Côte d'Azur · Principality of Monaco
The Rock, the harbour and Monte-Carlo sit within a few kilometres, yet tunnels, steep levels and restricted streets make it easy to lose time. Your chauffeur links each district, drops you as close as permitted and drives you back to Nice when you are ready.
Why go
The world's second-smallest state, the Principality of Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since the late 13th century. Within a tiny territory, the districts could hardly be more different: Monaco-Ville, the old town on the Rock with the Prince's Palace and the cathedral; La Condamine around Port Hercule; Monte-Carlo with its Casino Square, Belle Époque hotels and gardens; then Larvotto and Fontvieille, reclaimed from the sea.
Monaco is best explored on foot, but it rises up the hillside in tiers, threaded with tunnels and one-way streets, and car access to the old town is restricted. A chauffeur changes the day: you are dropped at the closest permitted point to each district, your driver waits at the agreed spot, and the programme is adjusted around events, from the Grand Prix to the Monaco Yacht Show.
Highlights
A half day covers three without rushing; a full day, all five.
01 · THE HISTORIC HEART
On its rocky headland, Monaco-Ville keeps its narrow lanes, the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III are buried, and the Palace, home of the Grimaldis. The Palace square offers one of the finest views over the harbour.
02 · THE MOST FAMOUS
Partly the work of Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera, the Casino presides over a square framed by the Hôtel de Paris and the Café de Paris. Its gardens and terraces open onto the sea, steps from the boutiques.
03 · THE LIVELIEST
Between the Rock and Monte-Carlo, the harbour of La Condamine welcomes some of the largest yachts in the Mediterranean. The Grand Prix circuit runs along its quays, and the Monaco Yacht Show is usually held here in September.
04 · THE MOST SPECTACULAR
Commissioned by Prince Albert I and inaugurated in 1910, it is built into the cliff face of the Rock, high above the sea. Jacques-Yves Cousteau directed it for many years. The aquarium and rooftop terrace alone justify the visit.
05 · THE MOST PEACEFUL
On Avenue Princesse-Grace, near Larvotto beach, a garden laid out on Japanese principles: a pond, a waterfall, a red bridge, a tea pavilion and a Zen garden. A genuinely quiet pause between two visits.
A typical day
An example programme, adjusted to every request: timings, stops and breaks are agreed with you before departure.
09:00 · NICE
Saloon or van depending on your group. Depending on the light and your wishes, we follow the sea along the Basse Corniche or take the heights past Èze on the Moyenne Corniche.
09:45 · MONACO-VILLE
Drop-off at the closest permitted point to the old town. The Prince's Palace, the cathedral, the lanes and the Oceanographic Museum, then the changing of the guard in late morning.
12:30 · PORT HERCULE
Your chauffeur meets you below the Rock to reach La Condamine and its quays, or a table overlooking the yachts, as you prefer.
14:30 · MONTE-CARLO
The Casino, the Hôtel de Paris and the gardens, then the Japanese Garden and the Larvotto promenade. Your chauffeur waits at the agreed point between each stop.
17:30 · NICE
Possible variation: a stop in the village of Èze on the way back, or an evening in Monte-Carlo with a late return to Nice.
The road from Nice
Nice
Departure
Villefranche-sur-Mer
The bay
Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Basse Corniche
Èze
Hilltop village, as a variation
Cap-d'Ail
At Monaco's doorstep
Monaco
The Rock · Monte-Carlo
Practical information
Car access to Monaco-Ville is restricted. We drop you at the closest permitted point to the Rock, the harbour or the Casino, and your chauffeur then waits for you at the agreed spot.
Monaco is not part of the European Union, but there are no border controls with France. Bring an ID document all the same: it is requested at the entrance to the Casino gaming rooms.
The Principality rises up the hillside in tiers. Public lifts and stairways link the different levels; wear comfortable shoes for the Rock and its cobbled lanes.
The Grand Prix, in May or June depending on the year, and the Monaco Yacht Show, usually in September, bring road closures and large crowds. Book early: we adapt timings and drop-off points.
April to June and September to October for soft light and mild weather. In summer, start early. In the evening, Monte-Carlo and the harbour lit up are worth a trip in their own right.
A half day is enough for the Rock and Monte-Carlo. Allow a full day to add the museum, the harbour, Larvotto or a stop in Èze along the way.
Our options
TRANSFER
From Nice, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport or your hotel to your address in Monaco, luggage included, at the time agreed with you.
Fare confirmed before booking
MOST REQUESTED
A half or full day with a chauffeur at your disposal: the Rock, the harbour and Monte-Carlo, with a stop in Èze on the way if you wish.
Fare confirmed before booking
EVENING
Monte-Carlo lit up, dinner, a show or an evening at the Casino: your chauffeur drops you off, waits and drives you back to Nice at the time you choose.
Fare confirmed before booking
Just need a transfer?
For a one-way or return trip without sightseeing, the route page covers pick-up, luggage and booking.
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See the tourFrequently asked questions
Another question? Message us on WhatsApp and we will reply with a programme and a fare.
Allow about 30 minutes for roughly 20 kilometres, depending on traffic and the corniche road chosen. At rush hour and during major events, the journey can take considerably longer.
Car access to Monaco-Ville is restricted. We drop you at the closest permitted point, a few minutes' walk from the Palace.
There are no border controls between France and Monaco. Keep a valid ID document with you, particularly if you plan to enter the Casino gaming rooms.
Yes, but traffic is heavily altered and some streets are closed. Book as early as possible: we adapt timings and drop-off points to the restrictions in place.
Yes. Èze lies on the way from Nice, and Menton just beyond Monaco towards Italy. We adjust the programme to leave time to enjoy each stop.
The fare depends on the duration, the vehicle and the stops, and it is confirmed before booking. Book online or send us your date on WhatsApp.
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Combine with
Your day in Monaco
Number of passengers, pick-up address, the places you would like to see, by day or in the evening: book online or message us on WhatsApp. The fare is confirmed before booking.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, published by their authors under free licences.
