Updated on October 06, 2026
Contents :
- The return of an iconic site after six years of closure
- A six-year project to improve safety and modernise the site
- A richer site than ever
- All the practical information you need to plan your visit
- FAQ: Monaco’s Exotic Garden
Closed since 2020, Monaco’s Exotic Garden has found its second wind. On 25 March 2026, person_4, person_3 and person_2 rediscovered this garden suspended above the Principality, ahead of its reopening to the public. Six years of work were needed to bring this heritage site back to life without altering its character: a spectacular garden clinging to the cliff, where cacti from distant parts of the world meet one of Monaco’s finest views.
Whether you are looking for a family outing, a botanical discovery or a memorable summer experience, this unique place deserves a place in any Monaco travel guide. Visitors can also find practical information on the official website before planning their visit.
Reopening to the public on Monday, March 30, 2026
The reopening of the Exotic Garden marks the end of a long interlude. First opened to the public in 1933, during the reign of Louis II, this iconic site was built into the side of the cliff and had been closed since 2020 to allow extensive renovation and safety work to be carried out.
On March 25, a first visit took place in the presence of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and the Princess of Hanover, along with many figures from the Principality. The event was also marked by a blessing from Mgr Dominique-Marie David, Archbishop of Monaco.
Finally, on Monday 30 March 2026, the Exotic Garden reopened to the public.
More than simply a rebirth, the reopening brings back an important part of Monaco’s collective memory. Overlooking the Principality, the Exotic Garden remains one of those places from which Monaco can be viewed differently: more mineral, more botanical and almost suspended between sky, sea and cliff.
The open-air garden is still home to a remarkable collection of succulent plants, including cacti originating from the dry regions of the Americas and Africa. Their unusual forms, textures and colours create a striking landscape throughout the year. Depending on the season, visitors can admire different flowering species, making every visit a slightly different experience.
A six-year project to improve safety and modernise the site
TThe main objective of the project was to make the site safer and more comfortable without compromising its identity. The work included restructuring the footbridges and guardrails, resurfacing the visitor area, renovating the pergolas and viewpoints, and improving the lighting system.
The site had not undergone major renovation work for many years, even though its spectacular topography, built into the side of the rock, required a large-scale intervention. The project therefore had to respect both the landscape and the architectural character of the garden while meeting current safety and accessibility requirements.
The renovation was designed to improve the visitor journey while preserving the atmosphere that has made the Exotic Garden so distinctive. The paths, terraces and viewpoints now offer a smoother and more comfortable experience, while the panoramic views remain at the heart of the visit.
This transformation is particularly valuable for families and visitors who want to take their time exploring the garden. The site is an ideal place for a slow walk, a photographic stop or a botanical discovery overlooking the Mediterranean.
A richer site than ever
The reopened garden welcomes visitors back to its famous succulent plant collections, some of which are more than a century old. It also offers access to the Observatory Cave, a natural cavity decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone formations and columns.
The cave can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The descent includes approximately 300 steps, and the visit lasts around 40 to 45 minutes. This underground experience adds a geological dimension to the botanical visit and reveals another side of the limestone cliff.
The cave tour is especially appealing to visitors interested in geology, natural history and speleology. It is advisable to check the conditions and availability of guided tours before visiting.
Another major feature of the site is the Botanical Centre, which has been located in new premises opposite the garden since 2017. It reopened to visitors on 31 March 2026 and can be explored with a specialist gardener.
The centre houses one of the largest collections of cacti and succulent plants in the world. Its new greenhouses contain 10,500 plants, of which 85% are protected. The collection offers a fascinating insight into the conservation of rare and remarkable plants from arid environments around the globe.
The Botanical Centre complements the outdoor garden by providing a more detailed and educational experience. It is a particularly useful stop for visitors who wish to learn more about the origins, adaptation and preservation of the plants presented on the site.
A garden steeped in history
The 2026 reopening also highlights the long history of the Exotic Garden. Its story began at the end of the 19th century, when the succulent plant collection of Augustin Gastaud, head gardener of the Saint-Martin Gardens, attracted the attention of Prince Albert I. The land selected for the future garden, overlooking the Révoires district, was acquired at the beginning of the 20th century. Landscaping work began in 1913 and continued for more than twenty years because of the difficulty of the terrain and the complex process of moving the plants.
The Observatory Cave, discovered in 1916, did not open to the public until 1950. Its presence helped establish the garden as more than a botanical attraction: it became a heritage, scientific and tourist site where visitors can discover the singular character of the Principality at a glance.
The history of the Exotic Garden is also closely connected to Monaco’s commitment to horticulture, scientific research and the conservation of plant diversity. Today, the garden combines this heritage with a more accessible and family-friendly approach.
- 30 March 2026: Monaco’s Exotic Garden reopened after six years of renovation work.
- The site underwent comprehensive safety and modernisation improvements.
- The garden presents collections of succulent plants from around the world.
- The Observatory Cave is accessible as part of a guided tour.
- The Botanical Centre houses more than 10,500 protected plants.
- New facilities have been created for children, picnics and snacks.
- Access is made easier by a nearby 1,800-space car park.
- The site, created at the beginning of the 20th century, retains its historic character.
The reopening of Monaco’s Exotic Garden marks the return of an unmissable attraction that is at once a heritage, scientific and tourist destination in the heart of Monaco. Combining modern facilities with respect for its identity, it now offers an enhanced experience designed for all audiences.
The Exotic Garden of Monaco reopened to the public on 30 March 2026. Open for most of the year, it can be enjoyed at the pace of the seasons, with extended opening hours until 7 p.m. during the summer months. These longer hours provide ideal conditions for making the most of the site, particularly in the late afternoon.
Admission starts at €12, with reduced rates and combined packages including the cave or Botanical Centre. Combined tickets with other cultural institutions in the Principality are also available.
Located on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, the site remains easy to reach by public transport, car and on foot. Visitors are advised to consult the official website for current opening hours, booking details and guided-tour availability.
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FAQ: Monaco’s Exotic Garden
The garden can be visited throughout the year, with different flowering periods depending on the season : Aloe plants are particularly attractive in winter, especially in January and February, while cacti from the Americas flower during the warmer months. A visit in summer offers pleasant light, extended opening hours and impressive views over the Mediterranean. However, each season reveals a different aspect of the collections, so the best time depends on what you wish to see.