They are one of the treasures of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group. The Wine Cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, which celebrated their 150th anniversary last year, have just completed a major renovation, initiated in 2024 and entrusted to the architectural firm Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. The cellars were inaugurated in their new configuration on Wednesday, June 11, by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, in the presence of Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille, as well as Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. Carved into the rock ten meters underground, Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are now home to an ultra-private club for the most discerning wine lovers: Le Cercle de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The Art of Fine Living and the Art of Fine Wine come together in this exceptional 1,500 m² setting, making it the largest hotel wine cellar in the world, with a reputation that transcends borders, reaching as far as the World Expo in Osaka.
The finest Wine Cellars in the world
Born from the visionary foresight of Marie Blanc in 1874, the prestigious Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are a true testament not only to the rich historical heritage of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, but also to the Grand Art of Living that is the Group’s DNA. For their 150th anniversary in 2024, the Cellars began a transformation of their hospitality spaces to offer an even more exclusive guest experience. Entrusted to the Paris-based agency Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora, this large-scale renovation was carried out in two phases (early 2024 and 2025). The newly redesigned spaces were inaugurated this Wednesday, June 11.
The large hall immerses visitors into this fully preserved underground world, ten meters below ground, in a hushed, timeless atmosphere. Light wood, Stone from the village La Turbie situated in the Monegasque hinterland, and carefully designed lighting enhance the new spaces. Innovation is subtly integrated into this historic setting. In the reception hall, the story of the Cellars is now told in connection with the founding couple of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer: François and Marie Blanc.
The Wine Cellars also pay tribute to this great lady, notably through the unique Marie Blanc Reserve. This is where the oldest and rarest bottles, not intended for sale, are carefully preserved, including a Grande Champagne Cognac from 1809 and 1811, a 1945 Mouton-Rothschild, and a Petrus from the same year. This tribute continues in the brand-new Cellar Room dedicated to showcasing France’s greatest vineyards—Champagne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux—guided by an expert oenologist and with a surprising appearance of Marie Blanc.
This new setting can be explored through exclusive experiences such as guided cellar tours (with or without tastings), dinners or cocktail receptions, and through the all-new ultra-private club: Le Cercle des Caves de Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
Le Cercle des Caves de Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: a club for passionate wine lovers
After the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which has brought together the finest cigar aficionados since May 28, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer now turns to wine enthusiasts with the creation of Le Cercle des Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. This exclusive club offers its members privileged access to the finest vintages in the Wine Cellars of the Hôtel de Paris, along with exceptional oenological experiences: exclusive food and wine pairings, meetings with top winemakers, and bespoke guidance from Patrice Frank, Director of the Circle and the Wine Cellars.
By joining this ultra-private club, each member becomes part of a select circle of connoisseurs and enjoys special recognition within Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
Following an induction ceremony into the Circle, members join a community of passionate wine lovers to share their enthusiasm and enjoy unique experiences. They can participate in exclusive events: prestigious dinners held in the heart of the Cellars, enhanced by the Group’s sommeliers’ wine pairings, with the presence of winemakers and owners of renowned estates; access to a selection of rare wines and prestigious vintages; private tastings. H.S.H. Prince Albert II was officially inducted into Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo by Patrice Frank, Director of the Circle and the Wine Cellars.
“There are places where magic works with such intensity that they leave unforgettable memories. Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are one of those places. Reserved for wine professionals and a few rare, privileged visitors, the 1,500 m² of galleries are revealed gradually to guests, as you have just seen. This extensive renovation project, which was, in my view, absolutely strategic, was entrusted to the Parisian firm Moinard Bétaille, in collaboration with Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. This setting is a tribute to Marie Blanc, widow of the founder of the Société des Bains de Mer, which was established through the will of Prince Charles III,” said Stéphane Valeri during the evening.
Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris travel to Japan
Conceived around the theme “Take Care of Wonder”, the Monaco Pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka, which opened on April 13, pays special tribute to Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Two elegant spaces (the Lounge and the Belvedere) offer visitors an exceptional oenological journey designed by Patrice Frank, Director of Le Cercle and Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Three exclusive tastings feature fine wines and a Cognac Grande Champagne XO. A pop-up boutique presents a selection of refined items. In the Principality and beyond, Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris embody, more than ever, the Grand Art of Living in true Monte-Carlo style.
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