Under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the sixth Rencontre des Sites Historiques Grimaldi de Monaco took place on Saturday, June 14, transforming the Place du Palais into a celebration of heritage, memory, and local craftsmanship…
The event honoured the deep-rooted historical ties between Monaco and eight communes in France and Italy, each linked to the Grimaldi family through centuries-old ancestry.
The Princely family, including Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, and their children, visited the event to meet exhibitors and celebrate the occasion. From Parma to the Var, via Haute-Loire, participating towns brought stories and flavours from their territories. The village of Bardi, for instance, highlighted the familial link between the Landi and Grimaldi dynasties, while Ollioules shared the rediscovery of a Grimaldi bishop’s commemorative plaque found in the village church—evidence of a historic visit that ended in tragedy.
Artisans representing each commune brought the event to life, offering tastings, demonstrations, and local products—from world-champion ice cream and handmade soaps to regional pasta and whisky. The aim: to promote the rich terroirs and skilled craftspeople of the network’s member towns.
Founded in 2015 by former Menton mayor Jean-Claude Guibal, the Grimaldi network now includes nearly 140 municipalities across France and Italy. Each shares a documented link with the Grimaldi lineage and benefits from increased visibility and tourism as part of the association.
Mayors were honoured with awards during the event to recognise their dedication to cultural preservation. The evening concluded with a grand son et lumière show on the Palace square, recounting the Grimaldi family’s epic journey through time. As the network continues to grow, soon to include departments like Manche, Ardennes, and Mayenne, the event remains a symbol of Monaco’s living history and regional connection.
Image: Prince’s Palace IG
