As summer casts its golden glow across the Côte d’Azur, the Principality of Monaco comes alive with a refined energy — one where elegance and artistic expression are in perfect harmony. From tranquil mornings on Larvotto Beach to candlelit galas and concerts beneath the stars, this jewel of the Riviera offers a season steeped in culture, philanthropy, and timeless glamour.

Few embodied Monaco’s graceful spirit more than Princess Grace. Her legacy continues to shape the Principality’s most treasured summer traditions — moments where beauty meets meaning, and every detail is infused with poise and purpose. Whether you're arriving by yacht, strolling the sculpted paths of the Jardin Exotique, or savoring a flute of champagne at sunset, here’s how to experience a truly Grace-inspired summer in Monaco.

1. A Glittering Tradition: The Red Cross Gala Ball (July 12)

Held at the iconic Salle des Étoiles, the Bal de la Croix-Rouge is one of Monaco’s most anticipated social events. Established in 1948 by Prince Louis II, the gala was later transformed into a star-studded celebration under Princess Grace (1958–1982). Today, Prince Albert II continues the legacy—combining haute couture, heartfelt philanthropy, and world-class performances. While this year’s gala is already a cherished memory, its dazzling spirit sets the tone for the season: radiant, charitable, and supremely elegant.

2. Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo: Summer Edition

For lovers of classical music and avant-garde performance, the Printemps des Arts festival offers a curated series of concerts and cultural encounters throughout July and August. Performances spill out into open-air venues like the Cour d’Honneur of the Prince’s Palace — where the setting sun illuminates centuries-old stone as music floats through the Mediterranean breeze. It’s the kind of artistic reverie Princess Grace herself championed, echoing her belief in the transformative power of the arts.

3. Twilight at the Théâtre du Fort Antoine

Nestled above the Port of Fontvieille, this historic 18th-century fortress transforms into a moonlit theater during the summer months. From late July through August, the Théâtre du Fort Antoine hosts contemporary plays and poetic performances beneath the stars — often free to the public. With the sea as a backdrop and the scent of oleander in the air, it's easy to imagine Princess Grace seated quietly among the audience, drawn to the beauty of storytelling in every form.

4. Sunset Sails & Yacht Soirées

Monaco’s famed Yacht Club, designed by Sir Norman Foster, is the epicenter of nautical luxury. During summer, its decks become the setting for exclusive cocktails, charity regattas, and chic rendezvous. Book a private sunset sail along the Riviera to witness Monaco’s coastline — from the Belle Époque façades of Monte-Carlo to the cliffs of Cap Martin — bathed in golden light. It’s an experience that evokes the cinematic glamour of Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief, yet utterly of the moment.

5. Monaco Art Week (July 15–21)

Timed around the art-fueled buzz of summer, Monaco Art Week unites the city’s galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions with special exhibitions and artist talks. Walk the cobblestoned paths of Le Rocher or explore the modern spaces of La Condamine to discover rare works from Picasso to contemporary visionaries. The week reflects Princess Grace’s own commitment to cultivating creativity and supporting emerging voices in the arts.

6. Open-Air Evenings at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo

Housed within the Palais Garnier-inspired Casino de Monte-Carlo, the Opéra hosts a spellbinding summer series — including special outdoor performances in the Place du Casino and terraces that overlook the glittering sea. Whether it’s ballet, symphony, or jazz, these evenings celebrate the emotional richness of live performance, a passion close to Princess Grace’s heart throughout her life as an actress and lifelong advocate for the arts.

That passion lives on through the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, which continues to support emerging talent in theater, dance, and film — a mission that aligns beautifully with these summer performances. Every purchase from the Grace de Monaco collection furthers this legacy, with 100% of profits directly benefitting the Foundation and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists.

7. A Stroll Through Grace’s Monaco

No summer in Monaco is complete without a quiet moment in the Princess Grace Rose Garden, where more than 300 varieties bloom in tender tribute. Or take a scenic walk along the Promenade Le Corbusier — once favored by Grace for its serene sea views. These peaceful corners remind us that beyond the glitter, Monaco is a place of contemplation, beauty, and enduring love.

An Invitation to Live Artfully

Monaco’s summer season is a symphony — of sun-dappled days, artistic discovery, and moonlit elegance. But above all, it is a celebration of a legacy that continues to bloom: the spirit of Princess Grace. Through every cultural gala, whispered poem, and garden in bloom, her presence lingers — an eternal muse for the Principality and for those who live, like her, with style, sincerity, and grace.

Follow @GracedeMonaco on social media to channel Riviera reverie all summer long.