The Principality of Monaco now covers approximately 2.08 square kilometres, an area that often intrigues those who seek to get to know Monaco better or are considering a project to settle in the Principality. This territorial extension was made possible in particular thanks to the development of Mareterra, an ambitious eco-district born on the sea and inaugurated at the end of 2024. Despite its small size, Monaco is a sovereign state, and many people wonder if Monaco is a country? or wonder about Monaco's population, which is cosmopolitan and comes from more than 140 nationalities. The organisation of the territory is now based on 10 official districts, each with its own unique atmosphere, its own heritage and a particular vocation.
Historically, the Principality was built around four emblematic sectors: the mythical Monte-Carlo and its prestigious Carré d'Or, the picturesque Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher), the lively district of La Condamine and the modern Fontvieille, built on the sea 1970.Au the decades, other districts have come to enrich this urban mosaic, such as the seaside Larvotto, the residential La Rousse – Saint Roman with its emblematic towers, the charming Moneghetti offering breathtaking views, or the green Jardin Exotique, a real balcony on the Mediterranean. The Port Hercule sector completes this diversity with its central role in major Monegasque events.
Understanding the history, geography and specificities of these districts is essential to fully understand the Principality, whether it is a simple discovery or a project to settle in Monaco. Each of these places contributes to shaping a unique territory where prestige, innovation and the Mediterranean art of living are harmoniously combined.
Explore the diversity of Monaco's neighborhoods
Monte-Carlo is arguably the most famous district in Monaco. A symbol of Monegasque glamour, it is home to the most beautiful luxury residences, the greatest jewellery houses, as well as a large part of the emblematic buildings of the Société des Bains de Mer, such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo, the One Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris. This district is often mistakenly confused with the capital of the Principality, which officially remains Monaco. However, Monte-Carlo is only one district, but also the most populous in the Principality, with its Belle Époque buildings and prestigious residences that make it an exceptional place to live or invest. In the immediate vicinity, the Carré d'Or embodies the heart of Monegasque luxury. This popular area is home to iconic hotels such as the Hôtel Hermitage, in addition to the Casino, and is home to the headquarters of many banks and real estate agencies specialising in the high-end sector. This is where our real estate agency is located, in the heart of an area where investment opportunities are numerous and varied.
Larvotto, a seaside district par excellence, stretches along the Mediterranean with its recently renovated beaches. It offers a unique setting to enjoy the sea all year round, just like on holiday. Shops, restaurants and luxury residences rub shoulders within walking distance of the new Mareterra eco-district, also known as Anse du Portier. This innovative extension on the sea, built in an eco-responsible approach, offers luxury apartments and buildings with avant-garde architecture, while offering immediate proximity to Monte-Carlo and the Carré d'Or. To the west of the Principality is Fontvieille, a modern district entirely reclaimed from the sea. It is home to apartments for sale and rent, sports facilities such as the Louis II Stadium, as well as remarkable green spaces such as the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a peaceful place not to be missed for a flowery walk by the water.
The Jardin Exotique district, overlooking Fontvieille, combines modern and old architecture in a unique setting. Its exotic gardens display collections of plants from all over the world, and its natural relief allows you to admire breathtaking panoramic views of the Principality. The recently inaugurated "L'Exotique" residential complex offers prestigious properties for sale and rent. In the heart of Monaco, La Condamine is the shopping district par excellence. Located between Port Hercule and the Rock, it offers a lively atmosphere thanks to its shops, restaurants and its typical Place d'Armes market, full of colors and local flavors. This district seduces with its authentic neighborhood life and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Just above La Condamine stands Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher), the oldest district of the Principality. A true historic centre, it is home to the Prince's Palace, the National Council, as well as the famous Oceanographic Museum, offering an exceptional view of the Mediterranean. Its picturesque streets and small shops give the Rock a timeless charm. Finally, the districts of La Rousse-Saint-Roman, Moneghetti and Ravin Sainte-Dévote also deserve attention. La Rousse, to the east, offers modern residences and spectacular views of Monaco and the sea. The Moneghetti and the Ravin Sainte-Dévote, located on a high ground, seduce with their residential atmosphere and their unique perspectives on the Principality.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Monaco's neighbourhoods
How many neighborhoods are there in Monaco?
Traditionally, Monaco was divided into four major historic districts: Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille. Today, for administrative and urban planning reasons, the Principality officially distinguishes eleven districts. These districts include, in addition to the four historic districts, areas such as La Rousse-Saint-Roman, Larvotto, Moneghetti or the Exotic Garden. With the recent extension of Mareterra (Anse du Portier) attached to Larvotto, the total area of Monaco reaches approximately 2.08 km². Depending on the method of counting — traditional or administrative — we speak of 4 historic districts or 11 official districts in the contemporary sense.
Which districts of Monaco were built on the sea?
Two Monegasque districts are the direct result of conquests on the sea. The first is Fontvieille, built in the 1960s and 1970s on a 22-hectare embankment which made it possible to extend the territory to the west and accommodate housing, industry, a stadium and a heliport. The second is Mareterra, a 6-hectare extension completed in 2024 on the eastern side of the Principality. This eco-district, connected to the coast between Monte-Carlo and Larvotto, is designed to offer luxury residences, a large park and a marina, in a sustainable spirit. In addition to these two major projects, other small advances on the sea have been made, such as the esplanade of Port Hercule or the extension of the Grimaldi Forum, but Fontvieille and Mareterra remain the main districts built entirely on land reclaimed from the Mediterranean.
Monaco and Monte-Carlo, are they the same thing?
No, Monte-Carlo is only one district of Monaco, even if it is the most famous. Monaco is the name of the entire Principality, which is an independent state and a single city. Monte-Carlo specifically refers to the area developed around the Casino from 1866 onwards. There is therefore no separate "city of Monte-Carlo": administratively, Monte-Carlo is a district among others. Historically, Monaco was briefly divided into communes between 1911 and 1917, during which time Monte-Carlo was a commune in its own right alongside Monaco-Ville and La Condamine, before this organisation was abolished in 1918. Although Monte-Carlo is often wrongly called the "capital" of Monaco, the Principality actually has no official capital: Monaco-Ville is home to the Prince's Palace and institutions, while Monte-Carlo is the economic, tourist and social centre.
List of districts of the Principality of Monaco
