Frequently Asked Questions

The Hôtel de France enjoys an exceptional location in the heart of Monaco , a short walk from the Principality's main cultural, tourist and event sites.

Prince's Palace of Monaco

The Prince's Palace , the official residence of the princely family, is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. There you can visit the historic apartments, admire the changing of the guard, and enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the sea and the city.

🔗 For tour times and practical information: see the official website for visits to the Prince's Palace (usually available on visitmonaco.com).

Monte Carlo Casino and Casino Square

Just steps away, Casino Square reveals the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino , a must-see for experiencing Monte-Carlo's refined and vibrant atmosphere. Around the Casino, numerous luxury boutiques, cafés, and restaurants create a district rich in cultural and festive experiences.

🔗 Check out the schedule of events and shows around the Casino and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer :

👉 https://www.montecarlosbm.com/fr/agenda

Grimaldi Forum Monaco — Congress and Major Cultural Events Centre

The Grimaldi Forum , located on the seafront, is one of the leading congress and cultural centers in the Mediterranean. It hosts more than a hundred events per year : exhibitions, concerts, shows, ballets, galas, festivals, conferences and international trade fairs.

👉 Discover the full calendar of events at the Grimaldi Forum :

https://www.grimaldiforum.com/en/events-schedule-monaco

Recent or upcoming examples :

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical (December 12–14, 2025) at the Salle des Princes.

• Opera season and recitals presented jointly with the Monte-Carlo Opera (November 2025 – March 2026).

The Grimaldi Forum also hosts flagship events such as the Monte-Carlo Television Festival , which takes place every year in June in its main spaces.

Why is this location an advantage for your stay?

✔ Easy walking distance to major cultural sites

✔ Quick access to international events

✔ Shopping, dining and leisure areas just steps away

Make the most of your stay in Monaco by combining hotel comfort and cultural richness , without having to travel far from the Hôtel de France.

For a short tourist stay (less than 3 months), the entry formalities in the Principality of Monaco are identical to those applicable to entry into French territory.

• Nationals of the European Union : a valid national identity card or passport is sufficient.

• Travelers outside the European Union : a valid passport and, where applicable, a Schengen visa may be required.

👉 For stays longer than 3 months or specific situations, we recommend that you consult the official information of the Principality:

• Public Service of Monaco: https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc

• Directorate of Public Security: https://police.gouv.mc

The Principality is very well connected from all over Europe — whether you arrive by air, rail or road . ( My Public Service )

Main access routes:

1. By plane

   1. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the closest, approximately 20 km from Monaco. ( My Public Service )

   2. Transfers available by taxi, shuttle, bus or helicopter ( fast connections available ). ( Monte Carlo SBM )

2. By train

   1. The Monaco-Monte-Carlo train station (on the Marseille ↔ Ventimiglia line) is located in the city center. ( Wikipedia )

   2. It is served by TER (regional trains) and connected to the French rail network. ( Wikipedia )

3. By car

   1. From the A8 motorway (Monaco exit) via the Lower , Middle or Upper Corniche . ( My Public Service )

   2. To avoid queues, consider using park-and-ride facilities or public transport once you arrive. ( My Public Service )

4. By sea
   

   1. Arrival possible by yacht or pleasure boat in the ports of Hercule or Fontvieille . ( Monte Carlo SBM )

👉 All this information is available on the official portal of the Principality or via VisitMonaco.com to plan your detailed itinerary. ( visitmonaco.com )

The official currency of the Principality of Monaco is the euro (€) , which is accepted everywhere in shops, restaurants, and services. International bank cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available throughout the city.

Important regarding cash: if you enter or leave the Principality with more than €10,000 in cash or negotiable bearer instruments (banknotes, coins, traveller's checks, etc.), you must declare this amount to the authorities (Directorate of Public Security) before crossing the borders.

Otherwise, you risk being subject to audits, possible seizure of funds, or penalties. ( My Public Service )

👉 For more details and the official declaration form (PDF): https://monservicepublic.gouv.mc/thematiques/transports-et-mobilite/voyages/transport-d-espece/declarer-un-transport-d-especes-et-instruments-au-porteur ( My Public Service )

The Principality of Monaco is compact (approximately 2 km²): it is easily explored on foot, but several mobility options are available for greater comfort or speed. ( My Public Service )

Main means of transport:

1. On foot – This is often the most practical option for quickly discovering Monaco. The terrain is hilly, but a network of elevators, escalators, and stairs makes getting around easier. ( My Public Service )

2. Monaco Buses (CAM) – The Monaco Bus Company network serves the entire Principality (6 main lines + express and night services). Tickets and timetables can be found on the official CAM website or via the Monapass app. ( Monaco Bus Company )

