The Monte-Carlo Crèche has reopened its doors, welcoming children aged three months to three years and their families back to the modernised facility on Avenue Saint-Charles. After six months of extensive work, the nursery is ready to resume its role as one of Monaco’s most cherished childcare institutions.
Originally built in 1992, the Monte-Carlo Crèche is one of the town council’s two early childhood care centers. In recent months, the site underwent a complete transformation to align with contemporary standards of comfort, safety and accessibility that reflect the crèche’s status as a pillar of support and early development. Managed by the municipal council, the facility now boasts a capacity of 36 places.
François Lallemand, 5th Deputy Mayor and an architect by profession, oversaw the redevelopment in collaboration with Monegasque architect Franck Bourgery. The comprehensive refurbishment covered the entire 535sqm building, encompassing its ground and first floors.
Upgrades for a better future
The renovation addressed multiple aspects, including modernised heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as upgraded security and access control systems. The team also improved the site’s thermal and acoustic insulation, and ensured compliance with accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility.
External joinery was also replaced, spaces were reconfigured for better flow and functionality, and activity rooms were better connected to promote movement and interaction among children.
“We wanted to preserve the sense of openness by maintaining visible areas, such as the changing stations, while also creating new pathways between activity rooms,” Lallemand explains.
Environmental considerations
Sustainability was a priority throughout the project. Apave, the waste recycling partner, facilitated the redistribution of recyclable materials to nearby municipalities, like Beausoleil and Antibes, and private individuals. Despite challenges such as dealing with an old “Spanish screed” cement floor, which required adjustments to the original €1.2 million budget, the project was successfully completed within an updated budget of €1.4 million.
A welcome return for families
The reopening on Thursday 16th January marks the end of a temporary relocation period, during which the crèche’s 32 children were cared for at neighboring facilities, including the Larvotto early learning center and an annex of the Monte-Carlo Crèche.
This latest development adds to Monaco’s network of 13 municipal childcare facilities, staffed by 186 professionals, including the 65-place Île aux Bambins and the 50-place Testimonio II.
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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco