo district, take the time to stroll along the Casino's shady terraces. These lead to the "Hexa Grace", an astonishing multicoloured work by the master of optical art Victor Vasarely.

16h00

Return to Place du Casino for a leisurely stroll through the heart of the Principality. A key feature of the old square, the mirror designed by visual artist Anish Kapoor has retained its position at the heart of the esplanade and blends in perfectly with the surrounding Belle Epoque architecture.

Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo and its luxurious atmosphere in a setting of precious materials. Nearly 80 boutiques are nestled between Carrara marble and Bohemian crystal chandeliers made by Faustig. Then back to the Hôtel Méridien Beach Plaza for a moment of relaxation before the evening begins...

19h00

The Monte-Carlo Bay Hôtel & Resort is home to the Blue Gin, where you can enjoy an aperitif lounge and creative cocktails overlooking the Mediterranean. Open to the outside world, the Blue Gin offers a selection of creative drinks set to live disco funk music.

20h00

It's time to discover the best of Latin American culture! Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Coya Monte-Carlo while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. This waterfront address serving Peruvian fusion cuisine immerses guests in a multi-sensory experience from the moment they arrive: contemporary art hanging on the walls, music playing sounds from its own label and unique decor designed by Peruvian craftsmen. A total experience guaranteed!

22h00

In Monaco, the stars are not just in the sky or in the restaurants. They also nestle on the Principality's seafront and, every summer, offer entertainment and thrills for unforgettable concerts as part of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival. John Legend, Sting, Enrique Iglesias... the biggest international stars have been performing at the Salle des Etoiles for years. With the sky as your horizon and the Principality as your backdrop, get ready for one last evening full of constellations.