The magic of Monaco

RIEDEL Magazine, Issue 02 Summer 2026 | Text: Stephanie Geiger | Reading time: 6 minutes

The scent of salt and citrus hangs in the air. In the harbour, luxury yachts rock gently to the rhythm of the waves. Monaco is a promise of glamour. No other place on the Côte d’Azur so confidently combines the glamorous aura of a grand history with the dynamism of contemporary elegance. Set amongst rugged cliffs that plunge spectacularly into the Mediterranean and architectural icons, this glamorous principality condenses into a tiny space a way of life characterised in equal measure by tradition, discretion and modern luxury. The glamour of the Grimaldi dynasty, which has shaped Monaco for centuries, the international elite and a refined lifestyle come together in Monaco to form an overall picture characterised by stylish restraint.

The Prince's Palace of Monaco with battlements and guardhouse in the evening light, the empty forecourt in front. — The Prince’s Palace of Monaco, situated on the rock of Le Rocher, is the official residence of the princely family.

Principality of Splendour

In terms of population, Monaco is only about half the size of the Bogenhausen district of Munich. Nevertheless, the Principality sets new standards and captivates with its masterful grandeur. The Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the Monegasque princely family, towers over the Mediterranean. Every day at 11.55 am sharp, the ‘Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince’ puts on an impressive changing of the guard ceremony on the Place du Palais.

But that’s not the only reason to visit the Prince’s Palace. From there, an impressive view opens up over Port Hercule, Monaco’s largest and most famous harbour, where the Monaco Yacht Show – the world’s most prestigious yacht show – will also take place from 23 to 26 September 2026.

And from 9 July to 6 August, the Cour d’Honneur of the Prince’s Palace will be the venue for numerous open-air concerts. This year, renowned artists such as Martha Argerich, Alexandre Kantorow, Sayaka Shoji, Zoltán Fejérvári and Pablo Ferrández will take to the stage. Conductors with exceptional careers, including Philippe Jordan and Martin Rajna, will be at the helm of the festival.

The picturesque old town with its charming cafés, the Oceanographic Museum founded by Prince Albert I in 1899, and the surrounding park with its exotic plants are real attractions. The ‘Méditerranée 2050’ exhibition will remain on display there until Christmas Eve 2026. It aims to raise awareness of the need to preserve the Mediterranean and to inspire concrete action.

Red Formula 1 car in the pit garage, mechanics and advertising boards in the background. — One of the biggest highlights of the year is undoubtedly the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place in June.

The epitome of exclusivity

The Monte Carlo district is particularly outstanding, renowned for its luxurious hotels and exclusive boutiques featuring the latest trends and designer brands. The magnificent Monte Carlo Opera House, with its gilded decorations and impressive ceiling murals, was designed in the 19th century by Charles Garnier, the architect of the famous Paris Opera House. Throughout the year, it offers a first-class programme – ranging from opera and ballet to concerts. In November, classics such as *Porgy and Bess*, *Carmen* and *La vie parisienne* are staged there.

The Monte Carlo district stands out, renowned for its luxurious hotels and exclusive boutiques featuring the latest trends and designer brands.

The world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo captivates visitors with its glamorous architecture and elegant ambience. The 3.337-kilometre-long Formula 1 street circuit also passes by the casino. The atmosphere is electric every year in early June when the racing cars speed through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine at breakneck speed.

The summer has plenty more highlights in store: the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge will take place for the 13th time at the Yacht Club de Monaco from 8 to 11 July 2026. More than 40 universities and experts from around the world will be showcasing sustainable propulsion technologies and innovative materials, competing in manoeuvrability tests, sea trials, speed and endurance races, and slaloms. Visitors can immerse themselves in 130 years of motoring history as part of the ‘Monaco et l’automobile’ exhibition, which will be on display at the Grimaldi Forum from 1 July to 6 September 2026 and will also feature winning cars from the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rally.

The almost reverent atmosphere inside the Neo-Romanesque Cathedral of Notre-Dame-Immaculée provides a lovely contrast to the hustle and bustle of Monaco. Built on the rock of Monaco-Ville, the cathedral is the final resting place of the princely family – including Princess Gracia Patricia and Prince Rainier III – and is famous for its ornate mosaics and an imposing organ.

Luxury as a way of life

Singer with a microphone backlit on a stage, behind her a large projection of blossoms in shades of orange. — The Monte Carlo Summer Festival offers top-class concerts throughout the summer, including a performance by Vanessa Paradis.

Monaco offers countless options for dinner in the evening. Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, who now runs 30 restaurants across every continent, earned three Michelin stars at Le Louis XV in the Hôtel de Paris at the age of just 33. The restaurant is now run by Ducasse’s long-standing deputy, Emmanuel Pilon. It still holds three stars.

Awarded two stars are Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, and L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, where the sushi master prepares exquisite creations and superb sushi, whilst Yannick Alléno puts his own signature on the sauces and jus. Among the one-star restaurants, the Robuchin, Elsa Marcel Ravin, Le Grill, La Table d’Antonio Salvatore au Rampoldi and Pavyllon Monte-Carlo – also a restaurant by Yannick Alléno – stand out.

Although not awarded a Michelin star, the following are nonetheless highly recommended: La Table d’Elise, Song Qi, Zeffirino, La Note Bleu, Cipriani Monte-Carlo, Yoshi, Em Sherif, Marius, Beefbar and Café de Paris.

Just as luxurious as the lifestyle are hotels such as the legendary Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, not far from the Place du Casino and built in 1864, the Hôtel Métropole with its Belle Époque architecture, and the Hôtel Hermitage. Recommended alternatives to these magnificent establishments are the Boutique Hotel Miramar and the Port Palace, situated right next to the Grand Prix circuit.

Monaco remains a symbol of timeless elegance, discreet extravagance and a way of life that consistently defies the ordinary. In Monaco, luxury is an attitude – understated, confident and unmistakable.

The property market in Monaco

Building land is in short supply in Monaco, yet global demand remains high. This is why Monaco was once again one of the most resilient and value-appreciating property markets in the world last year. Demand is concentrated in particular on the ultra-high-end segment. Resale values also remain robust. This secures Monaco’s status as a defensive ultra-prime property market. RIEDEL’s partner, Christie’s, has an impressive portfolio of ultra-luxury properties in Monaco on offer.

What Monaco and Munich have in common

The comparison made in the text is more than just a side note: Monaco has roughly half as many inhabitants as Bogenhausen. The market there is driven by the same dynamics as in Munich’s sought-after locations, only more pronounced – limited land area, international demand, and a housing stock that cannot be expanded.

For owners and buyers, this means that scarcity stabilises values, but it is no substitute for a thorough assessment of the individual property. Those searching internationally can, through our partnership with Christie’s, gain access to properties that are rarely advertised publicly – as is the case with exclusive properties in Munich and luxury properties. This issue of *Die Villa* explores the role that art plays in such homes, describing *Die Villa* as a gallery.

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