1,001 things to do during the holidays in Monaco

Publication date: 10/02/2023
With the winter holidays almost upon us, we’ve come up with some great ideas to keep you amused in the Principality and the surrounding area, whether you’re with family, friends, or on a romantic break for two. Experience a different side of Monaco!

Monaco, the perfect place for budding explorers!

For youngsters, the Museum of Anthropology offers the chance to make incredible discoveries and travel through time with its “Archeovacances” activities (dig techniques, sculpture, making oil lamps, and more).
Several groups of children will be given a fascinating introduction to prehistory, tailored for their age group. There will be something for everyone ! 

For those with an interest in the marine world, the Oceanographic Museum is also running holiday activities with its Oceano Club. Fun and educational days out at the ‘temple of the sea’ will awaken the curiosity of younger visitors and give them a thirst for discovery.
There’s not a dull moment! Meeting with sea tortoises, the ‘stop pollution’ mission, feeding sharks in the lagoon, and many other activities await, for a totally immersive experience!

Visitors can look forward to a polar adventure. Put on your reporter’s hat and explore the North and South Poles through five themed areas, including the unmissable “Immersion” room and its interactive projections.

For a different kind of experience to share with family or friends, try the Escape Game dedicated to Prince Albert I and the discovery of oceanography.

The Principality of Monaco: the perfect play for keeping active

The seaside district of Larvotto and its new promenade designed by Renzo Piano is the ideal place to take a stroll, ride a bike or scooter, or roller skate on the cycle path under the winter sun, to the sound of the waves rolling gently on the shore. You’ll find Monabike stations nearby, to make getting around a piece of cake.
Take a moment in the shade of the parasols and palm trees of the beachside restaurants, and relax with the sand between your toes.

Monaco also boasts another classic seaside district - this one built on land reclaimed from the sea itself: Fontvieille!

Stroll along the harbour wall in the gentle sunshine. If the conditions are right, you might be able to make out Italy on the horizon. During your walk or jog, admire the district’s little marina with its boats moored at the foot of the rock of Monaco. At the far end of the sea wall, you’ll be able to spot the iconic facade of the Oceanographic Museum as you take advantage of the fitness area with its machines accessible for all. Youngsters can enjoy the nearby play area. If you happen to be here at lunchtime, then stop by the “Perles de Monaco” and sit at a table bathed in sunshine topping up your vitamin D, as you sip a glass of fine wine accompanied by locally-raised oysters. It’s a favourite activity with the locals!

 

For skating fans, there are two places you won’t want to miss. At Port Hercule, in the heart of the city, the “Roller Station” is open for a few more days, a 1,000 m2 open-air rink sitting alongside some of the world’s must impressive luxury yachts in the marina. If skateboarding is more your thing, then head to a spot in the old town, lesser known to tourists and even the locals themselves... The skatepark. Perfectly located below the Oceanographic Museum, surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Mediterranean, the skate park commands superb panoramic views. The park has every feature a pro could want, from ramps to rails and halfpipes.

Enjoy a little culture during the holidays!

The Grimaldi Forum is hosting M.A.G.I.C. on 25 and 26 February, a celebration of all things Japanese, and especially manga. The two day event will include meetings, conferences, cosplay competitions galore.

The Théâtre Princesse Grace, with its eclectic 2023 programme will be staging “BERLIN BERLIN” by Patrick Haudecoeur and Gérald Sibleyras, on 16 February. The acclaimed play won the 2022 Molière award for best comedy, while Maxime d’Aboville won the Molière for best actor in a private theatre production.
Also on the boards, there will be a drama course for young artists at the Théâtre des Muses on the heights of Monaco, in the Exotic Garden district. The young thespians will be both actor, playwright, and director! A series of fun exercises will open their minds to the joys of improvisation!

The mountain air is coming to the Principality!

For those unable to travel to the mountains or go skiing, don’t worry - the Swiss Alps are coming to you! Fall under the spell of the traditional Swiss chalet atmosphere and its hearty comforting fare, including classics like raclette and fondue, at the new pop-up outlet at the Novotel Monte-Carlo Hotel in partnership with Tradiswiss. Enjoy the authentic taste of Switzerland with its traditional cheeses and chocolate fondue.

Events not to be missed around Monaco 

For a vitamin-packed holiday, head to Menton, the town known for its bright yellow gold: lemons. Visit the lemon festival on the theme of “Rock & Opera” with its traditional carnival processions, including the golden fruit corso and the night-time corso.  Add a bit of zest with the citrus motif exhibition in the Biovès gardens.

Rio de Janeiro has come to the Côte d’Azure! The theme of this year’s Nice Carnival is “King of the World’s Treasures”, with the special participation of Rio carnival to kick off the 150th anniversary celebrations. The parades of floats and flowers will follow a route that passes by some of the most iconic places in Nice, including the Place Masséna, the Jardin Albert Ier, and the Promenade des Anglais.

For the most fragrant and colourful of journeys, take the “mimosa road”.  From Bormes-les-Mimosas, travel 130 km through beautiful landscapes to reach Grasse, the world capital of the perfume industry.



Incredible holidays await you in the Principality!

Photo credits: M_Dagnino / Benjamin Vergély /Mairie de Monaco / Fabbio Galatioto/ Novotel Monte-Carlo /Ville de Menton / Ville de Nice/ DR / Côte d'Azur France