The Princely Family travelled to Rust, Germany, on Monday 29th June to officially inaugurate the new, permanent Monaco-themed quarter at Europa-Park. While the area has been open to the public since 28th March, the formal celebration brought a touch of the Mediterranean to the German park in the presence of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Princess Stéphanie, and the twins.
Centred around the legendary Silver Star roller coaster, which has now been integrated into the Monaco theme, the quarter offers a unique experience. Visitors can admire décor inspired by the Casino de Monte-Carlo, explore a digital aquarium developed in partnership with the Oceanographic Institute, and discover dedicated spaces for the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo. Motorsport enthusiasts can also experience the passion of the Grand Prix through driving simulators and an exhibition featuring vehicles from Prince Albert II’s private collection.
A celebration of heritage and partnership
Nearly 250 guests were invited by the Mack family—the founders and owners of Europa-Park—to witness the unveiling of the ‘Place Grimaldi de Monaco’. The new square, situated at the heart of the 18th themed quarter of the park, stands as a tribute to the ruling dynasty.
The Prince expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the gesture, highlighting the successful collaboration. “It is a great pleasure for us all to find here many iconic buildings of Monaco, and, beyond that, to feel the spirit of our Principality, wonderfully recreated by the Mack family and their teams,” Prince Albert said. “Thanks to these creations of exceptional quality, many visitors will be able to discover a little of what makes our uniqueness.”
Roland Mack, accompanied by his wife Marianne, emphasised the strength of the bond between the park and the Prince. “I am very grateful for this friendly and enriching partnership with Prince Albert II of Monaco and his family,” he said. “The deepening of our collaboration with the Princely House is a testament to the great mutual trust that binds us.”
A star-studded event
The inauguration was a glitzy affair, attended by a host of notable figures, including former French rugby international Yoann Huget—who sponsored this year’s Sainte Dévote Tournament—Miss France 2022 Diane Leyre, former figure skating champion Nathalie Péchalat, RC Strasbourg president Marc Keller, and Michelin-starred chef Marc Haeberlin.
Guests were treated to a vibrant programme of entertainment, designed to bring the glamour and history of the Côte d’Azur to life. The highlights included a circus-themed parade featuring a performance by the Monegasque troupe, Clowns en Folie.
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Photo Credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier