Postcard from Monte Carlo

The 2026 European clay court season is set to be one of the most anticipated in recent years. Following a 2025 season that saw Carlos Alcaraz claim the Monte-Carlo Masters title for the first time, the world’s top players are preparing to return to the red dirt. Alcaraz, now a dominant force on this surface, remains the player to beat.

The ATP Tour's clay court season will feature the Barcelona Open and Munich Open in mid-April, before the Madrid Open begins at the end of the month. The tour then heads to the Italian Open on 7 May, serving as the final major tune-up before the tennis world descends upon Roland-Garros for the season's second Grand Slam, starting on 24 May 2026.

As the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters 2026 returns to the Côte d’Azur from 4–12 April, the Principality once again becomes a magnet for the tennis elite and style insiders. Here is your insider guide to the iconic stop on the Mediterranean coast.

Where to play tennis

If there is one place to play tennis in Monte Carlo, it is the Monte-Carlo Country Club (MCCC). Perched above the sea on the Franco-Monégasque border, it is home to 21 courts, including 18 championship-level clay courts.

The Experience: Booking a court here outside of tournament weeks offers a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of legends like Nadal and Djokovic.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on local club announcements; during the off-season, certain hospitality packages allow visitors limited access to hit on these hallowed courts.

Where to watch the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

Each April, the ATP Tour lands in Monte Carlo for the first clay Masters 1000 of the season. The tournament offers an intimate setting with unbeatable coastal views.

Top Tip: Try to secure seats at Court des Princes. The proximity to the court allows you to truly appreciate the speed, spin, and sliding movement unique to clay-court tennis.

What to see

Monte Carlo offers a wealth of cultural experiences beyond the baseline.

Oceanographic Museum: Visit this cliffside museum to explore vast aquariums and marine exhibits.
Le Rocher: Stroll through the historic heart of Monaco to see the Prince’s Palace and the cathedral.
Japanese Garden: A tranquil escape designed with traditional Zen principles, located right on Avenue Princesse Grace.
Tête de Chien: For the best views of the coastline, hike up to this viewpoint for a panoramic look at the entire Principality.

Shop

Monaco is a global hub for high fashion and luxury craftsmanship.

Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo: A marble-clad arcade featuring boutiques such as Chanel, Celine, and Balenciaga.
Carré d’Or Luxury District: The heart of Monaco’s haute couture scene, home to Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Chopard.
Marché de la Condamine: For a more local experience, visit this covered market for fresh produce and Monégasque delicacies.

Eat, drink and be merry

Le Deck: Located at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, this is the ideal spot for a seaside lunch featuring grilled seafood and chilled rosé.
Elsa: Monaco’s first Michelin-starred organic restaurant offers seasonal, local flavours with a refined Riviera atmosphere.
Sass Café: A local institution on Avenue Princesse Grace that blends Mediterranean dining with a legendary piano-bar atmosphere.
Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo: One of the world’s most iconic nightclubs, Jimmy’z is the playground for international DJs and the post-tournament set.

Sleep

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo: Timeless Belle Époque charm meets five-star sophistication in the heart of the Carré d’Or.
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: Offers a relaxed resort vibe with lagoon pools and private beach access.
Columbus Monte-Carlo: A design-forward boutique hotel in Fontvieille, perfect for those seeking a quieter location with easy access to the Princess Grace Rose Garden.