Automotive
Who would have imagined that with its narrow streets and small area, Monaco would become the place of reference for car racing? In reality, two Monegasques have imagined it: Gabriel Vialon and Antony Noghès. What was originally intended to be a means of attracting the European jet set to Monaco has finally become a full part of the Monegasque DNA.
Monte-Carlo Rally
It was in 1911 that this rally was born, to compete with the "Paris-Nice", under the impulse of Gabriel Vialon, bailiff, and Antony Noghès, cigar maker. Every winter, pilots and co-pilots set off from different starting points, with only one objective at the finish: Monaco. A frantic race, where the cars face mountain passes and snowy or icy roads.
A second competition takes place in parallel: the Historic Monte Carlo Rally, where modern cars give way to old ones, built between 1911 and 1983
Formula 1 Grand Prix
Of all the F1 Grand Prix events held around the world, the Monaco Grand Prix is undoubtedly the most famous. Every year in May, the Principality undergoes a complete transformation to welcome the drivers who race at full speed through the streets of Monaco. This race, also created by Antony Noghès in 1929, is one of the oldest and most prestigious car races in the world, just like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indianapolis 500.
If you are lucky enough to attend the event, you will undoubtedly hear Monegasques chanting " Daghe Charles!
they are cheering for the driver Charles Leclerc, who represents the Principality in the colors of the Ferrari team. His younger brother, Arthur, is currently racing in Formula 3.ePrix
Run on a shortened version of the F1 Grand Prix, this race created in 2015 is the very first ePrix in Europe! Here, the single-seaters are electric, in order to combine motorsport and sustainable development. The competition is usually held a few days before the Grand Prix
Soccer
Soccer lovers know that soccer is king in the Principality. The national team, AS Monaco, affiliated to the French Football Federation, has existed since 1919. For more than a century now, the red and white players have accumulated victories and have given the club one of the most prestigious records in French soccer, with eight French championship titles, five French Cups, a League Cup, a Cup Final and even a Champions League Final!
Since 1939, the team has been training at the Stade Louis-II, a large sports complex with a seating capacity of over 18,000. It is here that the club frequently meets its great regional opponent: OGC Nice. Some of the biggest names in professional soccer have also played for AS Monaco, such as Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé
The club also has a women's team, founded in 1976. The team won the French second division championship in 1993, and now plays in the Regional 1 league. It recently won the French Cup with a historic qualification for the round of 16.
Basketball
Like soccer, basketball also occupies a fairly important place on the Monegasque sports scene. The AS Monaco Basket, or "Roca Team", is currently playing in the first division of the French championship. Since its foundation in 1924, the club has seen great players, such as Georgy Adams or D.J. Cooper. The team won the EuroCup in 2021.
Tennis
Enthusiasts mark the date in their calendar: the month of April is synonymous in the Principality with the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. A professional tournament, created in 1897, played in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, only 200 meters from the Monegasque border. Five courts are mobilized for this prestigious competition, which brings together each year more than 100 000 spectators. Currently, the most successful player is none other than the famous Spanish sportsman Rafael Nadal.
Athletics
Among the many sports practiced individually by Prince Albert II is athletics. It is therefore not surprising that the Prince created a Monegasque Federation dedicated to this sport in 1984.
Since 1987, the Federation has organized the Herculis meeting, a major international competition usually held in July at the Louis-II Stadium. The meeting is an integral part of the Diamond League and is also an event of the Pro Athlé Tour.
And the amateurs are not forgotten! Since 2011, the Federation has also organized the Monaco Run: an annual foot race that offers several routes, depending on the level, through the streets of the Principality. Whether you're a keen runner or just a walker, everyone can take part. A walk is also organized to benefit an association.
Nautical
The famous Yacht Club de Monaco puts water sports in the spotlight. In addition to the sailing courses for children and adults, the club also organizes a ballet of nautical competitions. J/70 World Championships, Energy Boat Challenge, Sportsboat Winter Series, Primo Cup... The list is long and not exhaustive, as it is common to see monohulls competing off the coast of Monaco!
Horseback riding
Every year, magnificent horses arrive in the Principality for the same event on Port Hercule: the Jumping International de Monte-Carlo. An extremely difficult competition, where the best riders from all over the world must complete a formidable obstacle course. Elegance and performance are the order of the day on this winding and cramped track.
The honorary president of the event is none other than Charlotte Casiraghi, daughter of Princess Caroline and herself a passionate rider. The young woman has had the opportunity to participate in several competitions and recently made a remarkable entrance during Paris Fashion Week, by parading on horseback for the Chanel Haute-Couture collection!
Petanque
You will certainly come across the members of the Monegasque Boules Club in Fontvieille, recognizable by their red t-shirts. This club, created in the 20th century, regroups the "Boules Monégasques" club (petanque), the "Boulistes du Rocher" club (long bowls) and a training center.
