Fontvieille Monaco: a modern, peaceful, and green district

Located at the western end of the Principality, Fontvieille is a district built on reclaimed land from the sea between 1966 and 1973, initiated by Prince Rainier III with the architectural project by Manfredi Nicoletti.

Originally covering 17 hectares, it now spans around 33 hectares, a small portion of which lies in France (municipality of Cap-d’Ail).

Its development has profoundly transformed the face of Monaco, combining urban modernity with land gained from the sea.

Fontvieille is a residential, commercial, and tertiary district, home to factories, offices, housing, a rescue center, a shopping mall with a gallery, a church, a heliport, and the Louis-II Stadium.

It also hosts the Fontvieille marina, protected by the Rock and a breakwater, offering around 275 berths and full nautical services.

Living in Fontvieille

The district offers a mix of high-end apartments (Terrasses du Port, Seaside Plaza, Memmo Center, Eden Star, Le Grand Large, Palazzo Leonardo, Michelangelo…) and state-owned housing for Monegasque citizens.

Prices per square meter range from approximately €38,000 to over €75,000, depending on the building, floor, orientation, and amenities, with an average around €45,000/m².

Modern residences often include swimming pools, panoramic terraces, concierge services, and direct access to the port.

Cultural, Sporting, and Natural Attractions

Louis-II Stadium

Inaugurated in 1985, it hosts AS Monaco, an athletics track, a multipurpose hall (3,000 seats), and a heated Olympic pool. It also holds international events like Herculis and Mare Nostrum.

Circus Festival & Big Top

The Fontvieille Big Top hosts numerous events throughout the year. Since 1974, it has been home to the famous Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival.

Sculpture Trail

A 2 km artistic promenade featuring major works (Botero, César, Arman, Renoir, etc.), stretching from Place d’Armes to Quai Jean‑Charles Rey, the heliport, and the landscaped park.

Landscaped Park & Princess Grace Rose Garden

A large 4-hectare park with Mediterranean and exotic plants, a pond, playground, educational vegetable garden, and sculptures. The Rose Garden pays tribute to Princess Grace with over 300 varieties and 6,000 rose bushes.

Animal Garden

The Prince's Animal Garden, founded in 1954, shelters abandoned or seized animals and offers a family-friendly visit combining nature and environmental awareness.

Museums

On the Rainier III esplanade: Stamp and Coin Museum, and the naval museum.

Accessibility and Daily Life

CAM bus lines 4 and 6 serve Fontvieille, and the district is easily accessible on foot or by car from downtown or Monte‑Carlo.
Monaco heliport provides quick access to Nice Airport (7-minute flight): Book a flight
The shopping center, inaugurated in 1992, includes shops, a supermarket, boutiques, and restaurants around the port. A major redevelopment (2024–2027) will expand it to 45,000 m², double the retail space, add 40 state-owned apartments, a multiplex cinema, 2,000 trees, and 1,200 underground parking spaces.