The Place du Palais was abuzz with colour, culture, and culinary delights this weekend as it played host to the sixth edition of the Grimaldi Historic Sites Meeting. The annual event, now firmly entrenched in Monaco’s cultural calendar, brought together eight French and Italian municipalities with centuries-old ties to the Monegasque dynasty — and more than a few enticing regional treats.
Organised by the Grimaldi Historic Sites Federation, the gathering saw the arrival of towns steeped in history: Polignac, Lavoûte-sur-Loire, Saint-Pal-de-Chalencon, Ollioules, Uzès, Villeneuve-Loubet, as well as Bardi and Compiano from Italy’s Parma province. All have played a role, at one time or another, in the sprawling tapestry of Grimaldi heritage.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, joined by Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene and their twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, kicked off the festivities on Saturday morning. In a ceremonial moment that felt both regal and warmly communal, each participating municipality was honoured on stage, receiving commemorative plaques directly from the Sovereign.
But this was no stiff affair of suits and speeches — the Place du Palais was alive with the aroma of lavender, the hum of conversation, and the clinking of tasting cups. Local artisans offered up everything from hand-harvested herbs to regional liqueurs.
Tourist offices from each municipality hosted stands brimming with maps, memorabilia, and stories. Visitors could hop from the Haute-Loire to Liguria without leaving the square, guided by locals eager to share their towns’ pasts, traditions, and off-the-beaten-path recommendations.
Entertainment punctuated the day, with live performances keeping the atmosphere festive. Saturday evening featured a concert by the Orchestra of the Carabiniers du Prince, followed by a spectacular sound and light show projected onto the façade of the Prince’s Palace — an Instagrammer’s dream and a history buff’s delight.
Sunday’s programme turned up the tempo with martial arts demonstrations of Pàijeda, traditional Provençal music courtesy of Lou Fougau Prouvençau, and reenactments from historical troupe Chemin du Temps. For comic book lovers (or curious newcomers), there was an early release of Monaco, l’épopée des Grimaldi, a fresh graphic retelling of the dynasty’s saga. The official launch isn’t until 25 June, but attendees had the chance to snap up early copies at the Place du Palais.
In short: culture, cuisine, comic books, and a healthy dose of dynastic pride. Monaco knows how to throw a heritage party.
Image courtesy of Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier
