The Casino de Monte-Carlo is much more than just a gaming establishment; it’s a true symbol of the elegance and luxury of the Côte d’Azur. Since its inauguration in 1865, it has attracted a prestigious clientele from all over the world, fascinated by its Belle Époque architecture and exclusive services.
Whether you’re a history buff, a gambling enthusiast or simply looking for an exceptional experience, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is the place to discover the very essence of Monaco. Tour Azur offers tours to explore this legendary venue.
The history and architecture of the Casino de Monte-Carlo
What intrigues and wonders lie behind the gilded walls of the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo?
The origins of the Casino
In 1863, Prince Charles III and businessman François Blanc opened the first casino in the Hôtel de Russie, to diversify the struggling principality’s economy and attract a wealthy clientele.
However, the project was not as successful as had been hoped. Convinced of the importance of this undertaking for Monaco’s future, the Prince and Blanc relaunched the project, calling on architect Charles Garnier, who was also in charge of the Monaco Opera House.
The new Casino de Monte-Carlo was inaugurated in 1865 and quickly became a symbol of prestige. Over the years, the casino changed owners, but remained under the management of the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), founded by Prince Charles III and run by the Grimaldi family.
Architecture and emblematic rooms
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a sumptuous atrium with 28 Second Empire-style columns.
Among the emblematic rooms, the Salle Europestands out for its imposing glass roof and its eight Bohemian crystal chandeliers. It embodies the spirit of gambling, notably with its craps tables, in a luminous and elegant atmosphere.
The Salon Rose, built in 1903, was originally used as a smoking room. One amusing detail catches the eye: the cherub on the ceiling, whose buttocks always seem to be facing the viewer.
Finally, the Salle des Amériques mixes modern slot machines and classical works of art, with carved masks representing the four seasons.
Games and entertainment at Casino de Monte-Carlo
Will you dare to try your luck where the thrill of play meets elegance?
Traditional table games
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is renowned for its traditional table games:
- French roulette is a classic game in which players bet on a number or combination before the ball is thrown onto the wheel.
- English roulette has slightly different rules and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Blackjack involves beating the dealer to 21 points or as close to it as possible without going over.
- Punto Banco is a baccarat variant where players bet on the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, or on a tie.
- Craps is a dynamic dice game where players bet on the outcome of the dice roll.
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker is a simplified version of Texas Hold’em where players play against the dealer rather than against other players.
Modern slot machines
Casino de Monte-Carlo offers almost 600 slot machines. The principle is simple: align identical symbols on one or more of the paylines, which can range from 1 to over 200.
With the My Monte-Carlo card, players accumulate points that can be used for future games. The casino offers slot machines accessible from as little as one euro cent.
Poker tournaments
The European Poker Tour is one of the biggest poker tournament series on the planet. Since 2004, the EPT Monte-Carlo has been on the calendar every season.
Here is a list of the main poker tournaments to be held at the Casino de Monte-Carlo during the EPT in 2024:
- EPT Main Event
- EPT High Roller
- EPT Super High Roller
- Limit H.O.R.S.E.
- No Limit Hold’em – Mystery Bounty.
Exclusive services at the Casino de Monte-Carlo
Access a world of privileges where every detail has been thought of to offer you an unrivalled experience.
Luxury restaurants and bars
Among the 27 restaurants and cafés, you’ll find Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse at the Hôtel de Paris, a three-star restaurant renowned for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Le Grill, located at the top of the Hôtel de Paris, offers panoramic sea views.
For more relaxed moments, the 10 bars offer a wide choice: the Bar Américain offers an elegant ambience with sophisticated cocktails, while the Blue Gin is a chic lounge offering creative cocktails overlooking the Mediterranean.
Shows and special events
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is also a cultural center, hosting shows and special events throughout the year. International stars such as Dita Von Teese and Sting have graced iconic stages such as the Salle des Étoiles and the Opéra Garnier Monte-Carlo.
The Monte-Carlo Summer Festival and the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival are not-to-be-missed events, attracting world-renowned artists. The Festival des Étoilés Monte-Carlo celebrates gastronomic excellence with Michelin-starred chefs.
VIP services and private lounges
The Casino de Monte-Carlo houses two emblematic private lounges: the Salon Touzet and the Salle Blanche.
The Salon Touzet is made up of two vast lounges, open to visitors in the morning and transformed into a private play area from 2pm onwards. To gain access, visitors are required to show proof of identity, and to dress appropriately from 7pm onwards.
The Salle Blanche is an exclusive area reserved for My Monte-Carlo Gold, Platinum and Privé cardholders, offering a sumptuous setting for a refined gaming experience.
Our tips for making the most of your visit to the Casino
Follow our recommendations to make the most of your visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Dress code
The Casino de Monte-Carlo maintains a strict dress code to preserve its legendary and exclusive ambience. Compliance with this code is checked at the entrance.
Free-access areas, such as the boutique and certain slot machine areas, do not require formal dress, but appropriate attire is appreciated. For the gaming lounges, proper attire is required. From 7 p.m. onwards, a jacket and tie are mandatory for men in private lounges.
Opening hours and practical information
The Casino de Monte-Carlo is open every day, with different opening times for different activities.
