All you need to know about the Monaco Grand Prix (2025)

It is the Principality’s most iconic sporting event: the Monaco Grand Prix is without a doubt the most sought-after rendezvous on the French Riviera. Over four spectacular days, from practice sessions to Sunday’s race, the precision and technical mastery of the teams meet the elegance of a global audience drawn to witness this legendary spectacle. The Monaco F1 Grand Prix 2025 will take place from May 22 to May 25, and Excellence Riviera shares its expert insights on how to experience this world-class sporting event from the very heart of the action.

How to attend the Monaco Grand Prix

The race plays out on the track, weaving between prestigious residences, marked by the iconic tunnel and famous hairpin bend. But it also unfolds among the privileged, officially accredited or not, who enjoy the finest viewpoints: paddocks, luxury hotels, private terraces or yachts offering breathtaking panoramas over the circuit.

VIP rooftops and terraces overlooking the streets of Monaco transformed into a racetrack, exclusive grandstands packed with F1 enthusiasts, or the comfort of a private yacht, these are among the most coveted spots to catch a glimpse of the single-seaters of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton or Lando Norris, in a truly electrifying atmosphere.

Some rooftops offer an all-day luxury experience: gourmet dining from breakfast to dinner, live DJ sets, and sometimes even the chance to mingle with figures from the Formula 1 world. The most spacious terraces with exclusive panoramic views are reserved well in advance, as sipping a cocktail with such a spectacular view of the race is a rare privilege.

Terraces and rooftops on higher floors provide exceptional views of the race’s strategic points: the starting grid, Sainte-Dévote corner, the climb up Beau-Rivage, Casino Square, the tunnel exit or the harbour chicane, some of the most in-demand vantage points. Lower-level terraces bring you closer to the thunderous energy of the race, but their visibility is often less dramatic than those at elevation.

An essential of the high-luxury world, the yacht remains a prized setting during the Monaco Grand Prix. It’s the ultimate choice for international elites, who charter yachts for the week, the weekend, or even just for race day. It is the ideal place to combine the splendour of Monaco with the thrill of Formula 1. On board, champagne flows freely, and the festivities stretch late into the night. There’s no need to disembark to enjoy the spectacle, on deck, the view is unrivalled and the ambiance simply unmatched anywhere else in the Principality.

To elevate the experience to its peak and get closer to the drivers and teams, nothing compares to gaining access to the paddocks, the very heart of the Grand Prix. The Formula One Paddock Club™ is the holy grail for adrenaline seekers, offering the visceral experience of cars screaming through the pit lane during a flash stop, or the opportunity to observe the focus and precision of elite crews. It promises total immersion: premium access to the starting grid, behind-the-scenes tours, race simulators, meet-and-greets with drivers and team principals, and refined catering with a champagne bar. It’s the ultimate way to witness the Grand Prix at the pinnacle of performance.

What to see and do during the Monaco Grand Prix

While Formula 1 is undoubtedly the main attraction in Monaco, the Grand Prix period brings a wave of excitement that encourages you to enjoy all the delights the Principality has to offer.

Luxury shopping in the Carré d’Or or at the One Monte-Carlo complex, glamorous evenings at the legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, or even a visit to the car collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco for another dose of automotive passion, these are just a few ways to fill your time in style between the race sessions.

And to truly soak up the unique atmosphere of Grand Prix weekend, don’t miss the exclusive soirées hosted across Monegasque prestigious venues, especially the ones on board the superyachts moored in Port Hercule. Just steps from the paddocks, you’ll be swept away by an unforgettable night of revelry, soundtracked by world-class DJs.

How to get to the Monaco Grand Prix

During the Grand Prix, Monaco turns into a highly secured enclave. The most efficient and stylish way to reach the Principality from Nice Côte d’Azur airport is by helicopter: a scenic seven-minute flight that places you right at the heart of the action.

Another refined option is to arrive in Monaco by chartering a yacht from Saint-Tropez, Cannes or Antibes. Sailing into Monaco sets the tone for a stay of sheer elegance, and allows you to remain on board to enjoy the Grand Prix in complete comfort.

Alternatively, you may choose to hire a rent a luxury car with or without a chauffeur, ensuring you have the necessary accreditations to get as close as possible to the restricted zones surrounding the circuit.

Where to stay during the Monaco Grand Prix

To be at the epicentre of the Grand Prix’s intensity, the Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo and the Métropole Monte Carlo, both located on Casino Square, are luxurious and refined options. These iconic palaces also offer moments of calm amidst the excitement, with the Métropole’s spa and the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo providing a haven of relaxation. Another nearby choice is the Belle Époque charm of Hôtel Hermitage, which also grants access to the Thermes Marins spa.

For those seeking a retreat away from the Grand Prix hustle, Larvotto is home to Monte-Carlo Beach, a true glamorous refuge, and the modern Monte-Carlo Bay, with its stunning lagoon facing the Mediterranean, ideal for families or those wanting a quieter stay.

Staying in Monaco during the Grand Prix can be the ultimate luxury experience if you opt to a yacht charter option. The most prestigious yachts and crews anchor in the port, offering guests impeccable service and a front-row seat to the race. It’s also on these yachts that the most exclusive parties of the weekend take place. The elite of sport, fashion, business and the arts all gather here for a festive and unforgettable weekend on the French Riviera.

The 82nd Monaco Grand Prix will mark the start of the 2025 summer season on the Côte d’Azur. Motorsport fans, take note: Monaco awaits you from May 22 to 25, 2025, for four unforgettable days at the most glamorous race in Formula 1.