Summary
- What to see in the Exotic Garden district of Monaco
- The Exotic Garden of Monaco
- The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
- Princess Antoinette Park
- Emblematic architecture
- Practical information for the Exotic Garden district of Monaco
- How to get to the Exotic Garden district of Monaco
- Tips for your visit
- Discover Monaco’s other districts
- Frequently asked questions about the Exotic Garden district
What to See in the Exotic Garden district of Monaco
The Exotic Garden of Monaco
It is a living heritage nestled on the side of Monaco’s cliff: the Exotic Garden of Monaco, suspended above the Principality, showcases rare species, including plants from all over the world.
These “hanging gardens,” open to the public since 1933, are distinguished by cacti, aloes and crassulas growing in their flowerbeds, plants from faraway dry regions acclimatized to Monaco’s climate. Together they create a colorful landscape, with several blooms throughout the year. A way to redefine the horizon from one season to the next!
In front of the gardens, a large greenhouse, the Botanical Center, serves as a conservation space for collections of cacti and other succulents. Testimony to the work of a team of seven gardeners, perched on the cliff of Monaco’s Exotic Garden, this site delights botany lovers through public, self-guided access.
Below the cliff, the Observatory Cave is one of the Principality’s must-sees. This natural cave, arranged for visitors, bears witness to the oldest signs of human presence in Monaco, as well as to local geological activity. Stalactites, stalagmites and other formations create a striking setting here, visible along a route of 300 steps, during which prehistoric specialists explain the importance of this mineral ensemble.
The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
The traces of human presence around the cliff of the Exotic Garden and in the Observatory Cave led the Principality to open the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology in the district. Composed of two large rooms, this cultural and scientific institution tells the story of prehistory from a paleontological and anthropological perspective, using local and imported artifacts.
© Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco
Le parc Princesse Antoinette
Célèbre pour son fameux mini-golf, le parc Princesse Antoinette est conçu autour de l’arbre méditerranéen par excellence : l’olivier. Nommé d’après la sœur du Prince Rainier III, ce poumon vert du quartier du Jardin exotique accueille de nombreux aménagements pour les enfants, dont des aires de jeux, des terrains de sports et une mini-ferme pédagogique.
Emblematic architecture
The Exotic Garden and its surroundings have the special feature of belonging both to the history of the Principality and to its present. You can therefore find architectural landmarks from the early 20th century — when the district became a popular holiday area, like Monaco-Ville, La Condamine or Monte-Carlo — such as Villa Ispahan, inspired by Persian architecture. Superb contemporary creations are also found here, such as Villa Troglodyte, an eco-building constructed into the rock. Another must-see, the Le Simona building overlooks Princess Antoinette Park and hints at futuristic forms.
Of all the buildings in the district, the most famous is undoubtedly Villa Paloma, one of the two exhibition spaces of the New National Museum of Monaco. Nestled in the heart of a French-style garden, this cultural venue combines architecture typical of the French Riviera with modern forms, and hosts many exhibitions that make the Exotic Garden district a major cultural center in Monaco.
Practical information for the Exotic Garden district of Monaco
How to get to the Exotic Garden district of Monaco
Located between the Moyenne Corniche, the Fontvieille district and La Condamine, the Exotic Garden is the terminus of bus line 2, as well as the Xpress lines X1 and X2. Like the other Monaco districts, it stands out for its abundant underground parking, including the Salines car park.
Tips for your visit
Thanks to its density of cultural sites, the Exotic Garden lets you combine four visits in one day: the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, the Observatory Cave, Villa Paloma and the Botanical Center. To best enjoy the magnificent views over Monaco, the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum or the Town Hall, it is preferable to plan your visit to the Exotic Garden in the morning.
Discover Monaco’s other districts
From Monaco’s Exotic Garden, visitors are spoiled for choice: if they wish to head down toward the sea, they can quickly reach the Fontvieille district or discover the lively, shopping-friendly streets of La Condamine. For a more heritage-focused visit, Monaco-Ville, the iconic Rock, is the place to go: Avenue de Fontvieille and Place du Canton, along with numerous pedestrian links, make it easy to get there. Beyond other, more residential Monaco districts such as Saint-Roman and Moneghetti, visitors can head to Monte-Carlo, a major center of Monegasque luxury, where you will find Casino Square, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. Monte-Carlo is also a great gateway to Larvotto, the long promenade along the sea: in Monaco, a few minutes are enough to go from a cliffside to a beach!
Frequently asked questions about the Exotic Garden district
What is the best time to visit the Exotic Garden?
Different blooming periods, in winter, spring and summer, allow you to enjoy varied colors in the Exotic Garden, from aloes in January-February to cacti from the Americas in the warmer seasons.
How much time should you allow for the visit?
To visit the entire district and its main exceptional sites, you should allow a full day.
Is the visit accessible for people with reduced mobility?
As for the Exotic Garden itself, wheelchair access is possible, provided certain circulation directions are respected due to the layout of the paths and the arrangement of the plants.