Giant cacti
On the cliff.
Georges Jansoone (JoJan) — CC BY 3.0 · Tangopaso — Public domain · Tangopaso — Public domain · Linedwell — CC BY-SA 4.0
A garden hanging on a towering rock face above the Fontvieille district, opened in 1933, with thousands of succulents and cacti from the deserts of the Americas and Africa growing among the rocks on a slope overlooking the whole principality and the sea. The garden descends by winding paths and footbridges between giant cacti of strange shapes, from towering columns to golden spiny globes, some flowering in short seasons. Its paths give the finest view of the Rock, the harbour and Monte Carlo. At the bottom of the garden is the Observatory Cave, a natural cavern reached by a deep stairway inside the mountain, with stalactites, stalagmites and striking limestone formations. The garden and cave reopened on 30 March 2026 after six years of consolidation and renewal works, with new footbridges and a modern reception building. The garden opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm, with prices on the official site. The descent into the cave needs reasonable fitness because of the long stairway.
On the cliff.
Stalactites.
Over Monaco.
62 Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, above Fontvieille, Monaco
Prince's PalaceThe seat of the ruling Grimaldi family since the late thirteenth century, when F6 minutes walk4.5
The Rock (Le Rocher)Monaco's old town, set on a towering rocky headland jutting into the sea some si9 minutes walk4.7
Port HerculeMonaco's main harbour, a deep basin between the old Rock and Monte Carlo, lined 11 minutes walk4.9
Oceanographic MuseumA stately palace of the sea built into the cliff of the Rock directly above the 12 minutes walk4.4
Place du Casino and the Opera HouseMonaco's most famous square and its glamorous showcase, in the heart of Monte Ca18 minutes walkYes, it reopened with the Observatory Cave on 30 March 2026 after six years of renovation.