Larvotto: Monaco's beach and seafront

Why go

Larvotto is where Monaco goes to swim. The beach is free to use, with showers, lifeguards in season and rentable sunbeds from private beach clubs. Beyond the sand, the seafront promenade along Avenue Princesse Grace makes an easy, flat walk, rare in a country built on a cliff.

The beach

**Plage du Larvotto** is made of fine shingle and coarse sand, with calm water protected by breakwaters. The renovation added more space, new restaurants and accessible facilities. Just offshore lies a protected underwater area, the **Réserve sous-marine du Larvotto**, where snorkellers can see seagrass meadows and fish. Bring water shoes if you dislike pebbles, and arrive early on summer weekends.

Gardens and museums

The **Jardin Japonais** is a peaceful garden of ponds, stone lanterns, bridges and pines, designed by a Japanese landscape architect. It is free and a lovely place to rest in the shade. The **Grimaldi Forum**, with its glass front and roof gardens, hosts big summer exhibitions, ballet and congresses. The belle époque **Villa Sauber**, part of the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco, shows changing contemporary art in a seaside villa.

Food on the seafront

Beach restaurants range from easy lunch spots on the sand, good for families, to glamorous dining rooms with sea views. In the evening, the strip along Avenue Princesse Grace fills with diners, and the hotels nearby have bars facing the sunset.

Summer nights

The **Sporting Monte-Carlo** complex, at the eastern end of Larvotto, is the hub of Monaco's summer night life. **Jimmy'z**, the famous nightclub, has a garden terrace by a lagoon. The **Salle des Étoiles** hosts the **Monte-Carlo Summer Festival**, with concerts by international stars under a roof that opens to the sky. Lounges and supper clubs nearby keep going until late.

Where to stay

Larvotto has resort style hotels with pools and private beaches, including one hotel on its own peninsula with a lagoon pool and another with a private beach that suits families. Just past the border, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin offers a historic beach hotel and quieter, often better value stays.

Day trips from Larvotto

Larvotto is the jumping off point for walks east. The **Promenade Le Corbusier** around Cap Martin follows the coast past pine woods and coves, and the lemon town of **Menton** is a short train or bus ride away.

Practical tips

Swimwear is for the beach only: cover up when you walk into town, as Monaco does not allow people to walk around in swimwear or bare chested. Sun is strong from June to September, so use high factor sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

A suggested beach day

Come in the morning, when the water is calm and there is space on the shingle. Swim and snorkel, then walk to the Japanese Garden in the heat of the day for shade and quiet. Lunch at one of the beach restaurants, browse an exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum or the Villa Sauber in the afternoon, and stay on for sunset drinks along the seafront. In July and August, check the Summer Festival programme for a concert at the Salle des Étoiles. Families can keep it simple with a picnic, ice cream and plenty of time in the water. Couples may prefer an evening table with a view of the bay.