There are many exotic gardens on the Cote d’Azur, but the Exotic Garden in Monaco is unique. It is built on a rocky hill, so provides an amazing view of the principality. But its biggest attraction is “in” the rock – it has an actual cave! The cave is deep and unusually rich in the formations that nature has been creating for hundreds of thousands of years.
To my shame I must admit that my first encounter with the Exotic Garden in Monaco (Jardin Exotique de Monaco) could have been typical of many people’s. I thought it wasn’t worth spending €7.20 to see cacti. Fortunately, I later learned that there is also a cave in the garden, and so I went back to see it all. The place is amazing and you must visit it while in Monaco! I would even dare to say that it is a much more interesting attraction than the famous Monte Carlo Casino, although less iconic.
See also: Monaco travel guide
The Exotic Garden in Monaco was built on a rock
The Exotic Garden was opened in 1933 at the recommendation of the Prince of Monaco, Albert I. More than 1,000 species of plants from the succulent family grow here. They come from, among other places, North and Central America and Africa; and some of the specimens originating from Monaco are over 100 years old. The diversity of species that have been collected here means that the garden can be visited all year round and something will always be blooming. So there is no fear that in winter there will be no colorful flowers to see.
Exotic garden in Monaco
The garden is situated on a steep slope and it would seem that it isn’t very spacious – nothing could be more wrong. Even people who are not interested in cacti can spend at least an hour here. The amazing views of Monaco’s Old Town and the part of the Fontvieille district reclaimed from the sea, as well as France, will make the time pass very quickly. The small architectural designs of the garden are also pleasing to the eye, including the interestingly arranged bridges and somewhat mysterious, hidden passageways that lead to other parts of the garden.
I recommend checking out the interactive garden map that has descriptions of all the places in the garden.
The Cave
The cave (la Grotte de l’Observatoire) is a unique place that can be visited without additional cost after entering the Exotic Garden. For millennia the actions of limestone water have been forming this cave. The entrance is 100 m above sea level, while its lowest point is 40 m above sea level. To get to the lowest level you have to go down 300 steps. The cave has a constant temperature of 65.3 degrees Fahrenheit (18.5 degrees Celsius) and is one of the warmest caves in Europe. It owes this to its location within a steep rocky cliff that is sunlit on most days of the year. It is also very humid inside, which in combination with the artificial lights installed by man, causes vegetation to grow within the cave. For this reason the lights are switched off immediately after the tourists leave.
Cave in the exotic garden in Monaco
The trip takes place under the direction of a guide who explains the process of how the cave was created and the history of its exploration. The tour lasts between 30 and 40 minutes, and they start every full hour. During the visit you will see unusual and magnificent stalactites, stalagmites and curtains. Some of these are remarkably reminiscent of huge church organs; and there are several stalagmites that resemble the figure of Mary and Child. I know how it sounds, but you can actually see these shapes, especially when someone points them out ;-).
An interesting fact is also that prehistoric people did not go very deep into the cave (no traces of their presence have been found there), but the entrance to it was treated as a garbage heap, with, for example, the discarded remains of the animals they hunted.
The cave was opened to the public in 1950. In my opinion, it is one of the most interesting attractions in Monaco. I know that the casino in Monte Carlo has more magic and is almost iconic, but I assure you that the experience of visiting this cave will be much greater.
The Anthropological Museum of Monaco
The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco is located next to the Exotic Garden, and can be visited using the same ticket. There are not many exhibits, but it is definitely worth seeing the original and complete mammoth skeleton from Siberia. And there is also an exhibited showing the remains found in the nearby cave.
Even if you do not think you have enough strength for this museum after the garden and the cave, go for 5 minutes and take a look.
To sum up: Monaco’s Exotic Garden with its cave is definitely an attraction worth recommending. It’s easy to get there because there are many signposts in Monaco that show the way to the garden, and the impressions you will have definitely compensate for the costs incurred. The garden is open every day of the year except for November 19 and December 25, and the hours are usually from 9AM to 5PM. The cost of admission is €7.20 for adults; €3.80 for children and adolescents aged 4–18, and students; and €5.50 for seniors (+65). Please note that dogs are not allowed on the grounds.
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