Dear Members and Friends,
Perched high on the legendary Rock of Monaco, the Prince’s Palace is a stunning blend of a working royal residence and seven centuries of history. Originally a medieval fortress built in 1215, it now serves as the majestic home of the Grimaldi dynasty.
Step inside the State Apartments to marvel at breathtaking, recently restored Renaissance frescoes that were hidden for centuries, alongside priceless artwork and opulent gold-leaf decor. From the palace square, you’ll catch panoramic views of the glittering Mediterranean and Monte Carlo. Don’t miss the chance to experience the timeless grandeur of one of Europe’s most exclusive royal courts!
Exhibit: The "Wedding of the Century’ - this is a special summer exhibit presented by the Princely Palace to celebrate the 70th anniversary year of the wedding of Prince Rainier III and the American actress Grace Kelly which took place April 18-19, 1956 in Monaco. The wedding exhibit will be interspersed within the palace rooms that are part of the normal Palace visit.
Meeting Place: From 1:45 pm - Under the trees in the shade to the left of the ticket booths on the Palace Square.
Access: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended as the Palace Square is partially cobblestone. There are about 40 steps to climb to get to the exhibit rooms.
Private Tour: The tour will be split into two groups of 20 people. Each group will have a private guide who will conduct the tour in English and answer your questions. Mr Thomas Fouilleron, Doctor of history and Director of the Palace Archives, curator of the Exhibit, may join us and share with us his vast knowledge of the Palace's history.
Timing: The visit takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Group 1 will depart approximately 15-20 minutes before Group 2. Participants will gather for tea at the CastleRoc restaurant across the Palace Square after the visits at about 3:45 – 4:00 pm.
Tea: The Palace visits will be followed by tea or coffee, mineral water, with mignardises on the terrace of Castelroc restaurant across the square. Soft and alcoholic drinks are at Requesters cost.
Price: Members 38€, Guests 48€.
Includes a private tour of the palace followed by tea.
Dress code: Casual, comfortable shoes.
Getting there:
- Driving, there are several options - from A8 or Moyenne Corniche, park at Parking des Salines (near Jardin Exotique) and take the free bus (with your parking ticket) to le Rocher/ Monaco-Ville, last stop. From the stop, the Palace Square is a 10 minute walk.
From the basse corniche, follow signs for parking des Pecheurs. Elevators will take you to the Rock.
- Train: Take the lower exit from the train station to Port Hercule. You will arrive at Place Ste Devote. Take the
No. 1 or No. 2 bus to Monaco Ville. Bus is EUR 1.50 with payment card or EUR 2 cash (with exact change).
- Bus: Take the 600 bus from Nice or towns in between Nice and Monaco. Get off at Place d’Armes. If you feel fit, walk up the Rampe Major or take a bus (No. 1 or No.2) up the hill.
To be noted: The Palace is undergoing construction to add a wing. As a result there may be some construction noise. We apologise in advance but as the works will go on for approximately 2 more years, this is out of our control.
Things to do before the visit: If this is your first visit to Monaco or to the ‘ Rock’ (le Rocher or Monaco-Ville), you might want to get there earlier and spend time meandering the narrow streets on the Rock.
Things to visit:
- Oceanography Museum
- Monaco Cathedral
- Irish Library
- Various shops
- Various restaurants for lunch
- Changing of the guards takes place in front of the Palace every day at 11:55 am (arrive earlier).
We look forward to sharing this memorable experience with you.
Important: Please confirm your reservation no later than Thursday 18th June, unless sold out before. Previously our events have been sold out prior to the final date. Without payment your reservation cannot be confirmed. There will be no payments accepted at the door. Unfortunately, cancellations past June 18th are not refundable.
Wait List: In the event we start a wait list, please note that priority will be given to members of the American Club of the Riviera.
Our Legal Secretary, Sandra van Essche and our Treasurer, Ronald Menage Bianay are the Event Managers for this event. For any questions, you may contact Ronald treasurer@americanclubriviera.com or Sandra svanessche@gmail.com
