Monaco, a principality renowned for its luxury and prestige, is further affirming its position with Mareterra, a neighborhood that is nothing less than an extension of the sea. The result of a collaboration between Renzo Piano and other renowned architects, Mareterra combines exceptional residences and green spaces in a privileged Mediterranean setting.
While contrasting with the historic charm of the Rocher, Mareterra stands out for its harmonious integration into the coastline, as Prince Albert II emphasizes:
“I wanted this new space to embody the excellence and conviviality that are the hallmarks of the Principality of Monaco. Mareterra will fit in perfectly with our coastline, and in a few years’ time will be seen as a natural extension of our territory.”
Introducing Mareterra, Monaco's new jewel
Why a new district?
Mareterra was created in response to a fundamental challenge for the Principality: the lack of space. At just over two square kilometers, Monaco is the second-smallest state in the world. To address this constraint, two major strategies were implemented:
- building higher and higher;
- extend our territory to the sea, as with Mareterra.
In fact, Mareterra marks the eighth maritime extension in Monaco’s history! For example, in the 1960s, Larvotto beach became the first artificial beach in the Mediterranean.
Today, the Mareterra district represents six hectares reclaimed from the sea, increasing the Principality’s surface area by 3% to 208 hectares. It is located between Port Hercule and Larvotto beach, in the immediate vicinity of the Japanese Garden.
Monaco's first eco-district
Inaugurated on December 4, 2024 in the presence of the Princely family, Mareterra, also known as Anse du Portier or Le Portier, marks a turning point in the Principality’s urban planning: it is Monaco’s first eco-district.
Its name, Mareterra, fuses the words “sea” and “land” to perfectly illustrate its hybrid nature: Mareterra is at once luxurious, sustainable and open to the sea. It offers a diversity of spaces and structures:
- Housing (houses, villas, apartments, etc.), which we will describe in greater detail below.
- A vast park called “La Pinède
- A walk by the sea
- An esplanade linking the different areas of the district
- A 16-ring marina, nicknamed “Le Petit Portier”.
- Underground parking
- Shopping
- Storage space for Monaco’s museums.
The district’s distinctive feature is that traffic is largely reserved for pedestrians, offering a rare tranquility in an urban environment.
💡Did you know? When Mareterra was created, the boundaries of the Japanese garden were modified and a new pagoda, in traditional Japanese style, was installed. The garden is free and open at all hours, and we highly recommend a stroll.
Mareterra's exceptional design
Innovative, environmentally-friendly design
Eco-design guides every aspect of Mareterra, an HQE Aménagement-certified development, and manifests itself through innovations that redefine sustainable architecture.
Among others, we can mention :
- 9000m² of solar panels.
- A sophisticated rainwater harvesting system to cover 50% of the district’s water needs.
- 1 hectare of green space, out of a total of 6 hectares, making it Monaco’s greenest district.
- 600 meters of bicycle paths and around 200 charging stations for electric vehicles.
A team of world-renowned architects
Led by L’Anse du Portier, this project is the fruit of collaboration between internationally renowned architects and landscape architects. It was announced in 2013, and delivery is scheduled for 2024.
First, Italian architect Renzo Piano led the design of the iconic “Le Renzo” building, which evokes the silhouette of a ship.
Next, the French firm Valode & Pistre drew up the master plan for Mareterra, structuring the district into different zones, including the “Jardins d’Eau” and the “Colline”. Buildings were designed using natural materials, and a balance was struck between urban density and green spaces.
Finally, French landscape architect Michel Desvigne orchestrated the design of the green spaces, which cover almost 50% of the district’s surface area. He recreated a natural Mediterranean landscape, with Aleppo pines, cypresses and native species. Innovative techniques were used to plant mature trees, some of which exceed 10 meters in height.
