From the top of the Oceanographic Museum with cocktails to the port with a pint, discover the best spots to watch Monaco’s Art en Ciel International Fireworks Competition, an annual tradition in the Principality for over 50 years. Here are Monaco Life’s top recommendations.
The Principality is set to light up the sky again with its renowned fireworks display, part of the annual ‘Art en Ciel: International Fireworks Competition’. This event will occur over several weekends from late July to early August 2024. The competition, organised by the Mairie de Monaco since 1966, showcases the talents of pyrotechnic specialists worldwide.
The first fireworks will kick off on Saturday 27th July at 10pm with a grand pyromelodic fireworks show titled ‘pop-rock’, launched from Port Hercule. This 16-minute display will be visible from Quai Albert Ier, with a secure viewing area set up by the Mairie de Monaco, accessible through six entry points.
In addition to this public viewing area, Monaco Life’s Niki Borisova recommends a few key spots around Monaco that provide excellent views of the fireworks.
The primary viewing area would be the Port Hercule, offering direct sight lines to the fireworks launched from Quai Rainier III. There are many casual venue options on the port, such as Café Milano, with its terrace; further down, there is Brasserie, Jacks, Crazy Pizza, La Rascasse, Quai des Artistes, and Marius (ex Conscientiae), all offering a clear view directly onto Quai Rainier III.
For terrace options, the Equivoque terrace bar also offers unobstructed views of Quai Rainier III so guests can enjoy the fireworks display with cocktails.
Further up from Equivoque is La Mome restaurant, the perfect spot for fireworks viewing, accompanied by dinner and a lively atmosphere.
For something new this year, the association Les Amis du Musée Oceanographique de Monaco, in partnership with Trinity, is hosting a summer charity event on the roof terrace of the Museum from 7pm to 11pm. The evening promises a unique experience with a panoramic view of Monaco’s fireworks, a cocktail dinner and DJ music, and a raffle – all while helping to support the museum’s innovative projects. Tickets are priced from €80 and children are welcome. For bookings, click here.
For a fancy option, the American Bar at the Hôtel de Paris is always a classic, as its terrace overlooks the Avenue de Monte-Carlo and the Port Hercule. Also located in the Hôtel de Paris, Em Sherif restaurant can be a prime spot for fireworks and a romantic dinner. Further along the terrace is the Em Sherif lounge, which overlooks the Port Hercule, and guests can enjoy the show with drinks and shisha.
Another upscale bar would be the new Campari lounge bar at the Hermitage Garden, even more so because fewer trees block the view, and guests can soak up the fireworks view in a garden-like atmosphere.
However, there are also viewing points by Theatre Princess Grace and the Thermes Marines, turning off the Avenue d’Ostende, which are perfect for catching the fireworks without spending any money. Any spot on the Avenue d’Ostende would also be a good option but it can get crowded as the sidewalks are narrow.
On the other side of the Principality, Fort Antoine offers the most up-close and elevated view. Head there a bit earlier to secure a spot right by the border and admire the fireworks with a view of Monaco.
Staying on the Le Rocher, any position along the Rue des Remparts would be optimal for an elevated view of the fireworks, and the Avenue de la Porte Neuve, which leads up to Le Rocher and is a popular spot to get wide-view photos of the Principality. After the display, visitors in those spots can head into many of Le Rocher’s historic establishments.
Throughout the summer, Quai Albert Ier will host various events including drone shows, inflatable castles, DJ nights, and 90s/2000s-themed parties. Detailed information is available at www.mairie.mc.
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Main photo of the view from the American Bar terrace of the 2023 Art en Ciel Fireworks, by Monaco Life