
Summer 2026 offers a unique opportunity to discover the cultural heritage of the Principality of Monaco. From July 1 to August 19, the Institut du Patrimoine is launching “Au Cœur de Monaco”, a new program of guided heritage tours designed for residents and visitors from around the world.
The initiative features two distinct itineraries, allowing participants to experience both the historical and contemporary sides of Monaco: Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher) and the Monte-Carlo & Mareterra route, showcasing the Principality’s iconic district alongside its newest sustainable waterfront development.
The first itinerary takes visitors through the charming streets of Monaco-Ville, also known as Le Rocher or A Roca in the Monegasque language. This is the birthplace of the Principality and the seat of its main institutions, embodying centuries of history and the legacy of the Grimaldi dynasty.
The guided walk retraces the key moments in Monaco’s history, from François Grimaldi to the present day, highlighting how successive Princes have preserved and enhanced this remarkable heritage site.
As participants stroll through centuries-old alleyways and picturesque squares, they will uncover fascinating stories, local traditions, little-known anecdotes and legends, offering an authentic insight into the soul of Monaco.
The second itinerary explores Monte-Carlo, the district that has made Monaco famous around the globe.
Visitors will discover the remarkable transformation of Monte-Carlo during the Belle Époque, when the opening of its legendary casino attracted European aristocracy and established the Principality as one of the world’s most prestigious destinations.
The tour then continues to Mareterra, Monaco’s new eco-district built on reclaimed land from the sea. This exceptional urban development combines cutting-edge architecture, environmental sustainability and engineering excellence, reflecting the Principality’s long-standing tradition of innovation.
Blending historical heritage with contemporary urban development, the tour offers a fresh perspective on Monaco’s continuous evolution and its vision for the future.
The guided tours take place every Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, alternating between French and English.
Both tours are open to the general public and involve a significant amount of walking throughout the Principality.
The Le Rocher tour is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (PRM). The Monte-Carlo & Mareterra itinerary includes steep gradients and uneven terrain, making it more physically demanding; therefore, full accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility cannot be guaranteed.
Reservations can be made online through the culture.mc ticketing platform, where visitors can also find detailed information about each itinerary.
With “Au Cœur de Monaco”, the Principality invites visitors to enjoy an immersive journey through history, culture, architecture and innovation, discovering both the origins and the future of one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations.