Luxury real estate at Mareterra
Mareterra offers exceptional residences that redefine Monegasque luxury, designed with avant-garde architecture and a privileged coastal location. Several residences, including Les Jardins d’Eau, are spread across different buildings. In all, there are around a hundred apartments. Among them are penthouses, prestigious apartments on the top floors of buildings, with private terraces.
Le Renzo offers apartments in a variety of configurations, including a quadruplex on the top floors, with large bay windows.
There are also single-family homes, such as vegetated townhouses, perfectly integrated into the environment. And of course, there are a dozen villas, individual properties of the highest standing with private gardens, swimming pools and maximum privacy, such as the Villas de la mer and the Villas de la Colline.
Mareterra stands out in the Monegasque real estate market for its ultra-premium positioning. Prices per square meter reach record levels, regularly exceeding €150,000, particularly for properties along Avenue Princesse Grace.
💡Did you know? According to the Knight Frank Wealth 2025 report, a million euros only provides 21 square meters of space in the principality.
Mareterra's public spaces and facilities
The green heart of the district extends over 9,400 m² of green space, planted with 800 trees and 35,000 typically Mediterranean plants. This green setting makes Mareterra a true ecological refuge within the Principality.
Along the Promenade Prince Jacques, the pedestrian thoroughfare linking the Grimaldi Forum, Larvotto beach and the new port, you’ll enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Mediterranean.
On the seafront, Le Petit Portier, a marina lined with a lively esplanade of refined shops and restaurants, offers a place to relax and socialize.
To facilitate travel while respecting the environment, Mareterra is committed to soft mobility: two bicycle stations, including one adapted for electric bikes, and an electric shuttle between Larvotto and Mareterra.
Finally, an impressive network of fountains punctuates the landscape, including five basins and a stream running down from the hilltop to the shoreline.
The environmental impact of this new district
To some, Mareterra may seem paradoxical.
On the one hand, a chunk of the Mediterranean Sea had to be concreted over to create the foundations for the new district, since the technical prowess of this extension is based on reinforced concrete caissons laid on an underwater embankment. On the other hand, the project was built with a clear environmental conscience.
Scientists, marine biologists and ecosystem experts were mobilized to ensure the best possible preservation of local biodiversity. The previous, more ambitious project was refused by Prince Albert II himself, as it did not meet the Principality’s ecological requirements.
Among the measures put in place: the creation of marine corridors and fish habitats, as well as the astonishing work carried out on the giant caissons that form the base of the site. Their facades have been grooved by hand, to facilitate the establishment of marine life on these artificial surfaces. As Céline Caron Dagioni, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Planning, sums up:
“We know that the seas are in a bad way and that they need to be protected. We’ve had to deploy a wealth of ingenuity, even if there’s no perfect solution.”
Places not to be missed
In addition to the neighborhood tour, which is of course worth a visit on its own, we’ve unearthed a few nuggets that are open to the general public and totally free of charge.
The Blue Grotto
Like the meditation area we’ll talk about later, the Grotte Bleue (which is a grotto in name only) is accessible from the Promenade Prince Jacques. A pretty round stained-glass window indicates its location. All you have to do is enter the space, then push open the metal door to find yourself high up, some ten metres above the sea.
To understand what the Grotte Bleue is, it’s important to remember that Mareterra rests on an artificial floor made up of concrete caissons. The Grotte Bleue is a ten-metre-deep opening into one of these caissons.
💡Did you know? The Blue Grotto was not included in the initial project. It was added at a later date to appreciate Mareterra’s underlying engineering.
The meditation space
Designed by Vietnamese artist Tia-Thuy Nguyen, who named the installation “Gouttes de Soleil”, this space is indicated from the outside by a round stained-glass window, as in the blue grotto.
Inside, the rectangular room offers a soothing, mineral atmosphere. The walls are entirely lined with crystals, notably rose quartz. A skylight in the ceiling lets in natural light, illuminating the space and accentuating the reflections of the crystals.
💡Did you know? The artist was keen to find a balance in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Monaco. The result was the creation of an enclosed space, isolated from the hustle and bustle outside, like a sacred cave, a territory. To collect the most beautiful stones, Tia-Thuy Nguyen and her team travelled to numerous locations in Vietnam.
Alexander Calder's Four Spears
Princess Gabriella Square, the entrance to Mareterra, is surrounded by reflecting pools and dominated by a remarkable work of art:“Four Spears”, a sculpture by Alexander Calder.
This work has a special history. Acquired by the Principality in 1966 at the request of Princess Grace, it was inaugurated the same year, in the presence of Prince Rainier, Princess Grace and the artist himself. Over time, the sculpture became damaged. It has now been placed in a safe place, awaiting a new home worthy of its value.
His installation at Mareterra finally fulfills Calder’s wish that his work be placed above a water mirror, so that it can be seen in relation to the surrounding architecture.
Thanks to a collaboration between the Calder Foundation and architect Renzo Piano, the work has been fully restored and installed at Mareterra, exactly as the artist had imagined it.
Tour Azur tips for an unforgettable visit
How to get to Mareterra
👣 Mareterra is easily accessible for pedestrians from neighboring districts. A continuous promenade links Port Hercule to Larvotto beach, offering a pleasant stroll along the seafront.
🚗 For motorized visitors, at the time of writing, it seems that the Mareterra underground parking lot is not a Monegasque public parking lot, and is reserved for local residents. The nearest parking lot is the Portier parking lot (located at Rond-point du Portier).
🚍 Last but not least, Monaco boasts an efficient bus network. The nearest stops are “Portier” (lines 1, 5, 6, X3 and X4) or “Grimaldi Forum Villa Sauber” (lines 5, 6 and X3). You can buy a bus ticket from the driver and pay directly by credit card.
Where to eat in Mareterra
Mareterra is not just about prestigious residences and green spaces. The district also offers a wide range of shops and restaurants. Among the addresses already open are :
- Marlow, a British restaurant that revisits classic British dishes. On the menu: eggs Wellington, Marlow Pie (seasonal mushrooms and puff pastry) or a generous fish and chips.
- Marco Ristorante, an Italian restaurant ideal for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.
- 99 Sushi Bar, for a refined Japanese gastronomic experience.
Our suggestions for a visit to Monaco
A visit to Mareterra doesn’t require a full day. On the other hand, you can visit Monaco in one day. Among the must-see visits we naturally recommend the Princely Palace as well as the Casino de Monte-Carlo. And why not visit the automobile museum ?
Book your visit to Mareterra with Tour Azur
Tour Azur offers you several options for discovering this unique area, while enjoying top-of-the-range service.
Private tours
For a personalized experience, opt for a private tour. Accompanied by an experienced driver-guide, you explore the sites at your own pace, with detailed explanations at every step. You’ll be comfortably seated in a private vehicle (up to 8 people), ideal for an outing with family or friends.
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.
Shared tours
If you prefer a more convivial formula, shared tours are for you. The route is pre-established, and you share the vehicle with other travelers (8 passengers maximum). The driver takes you from one site to the next, commenting on the main stages along the way. On-site accompaniment is not included in this package.
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.
Exceptional vehicles
Whatever type of tour you choose, Tour Azur provides you with luxury vehicles offering comfort and elegance. You can board Mercedes Vito Tourer or V-Class minivans, or enjoy a more exclusive experience in a Porsche Panamera.
Our driver-guides are more than just drivers: they are trained to share their knowledge of the region’s heritage, history and landmarks.
On private tours, they accompany you to every stop and provide a truly guided tour. On shared tours, they keep you informed along the way with enriching commentary.
Monaco is just the beginning! Tour Azur also offers tours to other top Côte d’Azur destinations, such as Saint-Tropez, Grasse or Nice, a city full of surprises that you can visit in a day and even on foot. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team.
