What if you could step back in time and follow in the footsteps of the princes and princesses who have shaped Monaco’s history? The Palais Princier is much more than just a royal residence: it’s the scene of centuries of intrigue, art and tradition. Discover this emblematic place on the Rock with Tour Azur in one exceptional day.
Why visit Monaco's Princely Palace?
This architectural jewel, symbol of the Grimaldi dynasty since the 13th century, embodies centuries of heritage and culture, making it a must-see destination for lovers of history and architecture.
What’s more, its position on the Rock of Monaco offers spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area.
Inside, the richly decorated rooms, adorned with period furniture, paintings and frescoes, transport visitors to a sumptuous setting.
Since 2015, under the impetus of Prince Albert II, an ambitious renovation program has restored the Palace to its former glory. It reopened its doors to the public in 2022, revealing in particular almost 600 m² of frescoes found by chance.
The history and architecture of Monaco's Princely Palace
Over 800 years in the making, the Palais truly tells its own story.
A place steeped in history
It was originally a fortress built by the Genoese in 1215. It became the seat of the Grimaldi family after they took power in 1297.
Over the years, the palace evolved. In the 16th century, the palace retained its defensive role, but began to evolve into a princely residence. A chapel, double staircase, gate of honor and sumptuous pavilions were added.
At the time, the palace abounded in very rich art collections, particularly paintings. When the French Revolution hit Monaco, the collections were dispersed and the Grimaldi family left the palace. They returned a few decades later, after the restoration of the princes in 1814.
💡Legend has it that François Grimaldi entered the fortress with weapons concealed under his monk’s robe (“monaco” in Italian). With God’s help (“Deo Juvante”), he seized the castle. To this day, Monaco’s motto is “Deo Juvante”, and the holders of the coat of arms are monks, each carrying a raised sword.
The unique architecture of the Princely Palace
The architecture of Monaco’s Princely Palace bears remarkable witness to the evolution of styles over the centuries.
Its defensive features, such as ramparts and bastions, are a reminder of its strategic role.
In the 16th century, the palace was transformed into a princely residence, incorporating influences from the Italian Renaissance.
Finally, with its harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance and Baroque styles, the Princely Palace is a masterpiece of architecture and history, both sovereign residence and timeless symbol of Monaco.
What should you see when you visit the Palais de Monaco?
From floor to ceiling, everything is an excuse to marvel.
Les Grands Appartements
The grand apartments of Monaco’s Princely Palace are a series of sumptuous rooms used for state receptions, official ceremonies and visits by dignitaries.
Among the most remarkable rooms are :
- The Throne Room, adorned with a series of breathtaking frescoes that tell the story of the Grimaldi dynasty. Restoration work begun in 2015 uncovered Renaissance frescoes, including an excerpt from Homer’s Odyssey in which Ulysses makes his way to the gates of the Underworld.
- The Salon Mazarin, famous for its elegant 17th-century Italian woodwork.
- The Blue Room, with its walls adorned with gold motifs on a blue background, crystal chandeliers and elegant furnishings that reflect princely refinement.
The apartments also house an impressive collection ofworks of art, recently enhanced by acquisitions made by Prince Albert II, including paintings by Jacopo Bassano, Orazio de Ferrari and Philippe de Champaigne.
💡Did you know? The civil weddings of Albert II and Charlène de Wittstock, and of Rainer III and Grace Kelly, were celebrated in the Throne Room.
The Hercules Gallery
It is from this gallery, located in the grand apartments, that the Sovereign addresses Monegasques gathered in the Cour d’Honneur on major occasions.
It links several emblematic areas: it leads directly to the Cour d’Honneur, and also serves as a link between the ceremonial areas and the symbolic zones of the Palace, such as the Throne Room.
In 2015, restoration work revealed Renaissance frescoes depicting the birth, labors and death of Hercules, by the painter Orazio dei Ferrari.
💡Did you know? It was from the balcony of this gallery that Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène presented their children, Jacques and Gabriella, to the people of Monaco.
The Cour d'Honneur and its frescoes
Visitors can admire the monumental double-revolving white marble staircase, a remarkable work of architecture dating back to the 17th century.
