Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and Monaco : a beautiful tale

Our resort's history is closely linked to that of the Principality. The company was created in 1863 by a sovereign order of Charles III of Monaco. He entrusted François Blanc, a French businessman, with developing gambling and hospitality in Monaco. A few years later, Société des Bains de Mer designed a brand-new district to bring the Principality to life: “Monte-Carlo”, in tribute to Prince Charles III. The late 1860s saw the construction of iconic buildings: the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, the Café Divan (now the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo) and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, designed by Charles Garnier and inaugurated by Sarah Bernhardt. Monte-Carlo quickly became popular with the rich and famous. Aristocrats, artists and businessmen liked to visit this intimate, modern and luxurious destination.

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer began diversifying in the 1910s: creating a car rally, purchasing the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, inaugurating the Monte-Carlo Beach, followed by the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, opening top restaurants and luxury boutiques, and more. Success was on the cards once more.

With more than 3,500 employees, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is the largest private employer in the Principality and the main driver of its tourist appeal. Today, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer manages a large number of establishments, including four 4 and 5star hotels, two casinos, 33 restaurants and bars including several Michelin-starred restaurants  meeting rooms, a nightclub, spas, performance venues and sports facilities. It promises its customers a unique experience under “one roof” that is constantly being updated. And in the words of François Blanc: “This place has to be about dreams, enjoyment and beauty.”