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Plage du Solarium

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Plage du Solarium (Monaco)

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Plage du Solarium in Monaco-Ville is a unique artificial bathing area situated at the base of Fort Antoine. Unlike traditional sandy beaches, this 'solarium' consists of stepped concrete platforms integrated directly into the natural limestone cliffside and the sea. The facility was designed to provide residents and visitors of the Rock with direct access to the Mediterranean without disturbing the natural coastal profile. Architecturally, it exemplifies modern coastal engineering that prioritizes functionality while respecting the raw aesthetic of the cliff face. Because the water depth increases abruptly at this location, the area is primarily intended for experienced swimmers. During the summer months, the solarium is a popular destination for sunbathing and diving into the clear coastal waters. Its location beneath the historic Fort Antoine creates a striking contrast between contemporary leisure culture and centuries-old military architecture. Lifeguard services and safety regulations are strictly enforced during the peak summer season.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111112141721242422181512
Rain mm5553625648291723478812381

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The artificially constructed beach section Plage du Solarium is accessible to the public. It is located below Fort Antoine and provides direct access to the Mediterranean Sea near the port.
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Typical hours
The beach is usually accessible during the day, but exact opening hours may vary seasonally. Typically it is open from morning until late afternoon, with possible restrictions in winter.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the beach, and the location below the fort features unique perspectives. Capture the combination of the old fortress and turquoise sea - best in the late morning.
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Time needed
A visit for sunbathing and swimming can take 1 to 2 hours. For a short walk and photos, about 20 to 30 minutes are enough.
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Combine with
Combine the beach visit with the adjacent Fort Antoine, which can often be visited. The nearby port of Monaco with its yachts is also worth a stroll.
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Getting there
The beach is accessible via a staircase from Fort Antoine, which leads down from the port area. Alternatively, take the elevator from Port Hercule and then walk a short distance.
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Insider tip
Bring water shoes as the beach is made of gravel and concrete slabs, not fine sand. An early morning visit ensures a quiet spot with a view of the sea.

Geography

Coordinates
43.73310, 7.42430

Facts

  • The facility was completed in 2004/2005 as an artificial beach area.
  • The solarium is located directly beneath the historic Fort Antoine fortress.
  • Access to the sea is provided via ladders leading directly into deep water.
  • The site features no sand, consisting entirely of concrete and stone tiers.
  • For safety reasons, access is prohibited during periods of high surf or storms.
  • Water depth reaches several meters immediately at the platform's edge.

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Plage du Solarium (10)

Exhibition Hall🏛 museum

Exhibition hall in Monaco, venue for temporary art and cultural displays.

Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation🏛 museum

Museum in a former chapel, displaying religious art and sacred objects.

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Chapelle de la Miséricorde

17th-century baroque chapel in Monaco's old town, used for worship.

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco🏛 museum

Museum of marine sciences, founded in 1910, located by the sea.

Théâtre du Fort Antoine

Open-air theatre in a fortress in Monaco, hosting cultural performances.

Fort Antoine 1er

Fortress structure in Monaco, a historic defensive fortification.

Crique des Pêcheurs

Fishermen's cove in Monaco, a small beach area.

Monaco Grand Prix Start/Finish Line

Start and finish line of the Formula 1 race in Monaco.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Roman Catholic cathedral in Monaco-Ville, dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

Plage du Solarium

Beach in Monaco, located on the Mediterranean Sea.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Plage du Solarium a sandy beach?
No, it is an artificial concrete sunbathing area right by the rocks.
Can you swim safely there?
Only for good swimmers, as the water gets deep immediately and there is no shallow surf zone.
Are there showers there?
Yes, public outdoor showers are available during the summer season.
Is entry free?
Yes, the Solarium beach is accessible for free to everyone.
Where is this beach located?
On the outer wall of Port Hercule, below the Oceanographic Museum.
Plage du Solarium: where is it located?
Plage du Solarium is located in Monaco.
Plage du Solarium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Exhibition Hall, Musée de la Chapelle de la Visitation, Chapelle de la Miséricorde.
Plage du Solarium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Plage du Solarium: why is it worth visiting?
Plage du Solarium in Monaco-Ville is a unique artificial bathing area situated at the base of Fort Antoine.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Val Thore — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Val Thore
Val Thore is a densely populated residential area in the Principality of Monaco.
Les Révoires — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Les Révoires
Les Révoires is a hillside district known for its terraced construction.
Moneghetti — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Moneghetti
Moneghetti is an urban center characterized by steep streets and proximity to the French border.

History & landmarks

Rue de la Visitation — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Rue de la Visitation
This street is part of the religious quarter in Monaco-Ville.
Place de la Visitation — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Place de la Visitation
This square is a historical hub in Monaco-Ville.
Historical Sainte-Dévote Square — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Historical Sainte-Dévote Square
This area is deeply linked to the patron saint of Monaco.
Northern Fortifications — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Northern Fortifications
The remains of the northern walls served to protect the Principality from attacks from the land side.
Rue de la Poste — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Rue de la Poste
Rue de la Poste is one of the historically significant paths in Monaco-Ville.
Palace Square Viewpoint — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Palace Square Viewpoint
This strategic point at the Palace Square offers a historical view of the port.
Rue du Campanile — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Rue du Campanile
This historical alley in Monaco-Ville is known for its narrow architectural structures from the past.
Historical Palace Square Paving — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Historical Palace Square Paving
The cobblestone on the Palace Square dates back to historical times.

Nature

Hercules Harbor Basin — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Hercules Harbor Basin
This harbor basin is a natural bay that has been significantly modified throughout history.

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Condamine Depression — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Condamine Depression
The deepest natural urban valley in the principality.
Condamine Urban Canyon — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Condamine Urban Canyon
A densely built, valley-like corridor in the urban area.
Condamine Plateau — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Condamine Plateau
A lower-lying area between the districts of Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo.
Monaco Business Office — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Monaco Business Office
Government institution supporting economic development and attracting new businesses to Monaco.
Saint-Antoine Headland — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Saint-Antoine Headland
A rocky headland on the western side of the Rocher.
Condamine Market — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Condamine Market
A traditional Monegasque market with stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and local specialties.
Sainte-Dévote Valley — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Sainte-Dévote Valley
A narrow valley opening toward the harbor.
Heli Air Monaco — Plage du Solarium (Monaco)
Heli Air Monaco
A private helicopter operator utilizing the Monaco-Fontvieille heliport for commercial transport.