Monaco Mesmerizes in the Fall

The magnificence of Monaco is undiminished in the cooler fall months. The excitement, the verve and the elegance still abound, yet the ambiance is more laid back unencumbered by the energy of zealous tourists.

The Principality of Monaco as it is formally known, brings to mind many famous images – photographer Helmut Newton’s snaps of the city, rife with models in provocative poses; the Grimaldi family's joys and tragedies (Monaco is governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II of the House of Grimaldi as head of state), Karl Lagerfeld’s forays into interior design, plus countless numbers of yachts and superyachts moored in its bay. There are prestigious hotels and spas, private beaches, water sports, cocktails by the sea, shopping sprees in elite boutiques and walks through lush gardens. Monaco guarantees unforgettable moments – at any time of year – in a truly remarkable niche on the planet.

Here are a number of things you can enjoy in the fall, too, in magical Monaco:

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

This museum was founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I who was also a sea captain. The museum and aquarium are must-sees. The skeleton of a whale is featured in the museum’s zoology room. And the aquarium – widely considered one of the best in Europe – contains more than 90 tanks, one of which is a shark lagoon. There is an immersive part of the museum that is unlike anything you’ll find in other museums. You will actually feel like you’re diving the Great Barrier Reef.

About the Immersive Experience:

• A fully reconstructed living environment reacting to your movements;
• Species are modeled from real images, movements and interactions are recreated from behaviors observed in the wild giving you a realistic diving experience;
• Day and night scenarios have been freely imagined offering you a “single dive” to meet the most emblematic species of the Great Barrier Reef.

Allée des Boulingrins

The Allée des Boulingrins is one of the most exceptional places in Monaco and one you should see. Exactly opposite the Casino de Monte-Carlo, this large alleyway is in fact a garden laid out in terraces adorned with various sculptures by major 20th century artists such as Folon, Cesar, Botéro, although these works are regularly changed. On either side of the alley is a vast garden filled with an abundance of rare and beautiful plants such as giant magnolias. Around this green and pleasant pathway with its artistic sculptures attractive boutiques are found.

Cash in at the Casino

To get up close and personal with the James Bond-esque vibe, you must head the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Decked out in your finest designer attire, dice in one hand, champagne in the other – ask Lady Luck to roll in your favor. Monaco remains the finest and most luxurious destination for high rollers since its casinos are constantly reinventing themselves. The slot-machine paradise of the Casino Café de Paris, renowned for its innovation, is merely steps away. The nearby Sun Casino is Monaco's “Little Vegas,” while the Monte-Carlo Bay Casino sits inside an exclusive resort. Then there are the casinos of the Société des Bains de Mer – each one offering much more than casino games or slot machines. With their lounge areas, gourmet restaurants and pop-up art installations, casinos are places to see and be seen in Monaco.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate – often called Saint Nicholas Cathedral, or Monaco Cathedral – is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco in Monaco-Ville, Monaco, where many of the Grimaldis are entombed. This exalted cathedral is where Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly were married and where they are also now both entombed. This Roman-Byzantine style church was constructed in 1875 using white stone from La Turbie. It houses the tombs of Monaco’s former princes. Inside, alongside the magnificent high altar and the Episcopal throne made from white Carrara marble, stands a retable by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa, dating back from the year 1500.

Villa Paridise

This glorious residence is on the Cote d'Azur’s most dazzling stretch of coastline, between Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Monaco. Its far-reaching 180-degree views over the Bay of Eze will take your breath away. When it comes to Monaco luxury accommodations, this California-style estate is head above the rest presenting a bold take on luxury beachside living. With nearly 4,000 square feet of prime living space between two levels, this wondrous vacation rental offers the pinnacle of ultra-sleek, haute couture refinement. This enchanting contemporary estate boasts five glorious private suites equipped with ensuites and immersive sea vistas and can provide accommodation for up to 10 guests. The unique curvature of the estate maximizes interaction with its surroundings. An expansive glass-railed rooftop terrace takes nocturnal entertaining to untold heights before a dramatic coastline and epic blue horizon dotted with mega yachts. A focal infinity pool, easily accessible from the great room, protrudes into the sky.

Le Bar Américain

Class comes at a price and you’re sure to get it in spades at Le Bar Américain. This iconic cocktail bar has the charisma of Sean Connery and the glamor of Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra’s boudoir. Regularly listed among the best bars in the world, the restaurant has three Michelin stars and the views from the terrace are stunning. James Bond has enjoyed a few beverages here in two different films.

Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo

The Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo defines itself as “a haven of luxury dedicated to wellness, beauty and performance.” The bird’s eye view of the sea from the heated pool is absolute heaven. Here, everything is dedicated to wellness: the outdoor Jacuzzi facing the port and the Rock, solarium, hammam, sauna and panoramic fitness room. After all the shopping, fine food, sightseeing and parties, you might need this respite more than you realize. A team of experts will fashion a personalized treatment regime for you in this lavish facility or you can choose from the treatments menu. Whatever else you choose, be sure to include the customized Monte-Carlo 90-minute massage!

There is never a reason to be without something to do in Monaco in the fall. We invite you to contact an LVH client relations team member so we can begin planning for your delightful and exciting getaway. We will create a customized itinerary for you keeping in mind all your likes and desires. The fall is one of the nicest, most peaceful times to visit Monaco and we are ready and waiting to plan an extraordinary trip for you!