Fontvieille

Fontvieille is the Principality’s westernmost, newest district. 

Surrounded by the sea, the district of Fontvieille has its own little port, the perfect place for a lunchtime or evening stroll. The boats and restaurants along the quays are a picturesque sight, overlooked by the mighty cliffs of the Rock. You’ll find a wide variety of places to eat here, with culinary offerings to suit all tastes.

From this district, you can admire the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean with a helicopter ride. A flight over the Principality of Monaco and the surrounding area is an unforgettable experience and there is simply no better way to see the Côte d’Azur in all its panoramic glory from an exciting new angle. Enjoy a very special trip in complete safety, any day of the week, with the helicopter operators based at Monaco’s own heliport, which can be found on Avenue des Ligures.

Choose Monacair - Tel: +377 97 97 39 00   or   Héli Air Monaco - Tel: +377 92 05 00 50

Flight time is approximately ten minutes.

Close to the heliport, you’ll spot a vast white tent. This is none other than the famous ‘chapiteau’ or big top, the venue for all kinds of events, including the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo and New Generation, presided by Princess Stephanie of Monaco, which takes place here in January. Every year, the highly prestigious event rewards the finest artists in their category, and winning a Golden Clown is the ultimate accolade.

Visit time is between 45 minutes and 1 hour: Tel: +377 92 05 40 10.

For flower lovers, a visit to Fontvieille Landscaped Park is a must during your stay in Monaco. The Rose Garden, created by Prince Rainier III in memory of his wife, Princess Grace, covers 5,000m² and is planted with 315 varieties of roses. Visitors and art aficionados will appreciate the numerous sculptures Arman, Blake, Botero, Calder, César, and others, found along the “Sculpture Trail”.
For children, there is a roundabout and play area on the edge of the park.

Visit time: 1 hr 30 mins.

For sports fans, Fontvieille is the place to be in Monaco. The Stade Louis II stands proudly in the heart of the district. Built in 1985, the 16,000 seater stadium houses a football pitch surrounded by an athletics track, a multi-sports hall with 3,000 seats, and a heated Olympic fresh water swimming pool. The facilities host a number of top class competitions, including the Mare Nostrum, the Herculis athletics meeting, and Champions League football matches, to name just a few.

Tel: +377 92 05 40 21

Walking up Esplanade Rainier III, you will see two museums, zoological gardens, and a concert hall to familiarise yourself with the Principality.
The Museum of Stamps and Coins opened to the public in early 1996, showcasing postage stamps and coins from the magnificent private collection of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III.

Visit time: 45 mins  - Tel: +377 98 98 41 50.

Le Zoological Gardens overlooking the port of Fontvieille, on the southern side of the great Rock of Monaco itself, were founded by Prince Rainier III in 1954. The zoo is a sanctuary for abandoned animals, those seized by customs, or exchanged with other parks. The zoological gardens offer a voyage into the wilds of nature, without leaving the modernity of the Principality of Monaco. Fr younger children, there is a play area inside the park. 

Visit time: between 1 hr 30 mins and 2 hrs - Tel: +377 93 50 40 30

The Espace Léo Ferré is one of the Principality’ most important cultural venues, a multi-purpose centre capable of hosting a wide variety of different events (shows and plays, concerts, exhibitions, etc.), in multiple different configurations. Remember to check the programme in advance of your next trip to the Principality, and plan your visit.

Tel: +377 93 10 12 10

As you can see, the Fontvieille district is a bustling hub for a multitude of disciplines ranging from sport, culture and art to industry and technology, whilst remaining a welcoming and peaceful place to live for residents.

© Benjamin Vergély / Stade Louis II