Sport in Monaco
Monaco, a Land of Sport Blending Elegance, Passion, and Excellence
In the Principality of Monaco, sport holds a central place. In this two-square-kilometre territory, physical activity is not just a pastime: it is a pillar of social life, a driver of health, education, and image, and a realm of excellence for elite athletes. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of its institutions, the support of the Sovereign Prince, and the quality of its infrastructure, Monaco has become a prime destination for talent, international competitions, and sports initiatives.
A Nation Committed to Sport
In Monaco, sport goes far beyond prestigious events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix or the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. It is, above all, a daily reality, rooted in schools, associations, and neighbourhood life. The Princely Government implements a consistent and ambitious sports policy based on three fundamental pillars: education, accessibility, and performance.
From preschool, physical education is an integral part of the curriculum. Specialised teachers provide lessons in gymnastics, swimming, or athletics, while school buildings are equipped with gyms, multi-sports fields, and in some cases, swimming pools. Pupils regularly take part in interclass tournaments, school competitions, or regional events as part of the UNSS, particularly in rowing, climbing, fencing, gymnastics, and team sports.
Monaco also actively supports high-level sport. Special timetables are offered to student-athletes to help them balance their studies and training. A dedicated status is granted to elite Olympic athletes, providing them with optimal conditions to prepare for major events such as the Olympic Games, Mediterranean Games, or Francophone Games. With the support of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, athletes benefit from logistical, material, and financial aid during their preparation.
A Wide and Accessible Range of Sports
The Principality is home to nearly one hundred sports associations, offering a wide variety of disciplines. This dense network allows each resident—regardless of age or skill level—to find an activity suited to their preferences and abilities.
Team sports are well represented, including football, basketball, handball, and volleyball. On the individual side, disciplines such as gymnastics, swimming, athletics, tennis, and martial arts (judo, karate, boxing) are particularly popular. Monaco also stands out in water sports thanks to sailing, rowing, paddleboarding, and diving—readily accessible via Port Hercule and the Yacht Club.
Other activities such as climbing, fencing, shooting, chess, yoga, and Pilates further enrich this varied offering, providing everyone with an opportunity to move, grow, and challenge themselves.
Exceptional Facilities for Performance and Leisure
Monaco boasts high-quality sports facilities, open to both professional athletes and amateurs. The Stade Louis-II, the epicentre of sports in the Principality, includes an Olympic swimming pool, an athletics track, several multipurpose halls, a weight training room, and the iconic Gaston-Médecin arena, home to the Roca Team basketball club.
The Monte-Carlo Country Club, perched above the sea, welcomes the world’s tennis elite during the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and remains accessible to residents year-round. The Yacht Club de Monaco, presided over by Prince Albert II, combines prestige with nautical education to instil a love of the sea across generations.
Gymnastics finds its home near Monaco’s train station in the Vallon Sainte-Dévote, where two leading clubs teach artistic and acrobatic disciplines: Étoile de Monaco and Femina Sports de Monaco—the latter under the patronage of Princess Stéphanie.
A Destination of Choice for Elite Athletes
For many high-level athletes, Monaco is much more than a prestigious address: it is a true strategic hub, at the crossroads of performance, quality of life, and wealth management. With its top-tier facilities, political stability, and safe, serene environment, the Principality attracts new champions from around the world every year.
The Stade Louis-II—with its gym, athletics track, Olympic pool, and multi-sports fields—offers ideal training conditions just minutes from residential areas. Surrounding towns such as La Turbie, Cap-d’Ail, and Beausoleil provide complementary venues for cycling, trail running, and altitude training.
Beyond its infrastructure, Monaco’s entire ecosystem is what truly appeals: Mediterranean climate, peaceful lifestyle, privacy, and breathtaking natural surroundings—all fostering recovery, focus, and long athletic careers. Access to cutting-edge medical care, as well as expert coaches, physiotherapists, nutritionists, and cryotherapy centres, makes Monaco a hub for comprehensive athletic performance.
Taxation is also a key consideration for foreign athletes. The Principality levies no income tax on its residents, except for French and American nationals who remain subject to their respective national tax systems. For other nationalities, this fiscal advantage allows them to safeguard and optimise earnings often concentrated over short careers. The legal and financial environment is highly structured, with numerous family offices, tax advisors, and specialists in elite athlete support.
Choosing to settle in Monaco also means joining an international community of athletes who share similar ambitions and values. It’s an opportunity to network among top performers, build visibility, and prepare for the future in a secure, stable, and inspiring setting.
Faces That Embody Monaco’s Sporting Spirit
Monaco proudly supports athletes who carry its colours at the highest level. Charles Leclerc, born in Monaco and a Formula 1 driver for Ferrari, represents a new generation of sports ambassadors. In gymnastics, Kevin Crovetto competes on the Olympic stage, while Lisa Pou in swimming and Quentin Antognelli in rowing showcase the Principality’s rising individual talents.
In tennis, Lucas Catarina competes under the Monegasque flag on the professional circuit. The Roca Team continues to shine in EuroLeague basketball, captivating crowds at Gaston-Médecin, while AS Monaco Football Club remains a leading symbol of top-level team sports.
Sport in the Daily Lives of Monegasques
While elite sport is celebrated, Monaco also places great importance on community and family-based athletic practice. Many activities are offered to young children, such as baby gym, swimming, dance, and parent-child yoga. Sport becomes a moment of sharing, learning, and family connection.
Public facilities are designed for maximum accessibility, including for seniors, with adapted classes and outdoor fitness circuits. On weekends, parks, the Larvotto promenade, and cycling routes welcome residents and visitors in an atmosphere that is both relaxed and active.
A World-Class Sporting Calendar
Each year, Monaco becomes the global capital of sport with spectacular events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, the Monte-Carlo Rally, the Herculis athletics meet, and the Riviera Marathon. These major events enhance the Principality’s international profile and inspire future generations of athletes.
A Lifestyle in Motion
In Monaco, sport is more than competition—it is a way of life, a culture of wellness and discipline, and a powerful force for community and international prestige. With its visionary public policy, outstanding facilities, and engaged population, the Principality has made sport a cornerstone of its identity. Whether practiced by children, families, retirees, or Olympic champions, sport in Monaco reflects the elegant, dynamic spirit of Monegasque life.