People come here to marvel at plants from the four corners of the globe, but also to breathe, to get some height… and to see Monaco in a different light.
With paths lined with centuries-old cacti, gazebos overlooking the sea and an underground grotto shaped by time, the garden is a botanical, geological and poetic journey. A visit in a class of its own, ideal for individuals, couples or guided tours.
A garden suspended between sky and sea
The origins of the Promenade: between luxury and history
Set into the cliffside, the Jardin Exotique unfurls like a vertical oasis above the Mediterranean. With every step, your gaze takes in the sea, the rooftops of Monaco and, on a clear day, the relief of the Italian Riviera. Italian Riviera. The place is as astonishing as it is soothing : a concentrate of nature and beauty just a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of Monte Carlo.
This garden owes nothing to chance. It is the fruit of a vision: that of Prince Albert I, explorer and science enthusiast, who decided in 1912 to bring together exotic plants from all over the world. Conceived as a space for study, observation and wonder, it was inaugurated in 1933 and has been evolving ever since. Every walkway, every terrace bears witness to this subtle alliance between scientific rigor and plant poetry.
A rare collection of exotic plants
From the very first meters, the surprise is there: plant forms from elsewhere, sometimes strange, sometimes spectacular, that seem to float between sky and stone. The Jardin Exotique is first and foremost a living museum, dedicated to succulent plants, those species capable of storing water and withstanding the most arid conditions.
Not to be missed :
- Giant South American cacti, aloes from southern Africa, prickly pears and spectacular euphorbias: the Exotic Garden is home to several thousand succulent species.
- Centuries-old plants have found an ideal climate here, with warmth, light and sea breezes.
- A sensory journey: strange shapes, thick textures, ephemeral flowers… every nook and cranny invites you to slow down, observe and touch.
A breathtaking panorama of Monaco
What’s as striking as the plants is the setting in which they flourish. The garden follows the natural slope of the cliff, and at every turn of the path, the view unfolds a little more. It’s impossible not to stop and look up. It’s a permanent spectacle.
Some not-to-be-missed viewpoints :
- From the central terrace, the Principality is revealed in all its diversity: the ancient roofs of the Rocher, the modern facades of Fontvieille, the port and its yachts lined up below.
- On a clear day, you can see the curve of the coastline all the way to Italy, with the Alps in the background when the light is soft.
- Some visitors choose the late afternoon to enjoy the golden light that caresses the sea and transforms the rock into a tableau vivant.
It’s a panorama to be earned, but one that rewards generously. An invitation to take time, to breathe, to contemplate.
And to prolong the magic of these emblematic vantage points, discover Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, another iconic location between sea and architecture.
Preparing your visit to the Exotic Garden
Opening hours, prices and temporary closure
The Jardin Exotique is currently undergoing renovation, but its reopening, scheduled for autumn 2025, is already generating a great deal of anticipation. In the meantime, the Monaco Town Hall organizes occasional guided tours. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, it’s best to find out beforehand.
The usual entrances are temporarily closed for works. However, a partial reopening is planned for the end of the year. Please note that visiting conditions may change at that time.
Times and prices are as follows :
- Open daily from 9am to 6pm (summer), and from 9am to 5pm (winter).
- Closed on November 19 and December 25
- Full price: €7.20
- Reduced rate: 3.80 € for 6-18 year-olds
- Free for children under 6
The ticket also included access to the Observatory grotto, with guided tours at set times. To find out about the new terms and conditions for the reopening, we strongly advise you to consult the City of Monaco website or tourist offices.
How do I get there?
Located at the western end of the Principality, the Jardin Exotique overlooks Monaco from the Révoires district. Its elevated position offers impressive views, but requires a little forethought for access. Several options are available, depending on where you start and what you want to do.
By car, bus or organized tour
- By car: from Nice, follow the Moyenne Corniche (D6007) to the entrance to Monaco, then follow the signs for “Jardin Exotique”; allow for a few tight bends at the end of the route.
- By bus: line 2 (direction Jardin Exotique) from Monaco’s train station or city center takes you directly there.
- With an organized tour: opting for an excursion with Tour Azur means avoiding the headache of parking and taking advantage of an itinerary designed to combine several emblematic sites. From Nice, Cannes or Antibes, our tours often include a stop at the Jardin Exotique, accompanied by an enthusiastic guide.
Where to park nearby
If you come by your own means :
- The Jardin Exotique public parking lot is just opposite the entrance. Well signposted, but quickly full in summer.
- A quieter alternative is the Révoires parking lot, just a few minutes’ walk away via specially-designed staircases.
Please note that places are scarce in high season. We recommend arriving early or visiting during the week.
Store, botanical center & on-site services
A visit to the Exotic Garden can easily last one or two hours. A number of facilities have been designed to ensure visitor comfort:
- There’s also a store where you can take home a souvenir: botanical books, illustrated notebooks, objects inspired by exotic plants or small succulents to replant at home.
- The botanical center, located at the rear of the garden, houses a precious reserve of rare species and contributes to conservation. It is not always open to the public, but occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions or guided tours.
- Shaded rest areas, toilets and a drinking water point are available on site.
