Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Old Town of Monaco

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting Old Town of Monaco, a place brimming with history, culture, and picturesque views. Here’s a family-friendly itinerary to make the most out of your visit!

### Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Palace

Start your day early to enjoy the quieter streets. Arrive by bus or car, with parking available at the Parking des Pecheurs, which offers easy access to the Old Town. Begin at the Prince"s Palace. If you time your visit at 11:55 AM, you can witness the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony. The palace also offers audio-guided tours that fascinate both kids and adults with tales of its ancient and modern-day princes.

### Midday: Lunch and St. Martin Gardens

For lunch, try the local eateries around Place du Palais, which offer child-friendly menus featuring Mediterranean delights. After lunch, take a short walk to the serene St. Martin Gardens. Stroll through this lush garden that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, a perfect spot for family photos and spotting local flora and fauna.

### Afternoon: Musée Océanographique

Next, head to the Musée Océanographique, an iconic marine museum and aquarium that’s a hit with families. Located just a few minutes" walk from the gardens, the museum showcases vibrant coral reefs and exotic fish. The highlight for many kids is the Shark Lagoon, where they can come face-to-face with various species of sharks safely.

### Late Afternoon: Cathedral and Shopping

On your way back, visit the Monaco Cathedral, famous for housing the tombs of Monaco’s princes and Princess Grace. It’s a serene place that offers a moment of peace away from the bustling city. Conclude your day with some light shopping or a gelato from the charming local shops dotted along the narrow, picturesque streets of the Old Town.

This itinerary offers a blend of culture, history, and fun, tailored to keep all family members engaged and entertained throughout the day!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Prince"s Palace (Palais Princier de Monaco)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Morning: Arrival and Exploring the Palace

Begin your family adventure by heading to Monaco’s old town, Monaco-Ville, often referred to as Le Rocher (The Rock). Here, nestled on a rugged hill, stands the majestic Prince’s Palace. For the most scenic approach, take the bus line 1 or 2 from Monte Carlo to the stop ‘Monaco-Ville’. The palace opens its doors at 10:00 AM, so aim to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Highlight: Changing of the Guard

Make sure you’re at the palace by 11:55 AM to witness the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremony, a perfect photo-op for the kids! This grand event showcases the precision and discipline of the Prince’s Carabinieri.

Afternoon: Palace Tour and Museums

After the ceremony, step inside the Prince’s Palace (ticket purchase required). Explore opulent rooms like the Mirror Gallery, inspired by Versailles, and the Throne Room with its Renaissance frescoes. Each room is a page out of a historical fairy tale that will captivate both kids and adults.

Interesting Fact: The palace has been the home of the Grimaldi family for over 700 years, evolving from a fortress into a luxurious residence.

Lunch Break

For lunch, stroll down to the quaint streets of Monaco-Ville, where you can grab a bite at local eateries offering delightful Monegasque cuisine. Enjoy a relaxed meal and maybe some ice cream for the kids!

Evening: St. Martin Gardens

Conclude your day with a walk to the nearby St. Martin Gardens, a serene spot offering stunning views of the Mediterranean and lush greenery – perfect for letting the kids play and a leisurely family walk.

Remember, each moment at the Prince’s Palace is steeped in history and grandeur, making your visit a memorable journey through time!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Cathédrale de Monaco (Monaco Cathedral)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: A Day at the Cathédrale de Monaco

Morning: Visit Cathédrale de Monaco

Start your day at the heart of Monaco-Ville, where the magnificent Cathédrale de Monaco, also known as the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, awaits. This Romanesque-Byzantine church, built in 1875, is not only a place of worship but also the final resting place of past sovereigns, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. As you explore, tell the kids to look out for the grand altar and the Episcopal throne made of white Carrara marble. Entry is free, and the cathedral is usually open to visitors from 8:30 AM.

Getting There

Take bus line 1 or 2 from the Monte Carlo Casino to the Monaco-Ville stop. The cathedral is a short walk from there, with signs guiding the way.

Lunch Break: Le Petit Bar

After exploring the cathedral, head to Le Petit Bar, a local favorite just a 5-minute walk away. Enjoy a relaxed lunch with Monegasque specialties that the whole family will love.

Afternoon: Musée Océanographique de Monaco

A 10-minute walk from the cathedral, spend your afternoon at the world-renowned Oceanographic Museum. It’s not only an aquarium but also a marine science museum. The "Shark Lagoon" and touch tank are particularly exciting for children.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the museum was directed by the legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau?

Evening Stroll and Dinner: Jardin Exotique

Cap off your day with a visit to the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique), accessible via bus line 2. Marvel at the stunning views of Monaco and the wide variety of exotic plants. For dinner, consider dining at the nearby La Montgolfière, which offers kid-friendly dishes and authentic local flavors.

This day-long itinerary blends education, culture, and fun, ensuring a memorable family experience in the historic and picturesque Monaco.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fontvieille Park and Princess Grace Rose Garden

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family outing to Fontvieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden in Monaco, a perfect blend of natural beauty and serene landscapes, ideal for visitors of all ages.

Morning: Arrival at Fontvieille Park

Start your adventure early in the morning by catching a local bus or driving to Fontvieille Park, easily accessible from various points in Monaco. Public parking is available nearby for those driving. Once there, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park"s extensive green spaces, adorned with Mediterranean flora and punctuated with tranquil ponds and playful sculptures. Kids will love the children"s playgrounds, while adults appreciate the peaceful ambiance and well-manicured paths.

Interesting Fact: Fontvieille Park is built entirely on land reclaimed from the sea, showcasing Monaco"s innovative approach to space management.

Late Morning: Princess Grace Rose Garden

A short walk from the main area of Fontvieille Park, find the enchanting Princess Grace Rose Garden. Established in 1984 as a tribute to Grace Kelly, the beloved actress and Princess of Monaco, this garden flourishes with over 6,000 rose bushes in more than 300 varieties.

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns of the rose garden or dine at one of the nearby cafés, where you can savor local delicacies as you overlook the flowers.

Afternoon: Educational Fun

Dive deeper into the life of Princess Grace at the rose garden which often hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. Teach the kids about different species of roses and their care, using the descriptive plaques dotting the garden.

Interesting Fact: Each rose variety in the garden is meticulously labeled, making it a fantastic educational experience for budding botanists.

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon, ensuring you have plenty of time to relax and reflect on the beautiful sights and smells of your day in Fontvieille. Whether it"s the lush greenery of the park or the vibrant colors and fragrances of the rose garden, this trip is sure to leave a lasting impression on your family’s memory.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.