All you need to know about the Monaco Grand Prix (2026)

It is the Principality’s most iconic sporting event: the Monaco Grand Prix is without question the most coveted gathering on the French Riviera. Over four days, from the first practice sessions to Sunday’s race, the excellence and technical mastery of the teams meet the elegance of a crowd drawn from every corner of the world to witness this mythical spectacle. The Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Grand Prix de Monaco 2026 will take place from 4 to 7 June, marking the first time the race opens the European leg of the season, after years of a traditional late-May date. Excellence Riviera shares its advice on how to experience this legendary motorsport event as closely as possible.

How to watch the Monaco Grand Prix?

The competition unfolds on the track, winding between prestigious residences, a race defined by its famous tunnel and iconic hairpin. But it also plays out among the privileged few, credentialed or not, who secure the finest vantage points along the circuit: paddocks, hotels, yachts and private terraces all offer exceptional panoramas.

Rooftop terraces and VIP spaces overlooking the Monegasque streets transformed into a circuit, grandstands where F1 devotees gather, and the exclusive view from the comfort of a yacht are among the finest options for watching the cars of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton or Lando Norris thunder past, in an electrifying atmosphere.

Some rooftops offer a complete package: refined dining from morning to evening, DJ sets, and occasionally the presence of Formula 1 personalities. The most spacious terraces with exclusive panoramic vantage points are reserved well in advance, so coveted is the pleasure of a cocktail with a spectacular view over the race.

High-floor rooftops and terraces deliver exceptional views of the circuit’s most strategic sections: the starting grid, the Sainte-Dévote corner, the Beau-Rivage climb, the Casino curve, the tunnel exit or the harbour chicane, all among the most sought-after spots. Lower-floor terraces guarantee the vibrations of the passing F1 cars at closest range and the full fervour of the Grand Prix, though their views are often less commanding than those from higher up.

An icon of the luxury world, the yacht is another prized vantage point during the Monaco Grand Prix. It is the ultimate choice, hired by international elites for the week, the weekend, or the single day of Sunday’s race. It is the ideal setting to combine Monegasque luxury with the thrill of the race. Aboard the yachts, champagne flows freely and evenings stretch long into the night. There is no need to disembark to watch the spectacle: on board, the view is unobstructed and the atmosphere unmatched anywhere in the Principality.

To take the experience to its absolute peak and get as close as possible to the drivers and teams, nothing compares to paddock access, where the heart of the Grand Prix beats. The Formula One Paddock Club™ is the ultimate prize for adrenaline seekers, to feel the vibrations of the Formula 1 cars grazing the pit wall during a lightning-fast stop, or to observe the focus and technical precision of the elite teams. The experience guarantees total immersion: premium access to the starting grid, behind-the-scenes guided tours, racing simulators, encounters with drivers and team principals, and a high-end dining service with champagne bar. It is the ultimate way to live the Grand Prix as close to the action as possible.

What to see and do during the Monaco Grand Prix

The Formula 1 race is obviously THE reason that draws you to Monaco, but beyond the practice sessions and race day, the Grand Prix period is a time of extraordinary energy that invites you to make the most of everything the Principality has to offer.

Shopping along the Carré d’Or and the One Monte-Carlo, an evening at the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, or a visit to H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco’s vintage car collection to stay in the world of motorsport: these are just some of the ways to fill the moments spent in the Principality.

Finally, to fully absorb the unique atmosphere of the Grand Prix weekend, the unmissable experience is joining one of the evenings hosted at Monaco’s finest establishments, and above all on board a yacht in Monaco harbour. Just steps from the paddocks, you will embark on a night of celebration to the sound of guest DJs.

How to get to the Monaco Grand Prix

The Grand Prix period turns Monaco into a fortress. To reach the Principality in style and in just a few minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur airport, the most efficient and fastest means of transport is the helicopter. By booking a transfer between Nice and Monaco, you will find yourself in the heart of the Grand Prix atmosphere just 7 minutes from the airport.

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.

An unmissable address for the weekend, the Fairmont Monte-Carlo holds a position no other establishment can claim: its rooms and terraces look directly down onto the Fairmont hairpin, the slowest and most dramatic corner on the circuit, where the cars edge past the barriers at walking pace before launching towards the tunnel. To stay here is to have the Grand Prix entirely to yourself, from the comfort of a suite, without ever leaving your terrace.

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.