A hidden gem beneath the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo has been revealed in a new light. After an extensive renovation, the legendary wine cellars of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) were officially inaugurated on Wednesday, June 11 by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and SBM’s Président-Délégué Stéphane Valeri, in the presence of the architects behind the project, Bruno Moinard, Claire Bétaille, and Gabriel Viora.
Originally built in 1874 by Marie Blanc, the Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris are considered the largest hotel wine cellars in the world. Located ten metres underground and spanning 1,500 square metres, the cellars have long held a mythical status among wine professionals. Now, they usher in a new chapter with the introduction of the Cercle des Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, an ultra-private club for serious wine collectors and connoisseurs.
The restoration, initiated in 2024, was led by Paris-based agency Moinard Bétaille in collaboration with Monegasque architect Gabriel Viora. Every detail of the design pays tribute to the cellar’s heritage while subtly introducing contemporary elements. Visitors are now welcomed into a serene, almost otherworldly space where pale wood, La Turbie stone, and soft lighting combine to enhance the experience without disturbing the cellars’ historical character. A new reception room tells the story of the founders of the SBM, François and Marie Blanc, whose legacy is woven into every brick of the Hôtel de Paris.
Central to this tribute is the Marie Blanc Reserve, a space where some of the world’s most exceptional wines are stored, not for sale but for preservation. Among them are bottles of Cognac Grande Champagne from 1809 and 1811, a 1945 Mouton-Rothschild, and a 1945 Petrus, each representing a piece of vinicultural history. A newly created cellar within the space also presents the finest French wine regions—Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux—accompanied by the expertise of in-house oenologists.
The relaunch introduces the Cercle des Caves, an invitation-only club that offers members access to rare vintages and tailored experiences. These include exclusive food and wine pairings, private dinners in the heart of the cellars, bespoke tastings, and direct engagement with top winemakers. Prince Albert II was officially inducted into the Cercle by Patrice Frank, Director of the Caves and the new club. The club complements SBM’s recent launch of the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which caters to another segment of refined taste.
According to Stéphane Valeri, “There are places where the magic is so powerful it leaves a lasting impression. The Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo are one such place. This renovation was strategic and honours the vision of Marie Blanc, widow of the founder of SBM, established under Prince Charles III.”
Beyond Monaco, the cellars are also being celebrated on the world stage. At the Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Monaco Pavilion, themed “Take Care of Wonder,” features a dedicated tribute to the Caves. Visitors can explore an exceptional oenological journey in two elegant spaces, the Lounge and the Belvédère, where exclusive tastings of grand crus and a Cognac Grande Champagne XO are offered. A boutique completes the experience with a refined selection of cellar-inspired items.
Whether in the Principality or abroad, the Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris remain a beacon of Monte-Carlo’s enduring dedication to heritage, excellence and the art of fine living.
