When summer slowly turns into autumn, we're once again overcome by the desire to travel and to enjoy the last warm days in Europe. Hardly any place is as attractive during the golden season as the beautiful principality of Monaco on the French Riviera: here, between the sea and Mont Agel, palm trees and the casino of Monte-Carlo, summer seems to last a little bit longer. Even the sunsets appear more vibrant and life is celebrated just a little more.

Where to stay

Numerous luxurious hotels attract visitors in Monte-Carlo; those looking for elegance, comfort and a direct seaside location are practically spoiled for choice. Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong with any of these four: 

Monte-Carlo Beach

The red palace on the Monegasque Riviera enjoys international popularity. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

The glamorous Monte-Carlo Beach is a hotel with history: for over ninety years, the famous red palace has been enjoyed popularity with an international clientele. The Iranian-French designer India Mahdavi was in charge of the interior, and each of the 40 rooms and suites features an individual mural by the artist Aurore de la Morinerie.

Monte-Carlo Beach
Av. Princesse Grace, 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Tel.: +33 4 93 28 66 66
Web: montecarlosbm.com
Price: Doubles from €520 per night 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

The deluxe double room boasts a stunning view of Monte-Carlo's harbor. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

Opened in 1863, the Hôtel de Paris in Monte-Carlo was the first hotel on the Place du Casino and is probably one of the most historic establishments in the Principality. Today, the elegant five-star hotel – where Princess Grace of Monaco was married in 1956 – still attracts guests with its spacious spa and wellness area as well as its award-winning cuisine; Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse has three Michelin stars to its name, while Le Grill has been awarded with one. 

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Pl. du Casino, 98000 Monaco
Tel: +377 98 06 30 00
Web: montecarlosbm.com
Price: doubles from €940 per night

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

The Monte-Carlo Bay is directly located by the seaside and boasts luxurious Mediterranean ambience. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort in the Larvotto Nature Reserve – Green Globe certified for its commitment to sustainability – combines different styles and atmospheres on four hectares, to utterly stylish results. Guests can look forward to the finest Caribbean-Mediterranean cuisine at The Blue Bay, while Cocoon Bay offers a private beachfront location.

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
40 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
Tel.: +377 98 06 02 00
Web: montecarlosbm.com
Price: Doubles from €350 per night

Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo

The Hôtel Hermitage is part of the Leading Hotels of the World. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

The Hermitage is located in a listed Belle Epoque palace – as traditional as it appears on the outside, its interiors have evolved over time. Guests stay in 277 spacious rooms and suites. At the Michelin-starred restaurant Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, culinary delights await, while the hotel terrace offers a view of Monaco's harbor.

Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo
Sq. Beaumarchais, 98000 Monaco
Tel.: +377 98 06 40 00
Web: montecarlosbm.com
Price: Doubles from €595 per night

What to do in Monte-Carlo

Immerse yourself in culture

Experience culinary highlights

Celebrity chef Yannick Alléno provides top-notch culinary delights at the Pavyllon Monte Carlo. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

While the sun slowly sinks into the azure blue of the Mediterranean and the sky presents itself in romantic shades of orange and red, you make yourself comfortable with a drink and enjoy the gourmand cuisine of the elegant district. At the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, you'll find yourself in the The Blue Bay a: The innovative restaurant under the direction of Marcel Ravin combines Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine, for which it has already received two Michelin stars. 

At Elsa, Chef Mélanie Serre serves up excellent organic fare. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

Gourmet hearts also beat faster at the elegant Pavyllon Monte Carlo at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo, where Parisian 3-star chef Yannick Alléno wields the wooden spoon. Elsa at the Monte-Carlo Beach offers 100 percent organic cuisine and unusual creations by chef Mélanie Serre.

Floating through Second Summer

The Wellness Sky Club may be the most elegant well-being hub in Monaco. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

Even in September, Monaco still enjoys temperatures of up to 25 °C and an average of ten hours of sunshine a day – the perfect conditions to spend the golden season at the beach clubs of Monte-Carlo. With your toes in the pool and a refreshing cocktail in your hand, get a second taste of summer. For example, at the elegant Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, where you can swim along the palm trees in the fifty-meter-long heated outdoor pool.

The Jacuzzi at Thermes Marins is a great place to relax even on cooler autumn days. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

Those who want to get closer to the sun can do so at the Hôtel de Paris: at the Wellness Sky Club above the rooftops of Monaco, you can swim outside in the heated infinity pool. And on cooler days, the spa at Les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo awaits with world-class wellness – the highlight of the 7,000-square-meter spa is the outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Glittering nightlife

Night fever, baby! For over fifty years, the jet set has been showing off their movies at Jimmy'z. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

On the French Riviera, night turns into day: even in autumn, the evenings are still pleasantly balmy, and your summer dress will wrap around your legs as you make your way to the city's hip party venues, trendy clubs and glitzy bars. Jimmy'z Monte Carlo, for example, has been one of the city-state's most famous nightclubs since it opened in 1971 and was renovated in 2017.

The COYA stuns with airy ambience and Latin American flair. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

The elegant COYA, a restaurant with Latin American flair, is decidedly more relaxed and invites you to chill, dance and dine. The Buddha Bar, which has found its home at the former Cabaret of Monte-Carlo, beckons with Far Eastern vibes – both in terms of décor and cuisine.

Go on a Monegasque shopping spree

When in Monaco! In the second smallest country in the world, elegance is writ large – and fashion is all the more important. The Place du Casino is a lively area, home to La Promenade, the most exclusive shopping mile on the Riviera with numerous high fashion stores and luxury boutiques.

Visit the casino

Monte-Carlo: The name alone is already used synonymously for gambler's luck. © Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer 

What would a city break to Monaco be without a visit to the casino? The Casino Monte-Carlo, opened in 1856, is one of the most famous casinos in the world – and certainly the most glamorous. The gambling hall stuns with around 1,000 slot machines as well as numerous gaming tables, from French roulette to Texas Hold'em.