Saint-Martin Gardens

Nature, nature—how beautiful you are! In Monaco, it’s no secret that the charm of the Mediterranean blends effortlessly with the majesty of the mountains and the peaceful green spaces tucked away here and there. Just look around you, here in the Saint-Martin Gardens, and you’ll see exactly what we mean. Considered one of the most beautiful spots in the Principality, this lush haven was actually the first public garden to open in Monaco, back in 1816. It wasn’t just about beautifying the area—this garden gave new purpose to land that had been left to waste, and more importantly, it provided much-needed work for locals suffering from famine at the time. At first, only native Mediterranean plants were grown here—pines, pistachio trees, and myrtle bushes swaying in the sea breeze. Over time, exotic species were introduced and slowly adapted to the climate, adding even more variety to the landscape. Today, nestled just below the road, the Saint-Martin Gardens are full of surprises and offer visitors a string of stunning viewpoints. As you wander along the winding, sloping paths, you might stumble upon a statue with a story, a tranquil pond where you can cool off, or the perfect spot for a photo with the dazzling blue sea as your backdrop. One thing’s for sure—this peaceful stroll is bound to leave a lasting impression, just as it once did on the French poet and writer Guillaume Apollinaire.