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