A new initiative from the Heritage Institute—’Au Cœur de Monaco’—uncovers the history and culture of the Principality. By launching a series of specialised two-hour guided tours running every Wednesday from 1st July to 19th August 2026, between 4pm and 6pm, the authorities are inviting both residents and visitors to slow down and truly engage with the story of the Mediterranean enclave.
For Françoise Gamerdinger, Director of Cultural Affairs, this project is the culmination of a long-held ambition. “It’s a mission that I consider very important, that I have wanted to put in place for a very long time,” she said during a press conference held on Wednesday 1st July at the Castel Roc. The initiative aims to move beyond surface-level tourism, offering deep dives into the architectural and historical fabric of Monaco.
The tours – held in French and English – are a direct response to a clear demand from the public. “I think there was a strong expectation that people, even from the Principality, wanted to discover in detail their environment, as well as their architectural and historical heritage,” Gamerdinger added.
Beyond the glamour: Two unique itineraries
The programme offers two distinct itineraries, available in both French and English. One route focuses on the origins of the Principality within Monaco-Ville, providing an immersive look at the country’s historical heart, while the other traces Monaco’s evolution by connecting the 19th-century adventure of Monte-Carlo to the cutting-edge, sustainable design of the new Mareterra district.
Regarding the inclusion of this contemporary project, Françoise Gamerdinger said that “what surrounds us currently is also part of our heritage, and it is important to emphasise it and, above all, to become aware of it”.
An authentic perspective
As Philippe Borsarelli, one of the heritage tour guides said: “We act as ambassadors for the ‘real’ Monaco, aiming to showcase the country’s depth far beyond the ‘bling-bling’ image often associated with the region.” He also highlighted that the Principality has served as a ‘true laboratory’ for innovative techniques, particularly in the construction of Mareterra.
Célia Bernasconi, Director of the Heritage Institute, encourages participants to take their time to explore. “We offer people who are interested the chance to dedicate two hours of their day to visiting a neighbourhood and taking the time to wander, to look up, and to discover the stories hidden there”.
To ensure a quality experience, tours are run by reservation, allowing the team to manage group sizes effectively. With content meticulously written by the Heritage Institute, these walks offer an expert-led journey through 700 years of history, patronage, and strategic development that have shaped the Monaco of today.
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Photo: Philippe Borsarelli during a heritage tour, credit: Virginia D’Umas