The courtyard floor, paved with black and white pebbles arranged in geometric patterns, reflects the Palace’s concern for refinement and symmetry. The facades are adorned with frescoes, including Le Triomphe de Bacchus and Les Divinités de la Mer.
The Napoleonic Museum and Palace Archives
At Tour Azur, our customers sometimes tell us about the Musée Napoléonien and the Archives du Palais.
However, the Musée Napoléonien, which was housed in Monaco’s Princely Palace, closed in 2014 and its collections were dispersed at auction. As for the Palace Archives, they are not accessible to the general public. In fact, they are reserved for professionals, specifically authorized by Prince Albert II.
Practical information for your visit
Here we answer the questions most frequently asked by our customers.
Opening hours
Monaco’s Princely Palace is not open to the general public all year round.
In 2024, it was open from March 26 to October 13, but these periods may change each year. Opening times were as follows:
- March-June and September-October: 10am – 5pm. The Palais closes at 6pm.
- July-August: 10am-6pm. The Palais closes at 7pm.
Visits are not possible during the F1 Grand Prix weekend.
Rates and booking
Here are the rates for individual visitors:
- Full price: €10
- Reduced rate: €5 for children (6-17), students, disabled persons
- Free for children under 6
The tour includes an audioguide available in 11 languages.
For groups and travel agencies, rates are available on request only.
Online booking is highly recommended, although tickets can be purchased on site. Please note that it is not possible to book by telephone.
Access to the Princely Palace and transport
On foot: this is the option we recommend, health permitting. The Palais is 10 minutes from the Place d’Armes via the Rampe Major, and 5 minutes from the Place de la Visitation through the narrow streets of the Rocher. It’s a 25-30 minute walk from the station.
Bus: Lines 1 and 2, stop at Place de la Visitation.
Cars and coaches: Vehicles registered outside Monaco and Alpes Maritimes (06) do not have access to the Rocher and Monaco-City. Parking is recommended at the Parking des Pêcheurs, which avoids the climb up to the Rocher. The Condamine parking lot and the Quai Antoine Ier parking lot are also located not far from the Palais.
💡Wheelchairs and baby carriages: access to the Grands Appartements is by staircase only. Strollers must be left at the entrance to the Palais.
Our tips for a successful visit to the Palais de Monaco
Leave nothing to chance and make the most of your visit.
The best times to visit
As we have seen, the Princely Palace of Monaco is open for approximately 8 months of the year.
As for the ideal time slot, this depends in particular on whether you’d like to attend the Changing of the Guard, which takes place every morning at 11:55. If you’re not interested in this ceremony, we recommend visiting the palace while it’s taking place, or at the end of the day, to avoid the crowds.
Our tips for avoiding the crowds
Visits to the Palace are very popular. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Book your tickets in advance.
- Visit the sites outside weekends and school vacation periods.
- Check closing times and days: the Palais is a place of sovereignty, not a place for visitors. If circumstances require, it can be closed at any time without notice.
Activities near the Princely Palace
Here are the must-do activities within a radius of less than a kilometer.
Cultural and historical tours
The Prince’s car collection, 850m from the Palace, was moved to the Rainier III nautical stadium, as the garage at the Palais Princier was too cramped to hold a hundred cars.
The Oceanographic Museum, located 300 meters from the Palace, houses a vast marine collection and aquariums with over 6,000 specimens.
💡Good to know: you can buy twin tickets for the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Car Collection.
Monaco Cathedral, 200 meters from the Princely Palace, is a magnificent Romanesque-Byzantine edifice and the burial place of Monaco’s princes, including Rainier III and Grace Kelly.
The Museum of Stamps and Coins is just 150 metres from the Princely Palace.
Outdoor activities
Situated 300 meters from the Palais, the Jardins Saint-Martin offer shaded paths, sculptures and breathtaking sea views.
Port Hercule, Monaco’s main port 500 meters from the Palais, is lined with luxury yachts and restaurants, ideal for a seaside stroll.
Shopping and leisure
Stroll down Princesse Caroline pedestrian street, which offers a variety of boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
Just over a kilometer away, don’t miss the Casino de Monte-Carlo ! We’ve listed all the things to do in Monaco Monaco in one day.
