Don’t Miss Monaco’s Rare Partial Solar Eclipse This August
If you’re lucky enough to be on the French Riviera on the evening of August 12, make plans to be in Monaco for a rare partial solar eclipse.
Just before sunset, the Moon will cover nearly 95% of the Sun over Monaco, creating one of the most dramatic partial solar eclipses the region has seen in decades. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since August 1999, though only a handful of European regions fall directly beneath the Moon’s shadow.
Everywhere else on the continent, including Monaco, the event will register as a partial eclipse of varying depth.
As daylight gives way to an eerie twilight, the Principality’s skyline, marina, and Mediterranean coastline will take on an entirely different mood, making this as much a travel experience as an astronomical one.
For one of the best vantage points, head to higher ground in Monaco-Ville, near the Prince’s Palace, where the open views should make a spectacular backdrop.
The terraces around Casino Square or the seaside promenade near Larvotto Beach would also offer memorable places to watch the sky darken as the sun slips toward the horizon.
Bring certified eclipse glasses, arrive early to claim a spot, and stay for sunset, when Monaco’s lights begin to sparkle against the evening sky.
Already planning time in the Principality?
Pair the eclipse with a stroll through Monaco-Ville, dinner overlooking the harbor, or a weekend exploring the French Riviera’s best beaches, Monaco’s different neighborhoods, and the principality’s surprisingly affordable attractions.
