Fontvieille Monaco

Fontvieille stands apart from every other district in Monaco because of where it came from. Much of this part of the Principality simply didn't exist before the 1960s, built entirely on land reclaimed from the sea to address Monaco's chronic shortage of buildable ground. This guide covers this singular district, its history, its residences, and the property market that has grown up around it.

Fontvieille, a district built on reclaimed land

Construction on Fontvieille's maritime extension began in 1966, under Prince Rainier III, and ran through 1973. The project added roughly 22 hectares to Monaco's territory, a considerable feat of engineering given the seabed drops to around 40 metres at this point along the coast.

A one-kilometre breakwater protected the site during construction, before nearly 7 million tonnes of material filled in the new platform. The original plan aimed for close to 40 hectares, later scaled back to limit the scope of the works. The administrative district of Fontvieille covers around 0.33 km² today, including this reclaimed land at the foot of the Rock.

A district built for everyday life

Unlike Monte Carlo, historically shaped around the Casino and prestige tourism, Fontvieille was designed as a mixed district, bringing together housing, offices and public facilities.

Sport and culture

The district is home to Stade Louis II, which houses AS Monaco's home ground alongside a swimming pool, a diving pool and a multi-purpose hall. The Princess Grace Rose Garden and Fontvieille's public gardens round out this stock of green space, genuinely rare in a Principality this densely built.

Services and infrastructure

A shopping centre, opened in 1993, brings shops and everyday services right up to the residences. Fontvieille's heliport offers helicopter connections to Nice airport, an amenity valued by an international clientele used to frequent travel, even accounting for check-in procedures and transfers. A landscaped park of roughly two hectares has also been announced as part of the shopping centre's redevelopment, with delivery expected around 2027.

The port of Fontvieille

Fontvieille's marina rounds out Monaco's port offering, alongside Port Hercule and the marina built at Mareterra. It holds 275 berths, 16 of them set aside for visitors depending on availability, with most spots held by annual mooring holders.

The port takes vessels under 30 metres, with a maximum draft of three metres, a limit that sets it apart from Port Hercule and its focus on larger yachts. Many residences in the district look directly out over the marina, a real draw for part of the buyer base.

The residences of Fontvieille

The district counts several residential complexes that have become benchmarks of Monaco's high-end housing stock. Some Fontvieille residences, such as Seaside Plaza, Memmo Center and Les Terrasses du Port, offer generous floor areas, parking and reinforced security, with sea, port or garden views depending on the building and its orientation.

This mix of residences particularly appeals to families settled long-term in Monaco, with the district comfortably blending living space and workplaces side by side.

The Fontvieille property market

In 2025, Fontvieille's average price stood at around €52,518 per m², according to IMSEE's real estate observatory, a level close to Monte Carlo and La Condamine. The district stays broadly in line with Monaco's other high-end areas, without reaching the peaks recorded in Larvotto.

Fontvieille stands out for its high proportion of contemporary residences and buildings constructed as part of the maritime extension. Price gaps still run significant, though, depending on the residence, size, view, floor and level of amenities.

Fontvieille holds a distinct place in Monaco's property landscape. Neither a historic district nor the newest extension like Mareterra, it strikes a balance between contemporary architecture, residential calm and immediate proximity to the heart of the Principality, a balance that explains its steady popularity among international families.

FAQ

Is Fontvieille a good district for families?

Fontvieille is often favoured by families and residents looking for a more residential setting, thanks to its proximity to Stade Louis II, gardens, shops, the marina and other district facilities.

What's the difference between Fontvieille and Monte Carlo?

Monte Carlo is a historic district built around the Casino and Belle Époque architecture. Fontvieille grew largely on land reclaimed from the sea between 1966 and 1973, with more contemporary architecture and a stronger residential, family-oriented focus.

Is the port of Fontvieille open to visitors?

The port holds 275 berths, 16 of which can host visitors depending on availability. It takes vessels under 30 metres, with a maximum draft of three metres.