Blog · Events
Monaco National Day, 19 November: getting there and getting around
Every 19 November, Monaco celebrates its National Day, also known as the Sovereign Prince’s Day. Fireworks the evening before, ceremonies on the Rock, a town decked out in red and white: a lovely time to discover the Principality, provided you plan your journey.
01 · The celebration
What traditionally happens
The official programme is published each year by Monaco’s town hall and the Prince’s Palace, a few weeks before the date. It usually follows the same pattern.
Evening of 18 November: fireworks are set off over Port Hercule. In previous years they started shortly after 8 pm.
19 November: Mass at the cathedral, ceremony and parade on the Place du Palais, appearance of the Princely Family on the balcony.
Around the port: the funfair stays in place until National Day.
Check the times for the 2026 edition on the official websites before you travel: some events are reserved for Monegasques and residents.
02 · Traffic
Reaching Monaco on those two days
From Nice Airport, allow 30 to 40 minutes in normal conditions. On the evening of the fireworks, access to Port Hercule and the quays is very busy, and streets around the site are closed. 19 November is a public holiday in Monaco: traffic is quieter in the morning, but part of the Rock is closed during the ceremonies.
- For the fireworks, arrive early and expect to finish on foot.
- Agree a precise meeting point for the way back: the phone network is often overloaded afterwards.
- Book your outward and return journeys together.
03 · Your stay
Enjoying Monaco in November
November is a pleasant time to visit the Principality: fewer people than in summer, soft light and most sights open. The Oceanographic Museum, the gardens, the Casino district or Larvotto are easy to visit in a day.
If you are staying in Nice or Cannes, a chauffeur at your disposal lets you combine the visit, dinner and the fireworks without worrying about parking.
04 · In practice
Booking your chauffeur
Tell us your pick-up address, the time you would like to be there and the return time you have in mind. Your chauffeur drops you at the closest authorised point and waits for you there at the agreed time.
All the details of the route are on our Nice Airport to Monaco page and in our article on routes, travel time and tips.
Before you go
Official programme and visits
Official information (times, access, programme) is published on the Principality’s tourist office website. We recommend checking it a few days before you travel, as details can change.
You will also find the events calendar and museum opening times during National Day.
On the evening before, the best views of the fireworks are around Port Hercule and from the heights. Restaurants with a view are booked well in advance: if you are dining there, give us the address and the time of your table, and your chauffeur will drop you as close as possible before access is closed.
On 19 November, think about what to wear: the ceremonies take place outdoors and November mornings are cool on the Rock. For the way back, agree a precise time; leaving the Principality is slow in the late afternoon.
Frequently asked
Monaco National Day: your questions
When is Monaco National Day?
On 19 November every year. The fireworks traditionally take place the evening before, on 18 November.
Is 19 November a public holiday in Monaco?
Yes. Many shops and offices are closed; restaurants and hotels stay open.
Can we be dropped at the harbour on the evening of the fireworks?
The quays are closed to traffic. Your chauffeur drops you at the closest authorised point.