Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Rose Garden
Stretching from the Circus and Heliport to the Columbus Hotel, Monaco’s Fontvieille Park offers a welcome green space within the highly populated principality. Situated in a separate area within the park is the Princess Grace Memorial Rose Garden, an oasis of natural beauty and calm.
The Basics
The land which makes up the Fontvieille Park and Memorial Rose Garden was reclaimed from the sea in the 1970s and designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti. The landscape of the park draws inspiration from its Mediterranean location, with planting including palms and olive trees. These surround small lakes and ponds, as well as a sculpture path featuring 100 contemporary works by artists including Arman, Botero, and Calder.
Within the park is the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a beautifully-appointed memorial conceived by Prince Rainier III in tribute to his late wife. Opened in June 1984, it’s laid out according to the principles of a traditional English garden, with around 300 different varieties that fill the air with a heady fragrance in season. Use the interactive guide and QR codes to discover the locations of every type of rosebush in the garden, such as the Grimaldi Royal Family’s rose.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entry to the Fontvieille Park and Memorial Rose Garden is free.
- Both are accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility needs.
- Children are welcome at the park and rose garden, and there is a small play area as well as a historic merry-go-round to enjoy.
- There’s a café on site for visitors.
How to Get There
The Fontvieille Park and Memorial Rose Garden are situated in Monaco’s southern Fontvieille quarter, at 13 Avenue des Papalins. It can be accessed freely on foot and is a particularly lovely spot to enjoy as the sun begins to set and the bronze fountain in the central square is lit up. Hop-on hop-off tour buses stop at the park, making it easy to visit while in Monaco.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The park and garden are open every day, from 9am until dusk, which varies depending on the season. Head there from May to September to enjoy the roses in bloom.
Explore the Oceanographic Museum
Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum has serious pedigree. Its founding collection came from Prince Albert I, the “Navigator Prince,” and famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau directed the museum for many years. The aquarium has a focus on the Mediterranean but visitors will also find tropical species including sharks, clownfish, and turtles.
- Monaco Top Cars Collection (Exhibition of HSH The Prince of Monaco's Vintage Car Collection)
- Monaco Naval Museum (Musée Naval de Monaco)
- Louis II Stadium (Stade Louis II)
- Cathédrale de Monaco (Monaco Cathedral)
- Prince's Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco)
- Oceanographic Museum (Musee Oceanographique)
- Exotic Garden of Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco)
- Hercules Port (Port d'Hercule)
- Old Town of Monaco
- Monte Carlo Casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo)
- Opera de Monte-Carlo
- Casino Square (Place du Casino)
- Japanese Garden (Le Jardin Japonais)
- Larvotto Beach
- Ventimiglia