Monaco is one of the world’s most exclusive places to live, and for good reason. It is known for its excellent healthcare, thanks to a high standard of both public and private care and modern facilities such as the Princess Grace Hospital Centre. It hosts some of the world’s best restaurants, with five eateries boasting three Michelin stars – the highest distinction. It is also extremely safe, with a very low crime rate, a very high ratio of police officers to residents, and plenty of CCTV cameras.
Not to mention the dedication to protecting its environment, consistently monitoring and controlling pollution levels in its air and water to ensure its citizens’ safety, and the list of attributes goes on. A small city-state covering just over 2km2, there is no ‘bad’ district of Monaco, with each area offering its own benefits and highlights. However, if you are wondering where the best districts to rent in Monaco are for your specific needs, we have the answers.
Where are the best districts to rent in Monaco? We reveal our favourite districts to live in the principality.
Carré d’Or (Monte Carlo)
The Carré d’Or district or Monte-Carlo is the area around Casino Square, and represents the true essence of Monaco. Here you’ll find the world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo, as well as a smattering of luxury boutiques which form the highly regarded Monte-Carlo Shopping Promenade, where you’ll find the hottest names in fashion, haute couture, perfumes and jewellery.
As one of the world’s most exclusive districts, the gastronomy here is just as you’d expect – Michelin-star and mouth-watering, with restaurants including Joël Robuchon, Yoshi and Vistamar. It is also home to two of the most famous and luxurious hotels: the Hotel de Paris and the Hotel Hermitage.
Casino Square was renovated earlier this year by renowned landscape designer Michel Desvigne and is now even more beautiful than ever, with changes including a new water feature (with the original artwork by Anish Kapoor at its centre), a flattened central area paved in neutral stone, and adjustable palm trees to help accommodate for events.
Those looking to rent an apartment in Monte-Carlo have an incredible choice of buildings, from Le Park St Roman and the brand new 26 Carré d’Or building to Boulingrins, where the gardens were redesigned just last year by Desvigne. Many of the buildings here offer spectacular views of the new Casino Square, as well as vistas over the rest of Monaco and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
When people ask where the best area is to rent in Monaco, there is really only one correct answer: The Carré d’Or.
Larvotto
Beach-lovers will find Larvotto to be the perfect place to live in Monaco, being positioned right on Larvotto Beach overlooking the sea. This district was once home to the most expensive street in the world, Avenue Princesse Grace, and is still one of the most prestigious places to live. As well as incredible sea views for many, those that are lucky enough to call Larvotto home benefit from having several luxury hotels, beach clubs, casinos nightclubs and restaurants within a short walk. These include the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel, Monte-Carlo Beach, Cipriani, Song Qi, and Sass Café. The Monte Carlo Country Club, hosting the Rolex Masters tennis tournament, is also close by.
The Larvotto area is currently undergoing renovation to make more space for exclusive shops and restaurants by the beach. Restaurants here will gain inside space, allowing them to run all year round. A new children’s playground is also set to be installed, as well as a cycle path away from traffic, and the beach will be better-protected thanks to the installation of breakwaters.
The new Maraterra sea extension is a hotly anticipated new development here, created from reclaimed land from the sea and due to be completed in 2025.
La Condamine
Do you need to be close to your yacht? Then rent in Port Hercule, part of La Condamine. The La Condamine area of Monaco is home to this world-famous port, as well as the Yacht Club de Monaco.
La Condamine has the feel of a real French village and is the perfect place to rent in Monaco. There are restaurants, bars, shops and offices, as well as a bustling internal and external market in the Place d’Armes square. Apartments in La Condamine can benefit from a view of the Grand Prix F1 track. You will find the International School of Monaco here, as well as the International University of Monaco (IUM), which specialises in luxury.
Fontvieille
Another yachting hub, Fontvieille is known for its marina as well as for hosting Monaco’s only heliport, making it extremely convenient for transport links. This district is also home to Stade Louis II, where the Principality’s football team AS Monaco often plays, as well as renowned restaurants such as Beefbar and Moshi Moshi. Fontvieille is where many offices are based, meaning there is a lively evening buzz as the working day comes to an end.
Properties here are typically slightly larger and newer than you’ll find in the rest of Monaco – Fontvieille having been built from reclaimed land in the 1970s – and homes vary from studios to luxury penthouses. This area is popular with families, thanks to its several green spaces including Fontvieille Park, the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the UNESCO Garden. It is also close to Cap D’ail and the beautiful golden sands of Mala Beach.
Any of the above would be a fine place to find a home in Monaco and hopefully this has helped you decide where to live depending on your specifications and personal preferences.