What can and can't be done inside the Palais?
Eating is impossible. However, you’ll find plenty of options for eating close to the Palais.
Taking photos inside the Palace has sometimes been forbidden, as visitors sometimes testify. However, photos are currently permitted as long as you don’t use the flash.
As for pets, they are not accepted unless they are in a specially adapted bag. On the other hand, service animals such as guide dogs are allowed into the Palais.
How long does the tour last?
Allow 1 hour’s visit on average.
A full tour of the Palace includes the Royal Chamber, the Valentinois Cabinet and Chamber and the Galerie des Princes, sometimes called the “Hall of Mirrors” because of its many mirrors.
The direction of the tour is compulsory. After passing through the Cour d’Honneur, you enter the chambre d’Europe and walk through the various rooms to the royal quarter. This leads into the Galerie des Princes.
Are there guided tours?
Guided tours are available on reservation only.
There is also a VIP Visits Program organized by the Palais Princier, which allows visitors to be accompanied by Christian Gauthier, head of restoration at the Palais du Monaco, and to admire Albert II’s car collection.
Annual events and ceremonies at the Princely Palace
Changing of the guard
This is a not-to-be-missed tradition during your visit to the Principality.
Every day, at precisely 11.55 a.m., the Place du Palais becomes the scene of an impressive military ceremony orchestrated by the Prince’s Carabinieri.
Dressed in black in winter and white in summer, the Carabinieri perform a meticulously choreographed ritual, punctuated by weapon movements and the sound of drums. This solemn ballet, which lasts around seven minutes, attracts crowds of amazed spectators every day.
💡Did you know? To be in the best position, we recommend arriving as early as 11:30 am.
Cour d'Honneur concerts
Every summer since 1959, the Palais Princier de Monaco has hosted classical music concerts in its Cour d’Honneur, performed by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Major works by Strauss, Mozart and Beethoven resonate here.
Initiated by Prince Rainier III, this modern tradition is inspired by the concerts given in the 18th century by the Princes of Monaco for their people. It perpetuates the legacy of the Grimaldis, protectors of the arts and music, by opening the Palace to all.
National Day celebrations
Monegasque National Day, celebrated every year on November 19, is a day rich in tradition and ceremony.
The celebrations begin with a solemn mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, attended by members of the Princely Family.
At 11 a.m., the presentation of medals takes place in the main courtyard of the Palais Princier. The ceremony continues with a military parade, a solemn moment attended by the Princely Family from the Palace balcony.
One of the highlights of the day is the salute from the balcony of the Palais Princier, eagerly awaited by the Monegasque population and spectators alike.
In addition to the official ceremonies, National Day is marked by entertainment, concerts and fireworks displays throughout the Principality.
💡Did you know? November 19 was chosen by Prince Rainier III as a tribute to Saint Rainier, Monaco’s patron saint. Prince Albert II wished to perpetuate the tradition established by his father.
Tour Azur offers guided tours of the Princely Palace
We take care of everything, while you enjoy your day.
Our private tours
A private tour is a personalized experience with a dedicated driver-guide. He or she accompanies you every step of the way, offering detailed explanations of the sites visited.
If you’re interested in the Rock of Monaco, we have three private tour packages to suit you.
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.
Our shared tours
The shared tours allow groups to travel together in a shared vehicle, following a predetermined itinerary. The driver provides transport between the various stops, but does not offer a guided tour. To explore Monaco, we offer two types of tours to suit your needs.
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.
Our luxury vehicles at your service
Tour Azur offers you an exceptional travel experience aboard top-of-the-range vehicles. Whether in a Mercedes Luxury Vito Tourer minivan, a Mercedes Prestige Class V minivan or a Porsche Panamera sedan, you’ll enjoy leather seats and optimum air conditioning.
From the majestic Grands Appartements to the Galerie d’Hercule and the Changing of the Guard, every moment spent here dazzles and amazes. So let yourself be seduced by the magic of the Rock and treat yourself to a royal day, where every detail bears witness to Monaco’s grandeur, and trust Tour Azur for a successful excursion.