Don't miss the Observatory cave
A unique underground trail
Below the garden, right on the cliff, a completely different world opens up. While the outdoor part of the Exotic Garden marvels at its light and vegetation, the Observatory cave plunges visitors into a cool, mineral and almost unreal atmosphere. An underground surprise not to be missed.
Discovered by chance in 1916 during garden development work, this natural cavity is home to a spectacular décor: stalactites, stalagmites and limestone draperies sculpted by water over the millennia. The nearly 300-metre-long trail descends to a depth of around 100 metres below ground.
The tour is only available with a guide, at set times, and lasts around 25 minutes. The subdued lighting, combined with the fascinating commentary of the local guides, gives the experience an almost poetic dimension. You’ll also discover Monaco’s geological origins, shaped by time and the Earth’s movements.
Bring good shoes and a little wool, as the temperature remains cool all year round (around 18°C).
The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
Just a few steps from the garden entrance, another cultural treasure completes the visit: the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Founded in 1902 by Prince Albert I, it showcases archaeological discoveries from excavations carried out in the cave and in Monaco’s surrounding area.
On display:
- Flint tools and ritual objects dating back to the Palaeolithic.
- Fossils of extinct animals such as the woolly rhinoceros and the cave lion.
- A faithful reconstruction of prehistoric life in the western Mediterranean.
Entrance to the museum is included in the Exotic Garden ticket, and the tour is self-guided. An excellent complement for those curious about history and science.
Our tips for a successful experience
When should you visit the Jardin Exotique?
To make the most of your visit to the Jardin Exotique de Monaco, all you need to do is take a few simple precautions. Here are our recommendations for a smooth, enjoyable visit that suits your pace.
Although the site is interesting all year round thanks to its wealth of species, certain periods are more favourable for discovery:
- Spring brings the most abundant blooms, especially from aloes, cacti and agaves.
- In autumn, the low-angled light sublimates the relief, and visitor numbers are more moderate.
- In summer, prefer early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat and enjoy the softer light over the sea.
- In winter, the garden retains its appeal, with fewer visitors and a soothing atmosphere.
Always check the state of opening before you come, especially during renovation periods.
Accessibility and ideal visit duration
The garden follows the natural relief of the cliff, which involves numerous steps and sloping passages:
- People with reduced mobility may find it difficult to navigate the entire site. However, some areas are partially accessible, notably the store and the museum.
- Allow between 1h30 and 2h for a complete visit including the cave and museum, taking time to enjoy the viewpoints.
- Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, a hat or cap, and a bottle of water in summer. The area remains natural, even if it is well landscaped.
Combine with other Monaco highlights
The Jardin Exotique is a great way to start your discovery of the Principality.
Complementary itineraries include:
- The old town of Monaco-Ville, just a few minutes away by car, with its Princes’ Palace, cathedral and charming alleyways.
- Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, located on the Rock, is a must-see for young and old alike.
- The more contemporary port of Fontvieille, with its quays, restaurants and sea views.
All of which can easily make up a full day in Monaco, with its mix of nature, culture and exceptional panoramas.
Explore Monaco differently with Tour Azur
Monaco private or shared tour
Visiting Monaco on your own is already quite an adventure. But for those who want to discover Monaco’s secrets, hidden anecdotes and finest vistas, the support of a local guide makes all the difference.
Tour Azur offers several full-day and half-day excursions in and around the Principality. Depending on your wishes, you can :
- Opt for a private tour and enjoy a tailor-made experience, with walks, panoramic stops and off-the-beaten-track discoveries.
- Choose a shared tour in a small group, ideal for a first approach to the city, with no organizational constraints.
The Jardin Exotique can be integrated into these itineraries, depending on the season and traveler’s wishes. An elegant and comfortable way to discover Monaco in a different way.
See our Monaco & Eze tour to see how the Jardin Exotique can be incorporated into a full-day tour.
A local guide to understand everything... without hurrying
What do our travelers appreciate most? Time. Time to ask questions, to observe a detail, to understand the history behind a façade. Our guides know the region like the back of their hand, but above all, they know how to adapt to every rhythm and every curiosity.
To extend the experience, check out our article on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, another emblematic Côte d’Azur itinerary.
Monaco’s Exotic Garden is not a place to visit: it’s a place to savor. Suspended above the sea, it offers a rare experience, between botanical contemplation, underground diving and panoramic escape. It’s a place that epitomizes the quiet elegance of the Côte d’Azur, where beauty nestles in the details, and where every detour invites you to slow down.
Visit the village of Eze and a perfume factory, admire the Princely Palace, the Monaco Grand Prix track and the legendary Place de Monte-Carlo.
Riviera panorama
Join the village of Èze and then Monaco to discover the old town, palace and cathedral. From the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, contemplate Monte-Carlo. Then discover Cannes and Antibes.
French art of living
Discover the village of Èze and the Principality of Monaco before visiting the Villa de la Baronne de Rothschild and its botanical gardens. Enjoy a gourmet break at the Baronne’s salon.
A shared tourOn the other hand, we offer small-group tours in a shared vehicle, following a fixed itinerary. The driver takes care of the journeys, but does not accompany you to the sites.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze from Nice
Riviera panorama
Join the village of Èze, then the Principality of Monaco to discover the old town, its palace and cathedral. From the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, drive to Monte-Carlo. Then discover Cannes and Antibes.