- 10am to 1pm: visitors can explore the Casino and its facilities, with or without an audioguide.
- 2pm: opening of gaming lounges and bars.
Free-access areas are open to minors, but entry to the gaming lounges is reserved for adults (18 and over) and requires valid ID. Minors have unlimited access to the Atrium.
Admission is €19, with the Casino Royal option included for afternoon ticket purchases. Members of the My Monte-Carlo program benefit from free access according to their status.
Tips for new players
The casino has compiled a list of tips for new players:
- Make sure you can afford to play.
- Play for fun and entertainment, not out of necessity.
- Take the time you need to play without rushing.
- Play in a stable moral state and when you are lucid, sober and clear-sighted.
- Maintain a serene atmosphere for yourself and those around you, and keep control of your emotions.
- Know your limits and avoid excess.
Attractions around the Casino de Monte-Carlo
Glamour doesn’t stop at the gates of the Casino: discover the hidden treasures and must-see spots just around the corner.
Casino Square
The Place du Casino has recently been renovated: the famous grass dome nicknamed the “camembert” has been replaced by a beige flagstone esplanade. Designed by landscape architect Michel Desvigne, the square has regained the look it had when it was created in 1850, while incorporating an avenue of removable palm trees. Car traffic, essential for the Formula 1 Grand Prix, is retained.
Monte-Carlo Opera
Also known as the Salle Garnier, it is an auditorium adjoining the Casino, designed by the architect Charles Garnier. The Opéra de Monte-Carlo boasts an eclectic repertoire, blending traditional opera with contemporary music. Its superb acoustics make it an ideal venue for events such as the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, which attracts the biggest names in jazz every autumn.
Casino Gardens
The Gardens, created in 1879 by landscape architect Édouard André, comprise two free public green spaces that are emblematic of the Principality.
The Jardins des Boulingrins, located opposite the Casino, have been renovated over 6 years until 2019, to restore the spirit of the original French-style gardens, with their verdant lawns, ponds and fountains. The term “Boulingrins” comes from the English word “bowling green”, which refers to a lawn used for lawn bowling.
The Parc de la Petite Afrique, untouched since its creation, continues to charm visitors with its exotic vegetation and palm trees that evoke the exuberance of the tropics. These gardens offer a haven of peace in the heart of Monaco.
Book your visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo with Tour Azur
Our private tours
A private tour is a guided tour, which can be tailor-made, and includes a private driver-guide entirely at your disposal.
If Monaco is your main interest, we’ve designed three private tours.
Monaco by night from Nice or Cannes
At dusk, follow the coastal road to the Rock of Monaco, then explore the iconic Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.
Monaco Monte-Carlo & Eze from Nice
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.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze
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.
If you want to design your own tour, here’s a suggestion:
Start your day in Monte Carlo with a shopping spree in some of the principality’s most prestigious locations. Stroll down the Avenue des Beaux-Arts, home to luxury boutiques such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada. Also explore Carré d’Or, the heart of luxury shopping in Monaco, with iconic names such as Hermès and Cartier.
Then continue your tour on the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit, one of the most famous in the world. Discover the legendary bends, such as the Rascasse, and imagine yourself behind the wheel of a racing car as it winds through the narrow streets of Monaco. This urban circuit offers an extraordinary view of the city and its surroundings.
Finally, round off your day with an evening at the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. Enter this temple of gambling and try your luck. Enjoy the elegant ambience and prestige of this iconic venue for an unforgettable evening.
Our shared tours
The shared tours involve sharing a vehicle with other people and following a circuit predefined by us. To visit Monte Carlo, we offer two tours:
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze from Cannes
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.
Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze from Nice
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.
Why choose Tour Azur for your visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo?
For more than 25 years, we’ve been a pleasure to work with, both professionals and travelers.
Comfort and safety with luxury vehicles
Tour Azur guarantees you an exceptional travel experience, combining comfort and safety on board our luxury vehicles. Whether in a Mercedes Luxury Vito Tourer minivan, Mercedes Prestige Class V minivan or Porsche Panamera sedan, you’ll enjoy leather seats and air conditioning.
Our multilingual drivers ensure not only your comfort but also your safety. They are trained in first aid and comply with the highest safety standards.
Professional drivers and expert guides
In reality, our drivers wear two hats: they are both seasoned drivers and expert guides.
We selected them for their driving skills, foreign language skills and knowledge of the Côte d’Azur.
We’ve carefully trained them to become ambassadors for the places you’ll visit in their company.
Personalized experience and customized service
Each private tour is tailor-made to suit your desires. We create personalized itineraries that are perfectly aligned with your interests and expectations.
Book your visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo with Tour Azur
How about enjoying one of the world’s most incredible places for a day? Booking your excursion with Tour Azur is quick and easy. Our team, available 7 days a week, is committed to getting back to you within 24 hours to finalize every detail. Contact us !
In conclusion, a visit to the Casino de Monte-Carlo is a plunge into the world of luxury and elegance, where history, entertainment and culture meet. With Tour Azur, you can customize your experience to discover Monaco in absolute comfort, accompanied by expert guides who will enrich your visit with their passion for the region.
