Updated on March 27, 2026
Sommaire
- The return of an iconic site after six years of closure
- A comprehensive safety and modernization project
- An enriched site featuring a garden, cave and botanical centre
- All the practical information to plan your visit
- FAQ : Exotic Garden of Monaco
Closed since 2020, the Exotic Garden of Monaco has regained its vitality. On March 25, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and the Princess of Hanover rediscovered this site perched above the Principality, ahead of its reopening to the public. Six years of work were required to bring this heritage site back to life, without altering its soul: that of a spectacular garden clinging to the cliff, where cacti from around the world meet one of the most beautiful panoramas in Monaco.
Reopening to the public on Monday, March 30, 2026
The reopening of the Exotic Garden marks the end of a long chapter. First opened to the public in 1933 during the reign of Prince Louis II, this iconic site, built into the cliffside, had been closed since 2020 to allow for an extensive renovation and safety project.
On March 25, a first visit took place in the presence of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and the Princess of Hanover, along with many figures from the Principality. The event was also marked by a blessing from Mgr Dominique-Marie David, Archbishop of Monaco.
Its reopening to the public is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026.
Beyond this revival, it is an entire emotional landscape of Monaco that re-emerges. Overlooking the Principality, the Exotic Garden remains one of those places where Monaco can be experienced differently—more mineral, more botanical, almost suspended between sky, sea and cliff. It continues to host an impressive open-air collection of succulents, particularly cacti from the arid regions of the Americas and Africa.
A six-year project to secure and modernise
The core of the project was to make the site safer and more comfortable, without altering its identity. The work included the restructuring of walkways and guardrails, the refurbishment of visitor areas, the renovation of pergolas and viewpoints, as well as improvements to lighting. The site had not undergone major works for many years, despite its spectacular cliffside setting requiring significant intervention.
This revival goes beyond simple restoration. The project also aimed to adapt the Exotic Garden to today’s expectations, with a more family-friendly and seamless approach. New spaces have been created, including a children’s garden, a picnic area, a birthday room and a snack bar. It is also worth noting that a large parking facility with nearly 1,800 spaces (including 100 equipped with electric charging points) was inaugurated in 2024, making access to the Exotic Garden particularly convenient.
A richer site than ever
Visitors will of course rediscover the collections of succulents (some of which are over a century old), as well as the Grotte de l’Observatoire, a natural cave adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, draperies and columns, accessible only as part of a guided tour. The descent involves around 300 steps for a visit lasting approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Another highlight of the site is the Botanical Centre, established in 2017 in new facilities opposite the garden. Open to visitors from March 31, 2026, it can be explored with a specialist gardener. This centre houses one of the largest collections of cacti and succulents in the world, with 10,500 plants transferred to its new greenhouses, 85% of which are protected.
A garden steeped in history
The 2026 reopening also highlights the site’s long history. The story of the Exotic Garden began at the end of the 19th century, when the succulent plant collection of Augustin Gastaud, head gardener of the Saint-Martin Gardens, caught the attention of Prince Albert I. The land chosen for the future garden, overlooking the Révoires district, was acquired in the early 20th century. Development work began in 1913 and continued for more than twenty years due to the site’s complexity and the delicate relocation of the plants. The Grotte de l’Observatoire, discovered in 1916, did not open to the public until 1950.
Cette profondeur historique explique le statut particulier du Jardin Exotique à Monaco. Plus qu’un simple jardin, c’est un décor patrimonial, scientifique et touristique, l’un de ces lieux où l’on saisit d’un seul regard la singularité de la Principauté.
- Reopening of the Exotic Garden on March 30, 2026
- Six years of safety and modernization works
- Succulent plant collections from around the world
- Grotte de l’Observatoire accessible via guided tours
- Botanical Centre with 10,500 protected plants
- New spaces: children’s area, picnic area, snacking
- Easier access with a 1,800-space parking facility
- Historic site created in the early 20th century
The reopening of the Exotic Garden marks the return of a must-visit site at the heart of Monaco, combining heritage, science and tourism. Blending modernisation with respect for its identity, it now offers an enriched experience designed for all audiences.
Practical information
The Exotic Garden will reopen to the public from Monday, March 30, 2026. It is open all year round, except during the Monaco Grand Prix, on November 19 and December 25.
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm in January, November and December; 9:00 am – 6:00 pm in February, March, April and October; 9:00 am – 7:00 pm from May to September.
Prices: Garden admission is €12 for adults, €6 for children aged 4 to 17 and students, and €9 for seniors over 65. Free entry for children under 4 and for Monaco residents. The Garden + Cave or Botanical Centre ticket is €15 for adults, and the Garden + Cave + Botanical Centre ticket is €18. Combined tickets are also available with the Oceanographic Museum and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.
Address: 62, boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Monaco
Information: + 377 93 15 29 80 and [email protected]
Q&A : Exotic Garden of Monaco
What is the best time of year to visit the Exotic Garden?
The garden can be visited all year round, with different blooms depending on the season: aloes in winter, particularly in January and February, and cacti from the Americas during the warmer months, offering a variety of colours throughout the year.
How much time should I allow for the visit?
To fully explore the Exotic Garden as well as the nearby emblematic sites, it is recommended to plan a full day.
Is the visit accessible for people with reduced mobility
The Exotic Garden is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, provided certain circulation routes are followed due to the layout of the paths and plant arrangements.
How to get to the Exotic Garden of Monaco?
Located between the Moyenne Corniche, the Fontvieille district and La Condamine, the Exotic Garden is accessible by public transport, notably at the terminus of bus line 2 and via Xpress lines X1 and X2. The area also offers numerous underground parking facilities, including the new Salines car park, open to the public and providing easy access to the site.
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