Port Hercule

Nestled at the foot of the Rock and just below Monte-Carlo, Port Hercule is one of those places where time seems to slow down and life feels easy. Locals come here to unwind, families find ways to spend the afternoon, and wealthy sailors proudly dock their latest toys among the 700 berths spread out over 16 hectares. It’s a smooth, well-run operation—and one of the few deep-water ports along the Mediterranean coast. But long before it became such a peaceful place for a stroll, Port Hercule had its own chapter of history to write. In the early 20th century, Monaco was led by Prince Albert I—known as both “The Scholar Prince” and “The Navigator Prince”, and with good reason. He was behind a wave of modernisation in the Principality, founding the Oceanographic Museum, building the hospital, improving sanitation, and more. Always driven by progress, he launched the construction of Port Hercule in 1910. By 1926, the project was complete, with two piers that reshaped the coastline and opened Monaco to the sea like never before. Further expansions came in the 1970s under Prince Rainier III. Slowly but surely, Port Hercule became a focal point of Monegasque life. Every year, it hosts the Monaco funfair around All Saints’ Day, the magical Christmas village in December, and of course—the world-famous Formula 1 Grand Prix each May or June. The rest of the year, it’s alive with the comings and goings of pleasure boats and jaw-dropping yachts. Speaking of which—have you spotted yours yet?