Updated on June 26, 2026
Summary
Highlights
- Of the 16,000 trees recorded in the Principality, around 1,000 have been designated as heritage trees
- Species from around the world thrive in Monaco thanks to its subtropical climate: the Australian Wollemi pine, the New Zealand pōhutukawa and the Canary Islands dragon tree
- Three themed trails allow visitors to discover these remarkable specimens in Monte-Carlo, Monaco-Ville and Fontvieille
When thinking of Monaco's heritage, the Prince's Palace or the Monte-Carlo Casino immediately come to mind. But could one imagine that trees are also among the Principality's treasures? Here is an overview of this botanical heritage, made up of both endemic and exotic species, in the company of Aurélie Varitto, Senior Territorial Technician at Monaco's Urban Planning Department.
A Living Heritage
Between its built heritage and its coastline, greenery carves out a place for itself in the Principality, inviting curious visitors to leave the grand avenues behind and seek out the coolness of its gardens. Today, more than 20% of Monaco's 208-hectare territory is made up of green spaces. Within this green heritage, trees offer a distinctive landscape, composed of Mediterranean species (holm oaks, carob trees, citrus trees, pines…) and species introduced as early as the 19th century (ficus, cycas, eucalyptus…). These have been able to thrive thanks to Monaco's climate, which is similar to that of subtropical zones.
A Botanical Census
Every tree in the Principality has a number, visible on a small plaque attached to its trunk. Whether located on public or private land, this identification is recorded in an inventory that brings together key data such as the species, age, health status and responsible manager. Since 2011, the "Tree Code" published by the Prince's Government has contributed to the preservation of Monaco's arboreal heritage.
Discovering Monaco's Heritage Trees
Of the 16,000 trees in the Principality, some receive particularly close attention. "Heritage trees are selected for their historical significance, their botanical rarity and biological criteria," explains Aurélie Varitto. This designation entitles them to enhanced protection measures, such as regular monitoring of their health and a ban on felling. Three heritage tree trails across the Principality, offered by the Urban Planning Department, the Prince Albert II Foundation and the Tourism Department, allow visitors to identify some of these remarkable specimens.
Monte-Carlo, a Botanical Stopover Around the World
Starting from the Jardin de la Petite Afrique — a property of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer located just beyond the Casino Square — visitors discover a small tropical paradise. Around ten heritage trees are listed in this space, designed by landscape architect Édouard André in the 19th century, including:
- A majestic Ginkgo biloba, also nicknamed the "forty-crown tree" after the astronomical sum paid by a French botanist for a few saplings in the 18th century
- A Metrosideros excelsa, or pōhutukawa, with its spectacular red blossom, native to New Zealand
- A Wollemi pine, one of the first of its species to have been planted in Europe, in 2006
The trail continues to the Japanese Garden and its Japanese species, including the Japanese white pine, before passing by the Villa Sauber and the Saint-Charles Church, in front of which stand imposing Ficus macrophylla trees.
Monaco-Ville, a Trail at the Heart of the Rock
The route begins at the Place d'Armes and offers a historical journey alongside its botanical interest. After skirting the Prince's Palace, the trail heads to the Saint-Martin Gardens — Monaco's oldest, created in 1816 by Prince Honoré VI — where local and tropical plants grow side by side. Highlights include a vacoas from the shores of the Indian Ocean, a rather rare water-lily-leafed oreopanax on the coastline, and an Australian frangipani. Continuing to Fort Antoine, visitors can admire an imposing carob tree, a Mediterranean species that serves as Monaco's national tree.
Fontvieille, an Exotic Stroll
Near the Stade Louis II, the Fontvieille landscape park invites a pleasant walk in the green. Wandering its paths means crossing the neighbourhood while taking in lush vegetation. Canary Islands dragon trees, Australian bottle trees and South African bird-of-paradise trees all give visitors reason to look up and dream of faraway lands. Arriving at the Princesse Grace Rose Garden, a South American cockspur coral tree stands proudly before the rose beds.
Expanding Monaco's Green Spaces: A Daily Challenge
"According to the objectives of the national biodiversity strategy, the target proportion of green spaces to be achieved by 2030 is 25%," explains Aurélie Varitto. To this end, the Urban Planning Department works to maximise green coverage in every public or private development project carried out on the territory. "It could be a rooftop terrace on a building, planters on car parks… In Monaco, one square metre already counts for a great deal," she notes. The recently developed Mareterra district, built on the sea, has already added 6 hectares of public gardens.
Key Takeaways
- Green spaces cover more than 20% of Monaco's territory, bringing together Mediterranean species and exotic plants from around the world.
- Since 2011, the "Tree Code" assigns each tree an identification number recorded in an official inventory.
- Around 1,000 of the 16,000 recorded trees hold heritage status, granting them enhanced protection measures.
- In Monte-Carlo, the Jardin de la Petite Afrique is home to around ten heritage trees, including a Ginkgo biloba, a New Zealand pōhutukawa and an Australian Wollemi pine.
- In Monaco-Ville, the trail winds through the Saint-Martin Gardens — Monaco's oldest — all the way to Fort Antoine, where an imposing carob tree, the Principality's national tree, stands proud.
- In Fontvieille, the landscape park is home to species from the four corners of the world, such as the Canary Islands dragon tree and the South African bird-of-paradise.
- The Principality aims to have 25% green space coverage by 2030, a goal to which the new Mareterra district is already contributing with 6 hectares of public gardens.
Along these trails, Monaco reveals a quieter side of its identity, far removed from its urban image — a wonderful opportunity to slow down, linger in its gardens and wander its streets to observe these silent witnesses that have, for sometimes several generations, contributed to the beauty and soul of Monaco.
Exotic Garden, Princesse Grace Rose Garden, Casino Square Gardens, urban kitchen gardens… explore Monaco's green spaces with Inspiration.
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