3. Waterbus – Thanks to the Waterbus , you can cross Port Hercule aboard a small, practical, and picturesque solar-powered electric boat. ( monaco-navigation.com )

4. Bicycles and electric solutions – MonaBike service (self-service electric bicycles) or Mobee electric cars for short trips. ( monapass.mc )

5. Taxis & shuttles – Available 24/7, ideal for your airport transfers or more comfortable journeys. ( livebyglevents.key4register.com )

👉 To plan or purchase your travel tickets, the official Monapass app includes buses, bikes, parking and more: https://monapass.mc/ ( monapass.mc )

Monaco has a well-structured network of public car parks to facilitate your stay, whether for a short visit or long days of discovery. (Mon Service Public)

Parking options:

1. "Monaco Parking" public car parks – More than a dozen car parks distributed throughout the Principality, often underground and secure. (Mon Service Public)

2. Pay-and-display spaces on street level – There are also metered parking spaces on the surface (standard signage); zones and rates are managed by the Principality. (visitmonaco.com)

3. Free parking for certain categories – In some cases (electric vehicles or according to local offers), parking may be free or advantageous — check the conditions. (visitmonaco.com)
   

📌 Practical tip: most car parks offer the first hour free, which is ideal for a first exploration of the city centre. (visitmonaco.com)

👉 To locate and reserve a space: consult the Principality's official parking portal (Mon Service Public)

Yes. In accordance with the regulations in force in the Principality of Monaco, a tourist tax of €2.00 per adult per day applies to all hotel stays.

This tax is collected by the hotel on behalf of the Principality and is added to the cost of your stay.

Minors are not subject to this tax.

💡 The exact amount is calculated based on the number of adults and the length of stay.

Yes. In the Principality of Monaco, it is possible to connect to public Wi-Fi networks or those offered by certain partners , particularly in tourist areas, shops, cafes or public places.

⚠️ These networks are independent of the Hôtel de France , may require registration and offer varying levels of security.

No. Smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the Hotel de France , including in guest rooms and common areas.

In the event of non-compliance with this rule, the hotel reserves the right to charge a cleaning fee of a fixed amount of €100 , particularly if traces or smells of tobacco are found in a room.

This measure aims to guarantee the comfort, safety and quality of service for all our customers.

Monaco offers cultural, sporting, and festive events throughout the year . Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan your visit from the Hôtel de France.

Summer (June – August)

Summer in Monaco rhymes with music, concerts and live arts .

• The Monte-Carlo Summer Festival enlivens the season with open-air concerts and a variety of shows in iconic locations throughout the Principality, such as the Salle des Étoiles.

• The Grimaldi Forum Monaco hosts important art exhibitions and summer cultural programs (works, installations, etc.).

• Around the port and the city, live music, parties and entertainment make Monaco vibrate under the sun.

🔗 Discover the program of cultural events at the Grimaldi Forum:

👉 https://www.grimaldiforum.com/en/events-schedule-monaco

Autumn (September – November)

Autumn is full of international events and festivals:

• The Monaco Yacht Show takes place in September at Port Hercule, showcasing more than 100 superyachts and nautical innovations.

• In November, the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival celebrates the diversity of jazz in prestigious venues.

• Cultural venues (exhibitions, concerts and shows) continue their programming from the autumn onwards, notably at the Grimaldi Forum and in local theatres.

🔗 For the complete calendar of events, shows and concerts in Monaco:

👉 https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/agenda

Winter (December – February)

Winter in Monaco combines festivals, traditions and major cultural events :

• Christmas markets, entertainment and festive lights transform the Principality into a winter wonderland.

• Family shows and musical productions are often programmed in venues such as the Grimaldi Forum or the Monte-Carlo Opera to celebrate the festive season.

• Monaco also hosts a series of exhibitions, concerts and sporting events throughout the winter.

🔗 Check the cultural calendar regularly to plan your outings:

👉 https://www.visitmonaco.com/en/events/monaco-s-major-events

Unmissable events all year round

Certain events punctuate each season:

• Monte-Carlo Television Festival – every June at the Grimaldi Forum, with screenings, conferences and awards ceremony (Golden Nymph).

• Regular artistic programs and concerts at the Grimaldi Forum and in cultural venues throughout the Principality.

• Cultural season of the Monte-Carlo Opera and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra .

Practical tips for enjoying events from the Hôtel de France

1. Plan ahead : some major events like the Yacht Show or music festivals require advance tickets and reservations.

2. Consult the official agenda of cultural venues (Grimaldi Forum, Monte-Carlo SBM, Opera) before your stay.

3. Enjoy Monaco's cultural center just a few minutes' walk away: theatre, music, dance and visual arts are accessible without transport constraints.