What to do in Monaco this February

It’s romance-o-clock…

February means Valentine’s Day! A dream opportunity to visit Monaco for a romantic break, an intimate celebration, or just some “me and you” time for two . 

The sport never stops!

Monaco plays host to top-class sporting events all year round. Soccer fans will be thrilled to know that AS Monaco Football Club travel to Paris Saint-Germain on Friday 7 February before returning to the Principality to host the legendary Lisbon side Benfica in the Champions League play-offs on Tuesday 11 February, then hosting Nantes on the weekend of 16 February.

If basketball is your thing, AS Monaco Basket will play two home fixtures in the Euroleague, against Baskonia on Wednesday 5 and Partizan Belgrade on Friday 7 February.

There’s a packed programme this month, with Europe’s elite teams performing on court and pitch in Monaco!

There’s more sporting action too, as the Principality and its athletics federation prepare to host the Monaco Run 2025 over the weekend of 8 and 9 February. Runners will criss-cross Monaco in a series of different races, including a 5 km route that takes in some of the most iconic points of interest in the Principality, plus a 30 km trail through a natural environmental with stunning views along the way.

And since in Monaco, sport is seen as a way to promote peace and all-important values, a special event will take place at 10.15 am on Sunday 9 February: the Pink Ribbon Walk to raise awareness of breast cancer and early screening.

Cultural activities galore

There’s plenty for culture vultures to get excited about in February, too! Opera lovers can choose between a recital by one of France’s greatest tenors, Benjamin Bernheim, on 9 February, and Richard Wagner’s Das Rheingold, with performances on 19, 21, 23, and 25 February. 

The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra will be giving a symphonic concert in tribute to Ravel on 9 February, a musical “happy hour” on 18 February, and a piano recital by Christian Zacharias on 28 February.

For comedy fans, the Méridien Beach Plaza is the place to be this month, with the hotel hosting stand-up nights at its Belgian brasserie Smakelijk. Alex Vizorek will be among the comics performing on 14 and 15 February. The mainstay of the Belgian comedy scene will be sharing the stage with Thomas Sii and Adrien Montowski.

Calling all cool cats: New Moods is the nightspot that’s home to superb music all year round in Monaco.  So who’s performing in February? Uptown Lovers, tribute bands covering songs by Michael Jackson, The Who, The Bee Gees, The Police and The Eagles… not to mention Monte-Carlo Talents Night where local talent gets to take over the stage.

There’s more music at theGrimaldi Forum, where on 20 February the famous Thursday Live Sessions will play host to Dead Chic, a Franco-British band known for their harmonious blend of heavy rock and soul.

A night at the theatre? The Théâtre Princesse Grace will be the venue for three events in February: a screening of Alain Resnais’ "Mélo" on 4 February, "Ma version de l’histoire" by Sébastien Azzopardi on 20 February, and "Pauvre Bitos ! ou le diner de têtes", a biting comedy by Jean Anouilh on 25 February. 

Feeling hungry?

Looking for something to eat on the go while you visit the Principality? Anthony Orengo and William Scheffer – creators of Monte-Carlo Beer and the Daghe range of drinks – recently opened  Wam, a modern sandwich bar serving food made with local, seasonal produce. The emphasis is on fresh, top-quality ingredients with options to suit all tastes, from the classic to the creative. You can even pick exactly what you want in your sandwich for a personalised snack!

Also in the Monte-Carlo district you'll find Dean & Deluca, the luxury gastronomic brand with outlets in 77 countries around the world, is coming to Europe for the first time at the Métropole Shopping Center de Monaco, where it will be taking up residence on the first floor, on the premises formerly occupied by Modes'Tea. The new store offers a wide selection of products, from speciality foods to luxury goods. The elegant and refined premium outlet serves all day, so customers can enjoy quality food at any time, whether to take away or eat in.

February with the kids

The school holidays are always a great time to share unique family experiences.

How about immersing yourselves in all things Mediterranean this half-term? The Oceanographic Museum offers the chance to take a virtual dive beneath the sea. Thanks to cutting-edge VR headsets, parents and children can embark on a virtual voyage to explore a Marine Protected Area. The museum has perfected the art of learning while having fun! This activity is exclusively available during the school holidays.

The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology is another place for families to expand their minds in an entertaining way. Journey back in time for a fascinating glimpse of how prehistoric humans lived, with immersive and interactive activities.

Want to perfect your acting skills? The Théâtre des Muses has thought of the children, with Carnival-themed improvisation classes throughout the holidays. Your little thespians can pick their costumes and create their own characters, then give a little performance for parents and friends at the end of the session!

Regional ideas 

Every February, the Côte d’Azur comes alive with a huge series of colourful carnivals and fairs along the Mediterranean coast. Over a period of two weeks, thousands of spectators flock to see the unique Carnaval de Nice and the Fête du Citron lemon festival in Menton. The Carnaval de Nice will take place from 15 February to 2 March with its traditional flower contest and two-hour long torchlit procession of creatively designed floats, this year on the theme “King of the Oceans”. Meanwhile, the Fête du Citron (also 15 February - 2 March) will as usual feature vibrant carnival floats, ephemeral art sculpted with citrus fruits, and this 91st edition will have a space travel theme!

February is also the month when the hills of the Riviera begin springing to life as the mimosa blooms! From 12 to 16 February, Mandelieu-La Napoule is hosting the Fête du Mimosa to celebrate the beautiful local flower, a popular and joyous occasion with parades and entertainments. It’s also a chance to follow the Route du Mimosa: a 130 km trail that runs from Bormes-les-Mimosas to Grasse via Mandelieu.