Monte Carlo: Hotels, History and Casino Gardens

Monte Carlo can first be understood by looking at its centre: the district lies around the Casino. Two specific features can also help guide your choice of hotel: the Casino Gardens, with their distinctive design, and the Salle Garnier. The district’s founding history, as well as practical information about walking routes and bus lines, are also worth considering. Think about which of these aspects matters most for your stay; this can help you focus your hotel search on the destination pages that interest you most.

Monte Carlo and its surroundings

Monte Carlo was founded in 1866 during the reign of Prince Charles III. Its location is defined by the area around the Casino. In the wider context of Monaco, Monte Carlo differs from La Condamine: both are listed as separate districts. La Condamine surrounds Port Hercule, a natural bay and one of the few deep-water ports on the French Riviera. Port Hercule therefore serves as a distinct point of reference for La Condamine, while Monte Carlo is identified here by its location around the Casino.

The Casino Gardens: design and landscape

The Casino Gardens offer a different consideration when choosing where to stay. They combine French-style landscaped gardens with designed valleys, waterfalls, streams and ponds. They were designed by architect Edouard André, who gave them the exotic character they retain today by planting subtropical species. Several design elements come together in the gardens: the French garden style, subtropical planting and water features in landscaped areas. If garden and landscape design are especially important to you during your stay, these features offer a specific cultural and landscape point of interest in Monte Carlo. The district’s history and the gardens shaped by André are separate subjects: the founding year relates to Monte Carlo, while the design and planting relate to the Casino Gardens.

Finding your way on foot and by bus

When planning routes to the places mentioned, it is useful to distinguish between the respective starting points. The Salle Garnier is a ten-minute walk from Monte Carlo train station; the upper exit is recommended. This walking time is a specific guide for that route. If access to the station changes, check directions locally. In the wider Monaco area, Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco bus lines 1, 5 and 6 serve the Opéra de Monte-Carlo at the Casino stop; line 2 stops at Monte Carlo or Tourist Office. These details provide two different kinds of guidance: a walking time from the station, and bus lines and stops in Monaco. As route numbers and stops may change, check the current service before travelling.

For the route to the Grimaldi Forum and the Auditorium Rainier III, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo recommends using the lower Sainte-Dévote exit. This is a different station exit from the one relevant to the walk to the Salle Garnier: Sainte-Dévote is recommended for these destinations, while the upper exit is recommended for the Salle Garnier. This lets you plan your route according to your specific destination rather than relying on one general station recommendation.

For the broader travel overview: Monaco.