Filming in Monaco
A sovereign stage of elegance and heritage

Perched between sea and mountain, Monaco is one of Europe’s most exclusive locations. A city-state of glamour and precision, its palaces, coastline, and modern skyline have long served as backdrops for cinema, photography, and luxury storytelling.

A Legacy of Power and Image
Monaco's identity is anchored in a 700-year history. The Grimaldi dynasty began in 1297 when François Grimaldi, disguised as a Franciscan monk, seized the Rock of Monaco. Since then, the principality has grown from a Genoese stronghold to a globally recognised sovereign state.

The turning point came in 1861 when Monaco’s independence was formalised by treaty with France. Charles III would soon launch Monte-Carlo’s casino era, transforming the economy from agriculture to elite tourism.

Today, the royal family remains central to Monaco’s cultural aura—from Prince Albert I, a patron of oceanography, to Grace Kelly, who brought Hollywood poise to palace life.

Architectural Icons

  • The Prince's Palace: Residence of the Grimaldi family, combining medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

  • Casino de Monte-Carlo: Designed by Charles Garnier (1880), it remains Monaco’s architectural flagship.

  • Salle Garnier Opera House: A jewel box of Belle-Époque splendour.

  • Oceanographic Museum: Clinging to cliffs, it is both cinematic and educational.

  • Notre-Dame-Immaculée Cathedral: Final resting place of the Grimaldis.

  • Exotic Gardens: Dramatic terraces overlooking the sea with rare flora and hidden paths.

Each site is both functional and photogenic, with potential for luxury, heritage, or futuristic styling.

Filming Infrastructure Monaco’s Film and Events Department coordinates all shooting requests, including:

  • Permit approvals

  • Site access

  • Traffic control and security liaison

  • Coordination with local services

Due to the city’s compactness and prestige, pre-approval is essential. Shoots must respect timing, noise, and public access rules—but with the right approach, the reward is an iconic location with unrivalled cachet.

Monaco welcomes:

  • Fashion and fragrance campaigns

  • Still and motion shoots

  • Commercials and automotive sequences

  • Festival and broadcast content

Démarches et autorisations All filming activities in Monaco (film, advertising, music videos, reports, etc.) require prior administrative authorisation, issued by the Principality's Department of Communication.

Submission Process:

  • For non-news productions, requests must be submitted at least 15 days before the shoot.

  • For fiction films (cinema or TV), applications should be submitted at least one month in advance, and include a French-language version of the script.

Forms & Contact:

  • The official form is available online or at the Department of Communication: 10 Quai Antoine 1er, MC 98000 Monaco

  • Email: mediashooting@gouv.mc

  • Phone: +377 98 98 22 22

  • Opening hours: 08:30 to 19:30

Required Documentation:

  • A complete file (tech sheet, synopsis, locations, dates, crew list) is necessary for timely processing.

  • Any modification to the project requires resubmission.

For locations managed by Monte-Carlo SBM (Casino, hotels, resort spaces):

  • A separate request must be addressed to SBM’s Communications Department at least 8 working days in advance.

  • Location fees, image rights, and ancillary costs (accommodation, catering, security) may apply.

Constraints & Logistics:

  • Permits involve both administrative review and logistical coordination (site access, road usage, liaison with public safety authorities).

  • No image rights fees are payable to the Principality, but some municipal or private services (public space usage, parking) may be charged.

  • For SBM properties, shoots typically require using their hospitality and venue services.

Proximity and Access

  • Monaco is 30 minutes from Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport.

  • Direct flights arrive daily from London, Paris, and major hubs.

  • Helicopter transfers from Nice take under 10 minutes.

Signature Events & Festivals

  • Monaco Grand Prix (May): The most iconic Formula 1 race, shot by directors from Louis Malle to Netflix.

  • Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival: Hosted in the Opera House.

  • Television Festival: Celebrating global TV content.

  • Bal de la Rose: Annual royal gala.

  • Monte-Carlo Circus Festival: Celebrating the artistry of live performance.

These events draw crews, celebrities, and cultural figures—and often serve as context for branded shoots.

Filming Environments

  • Port Hercules: Sleek yachts, changing light, and cinematic geometry.

  • Old Monaco (Le Rocher): Narrow alleys, pastel walls, Mediterranean vistas.

  • Monte-Carlo District: High fashion, ultra-modern facades, luxury storefronts.

  • Terraces & Clifftops: Panoramic drone and lifestyle footage.

  • Private Villas & Gardens: For tailored interior or fashion narratives.

Museums & Cultural Locations

  • Oceanographic Museum: Ideal for scientific or avant-garde visuals.

  • Philately & Coin Museum: A micro-world of historical detail.

  • Prehistoric Anthropology Museum: Adds archaeological gravity.

  • Vintage Car Collection: From classics to Formula race cars.

These spaces can double as shoot locations, adding specificity and charm.

Production Coordination Monaco prefers discretion and clarity. The Film and Events Department recommends:

  • Early communication (4+ weeks for major shoots)

  • Local fixers or coordinators familiar with local pace

  • Exact shot plans and crew lists

Noise, space, and public access are tightly managed. However, the payoff is access to rare, world-class settings.

Why Choose Monaco?

  • Rare blend of history, luxury, and maritime light

  • Controlled, high-polish environments

  • Immediate recognition value in imagery

  • Strong municipal support

  • Location variety within walkable distance

Conclusion Monaco is cinematic by design. Every curve, palace, and port tells a story of elegance, sovereignty, and European glamour. For the right creative brief, it offers not just a location, but a visual signature.

Whether you're shooting couture, perfume, editorial, or cinematic campaign footage, Monaco allows you to speak a visual language understood worldwide—quietly, sharply, and with lasting impact