With Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday this year, couples in Monaco have the luxury of a full day to celebrate. Whether it’s a romantic candlelit dinner with Mediterranean views or a simple stroll through the old town, the Principality has much to offer.

Starting with where to eat, Monaco’s restaurants have risen to the occasion with special menus that range from lavish to laid-back.

For those wanting to go all out, the Michelin-stared restaurants are presenting their finest work. Blue Bay Marcel Ravin** has created a menu at €510 per person, which includes half a bottle of Ruinart Millésimé 2016 champagne. L’Abysse Monte-Carlo** at the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo offers a special Omakase menu at €420 per person.

Chef Yannick Alléno’s Pavyllon Monte-Carlo* offers a five-course experience for €290, while Le Grill* combines Chef Dominique Lory’s cooking with views of the Mediterranean at €335 per person.

For a more relaxed setting, there are equally appealing options. The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is hosting a festive evening night in the heart of Place du Casino for €140 per person. The relatively-new brasserie Marlow, tucked into the Mareterra quarter, brings a touch of British elegance for €120.

Meanwhile, couples looking to combine dining with a bit of pampering might consider L’Hirondelle at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, which has put together a wellness package for €235 per person that includes a 60-minute massage, a Mediterranean lunch, and access to the spa.

Alternatively, the Spa Clarins & myBlend at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort offers a ‘Romance and Well-Being’ experience at €395 for two people, featuring a 60-minute massage of your choice followed by champagne and a pastry at L’Orange Verte restaurant.

Beyond the traditional fine dining restaurants, New Moods is hosting the Tree Gees, a Bee Gees tribute band, on both 13th and 14th February, with prices starting from €65 per person. It’s a chance to combine dinner with live music and a bit of nostalgia.

Then for something equally special but in a different setting, Restaurant 1909 at the Yacht Club de Monaco welcomes couples from 7:30pm for an evening accompanied by a pianist and singer, priced at €150 per person.

Of course, all venues require advance booking, so last minute reservations are unlikely.

Something sweet

As always, chocolates remain a Valentine’s staple, and Monaco has no shortage of exceptional options.

For this year, Anour Chocolat has crafted three limited edition treats for the occasion. The Forêt Noire tablet pairs morello cherry with vanilla, while the Caramel Beurre Salé combines praline and almond, both are €16.

Then, the standout piece is the Ballotin Saint-Valentin, a box of two heart-shaped chocolates. ‘Irrésistible’ features dark chocolate ganache infused with red fruit tea and morello cherry jelly, while ‘Seductive’ brings a kick of fresh ginger. At €8, it’s an affordable gesture that still feels personal.

For those after something different, Cédric Grolet Monte-Carlo has created the Coeur Saint-Honoré, a delicate combination of crispy puff pastry, caramel choux, vanilla pastry cream, and vanilla whipped cream. It’s available via click and collect from 13th to 15th February at €35, with only 100 pieces available, so advance reservation is recommended.

A romantic stroll

Monaco also offers a quieter, more romantic side. A walk along Port Hercule at sunset is sometimes all the romance one needs, with the fading light catching the water, the yachts’ soft glow, and the harbour lights, it’s the kind of scenery that doesn’t require much else.

But for couples after something a bit more playful, the ice rink at Stade Nautique Rainier, right in the Port Hercule’s centre, is open until March 1st. At just €8 per person, it’s an easy way to spend an hour or two together, wobbling around on the ice hand in hand, offering all the romance necessary without the pressure of perfection.

For the active couple

Valentine’s Day, however, doesn’t have to be all about candlelit dinners. The Monaco Run Gramaglia takes place 14th and 15th February, offering a sportier way to celebrate. The City Trail kicks off at 9am on Saturday morning, taking runners on a 12km route through Monaco’s streets, parks, and monuments. While it is an unconventional way to mark the day, for active couples, sharing a sporting challenge can be just as memorable as a meal.

Valentine’s Day in Monaco doesn’t have to be grand or overly orchestrated. A good meal, a thoughtful gift, and a walk through the town can be more than enough. The Principality already offers the setting, the rest is up to the couple to decide.

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Photo by Monaco Life