The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula 1 Race held every year in Monaco. It is one of the most prestigious races in the world, the course winding through the narrow streets of Monaco.
In the days leading up to the event, the streets of Monaco are transformed for the race. Barriers are set up, grandstands are erected, and sponsor banners are hung throughout the city. During this time, traffic still cruises on the course, giving visitors a chance to drive the Monaco Grand Prix race course.
Driving the Monaco Grand Prix race course is as simple as following the well marked race route through the city.
Tim and I visited Monaco twice during our trip to the French Riviera. On our first visit we reached Monaco via train from Nice. Tim and I strolled along the marina and went to the Monte Carlo Casino. Wow, this place has money! We saw Ferraris, Bentleys, Porsches, and one very expensive looking car that had a crowd of tourists gawking at it.
On our last day in the French Riviera we rented a car for the drive to Provence. We decided to go back to Monaco so Tim could drive the course. How often does a person get the chance to drive a world famous race course?
Our car was an Opal Zafira, not the most exciting car, and definitely not a race car. Tim called it our “nanovan,” since it was a tiny minivan. No, it definitely was not race car material.
Still, driving the Monaco Grand Prix was a cool experience. Tim drove down windy roads, through tunnels, and past the Monaco marina, where yachts costing more than we will ever earn in our entire life were docked. There were plenty of other nanovans driving the course as well. It may have only taken us a few minutes to complete one loop around the race course, but it is a memory that will last a very long time.
Future Dates for the Monaco Grand Prix: May 26 – 28, 2023
More Information for Your Trip to France
FRENCH RIVIERA: Plan your visit to the French Riviera and Provence in our 10 Day French Riviera Itinerary. We also have information about visiting Vence, the Cannes Film Festival, touring the Provencal wine region, and how to cycle up Mont Ventoux.
CHAMONIX: Riding the cable car to Aiguille du Midi is one of the best things to do in Chamonix. Also, learn how to hike to Lac Blanc and the Argentiere Glacier, two of the best hikes in Chamonix.
PARIS: For the top experiences in the city, read our article Best Things to Do in Paris. Learn how to visit Pere LeChaise Cemetery, plan your time with our 3 Day Paris Itinerary, learn where to get the best views of Paris, and read our Paris Food Guide for information on what to eat in Paris.
TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Here are 15 fairytale destinations to visit around the world. And if you are considering a trip to Europe, check out our article 30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe.
Planning a trip to France? Read all of our articles in our France Travel Guide.
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Comments 8
Hi Julie. Thanks for your post.
I’ll travel to Monaco on Friday May 27th driving from Cinque Terre in Italy.
Do you know if it is relatively easy to find a parking lot in Monaco? I got an AirbBnb in Monaco.
Tks,
Marcelo
Author
I recommend emailing your Air BnB to see if parking is included and/or where they recommend that you park. There are some public parking lots and garages throughout Monaco where you can park as well. Cheers, Julie
Is the race course reserved for thru drivers or did you have to deal with traffic lifgts, stop signs, etc? Is it available on selected days year round or only on the days prior to the Grand Prix? Do you pay a toll to drive the circuit?
Author
The course is set up a few days before the race. While it is being set up, the roads are still open and anyone can drive them. There is no toll but you have to obey all traffic rules, including the speed limit (lights, signs, etc.). Cheers, Julie
How do you get the feel of driving a Formula 1 Grand Prix course? And how different is the experience if you do the drive on any other time of the year?
Author
The only time we drove in Monaco was the one loop around the course. Honestly, it didn’t feel much different than driving in other places in Europe but it was interesting to see the street signs and bleachers set up for the race.
Hi Julie,
I will be visiting the French Riveria leading up to the Monaco Grand Prix. We will be staying in Nice from 5/18 – 5/26. We are trying to decide to go Tuesday or Wednesday before the races Thurs – Sunday. Do you suggest Tuesday over Wednesday to be able to see more of the city?
Thanks!
Author
One day is enough time to see Monaco, so I think that if you went first thing Wednesday you would have enough time. However, it looks like you have plenty of time in Nice, so you could go to Monaco on Tuesday. It just depends on what else you plan to do in Nice and which day trips you plan to take. Cheers, Julie