Situated on the French Riviera, Monaco may be the world’s second-smallest country but it comes with plenty of charm.
We catch up with Hanushka Toni – Founder & CEO of leading luxury reseller Sellier with stores in both London and Monaco – who shares everything there is to know about the country. Find out about the best vintage shopping in Monte Carlo, the French supermarket with the best cheese selection, and where to find the coolest contemporary brands.
Best area or street for shopping…
Monaco is the world’s second smallest country, so talking about areas for shopping isn’t the same as when you’re talking about a metropolis like London or Paris. You could probably cover every single shopping destination in under an hour. My personal favourite is the Metropole Shopping Centre in the centre of town, it’s the most luxurious shopping centre on the French Riviera and has a beautiful old-world vibe; dripping with ornate oversized crystal chandeliers and Italian marble. The stores in the Metropole are also a nice mix of independent and big luxury brands, giving it a certain charm that a lot of shopping centres lack.
View this post on Instagram
Where can we find the best vintage shops…
Sellier probably offers the best selection for vintage shopping in Monaco with two stores in the principality – one in the Metropole Shopping Centre and the other on Avenue de Grande Bretagne. Both of the Sellier stores in Monaco offer a selection of the most coveted superbrands like Chanel and Hermès, including super-desirable preloved bags such as the Hermès Birkin and Kelly, as well as vintage Chanel pieces.
View this post on Instagram
One place only locals know about…
Monaco is brimming with secret corners. In the Summer I like to go to the open-air cinema on top of the Rock. It’s romantic to the point of cliché – the Med stretching out into the horizon, twinkling stars and fading cicadas. However, much to the relief of anyone not there on a date, it also abuts the local prison so you get some rather colourful interjections too.
Your favourite local brands or boutiques?
House of Denim for the hottest superbrand jeans. Eden in the Metropole for incredible contemporary brands. Komo for quirky fashion and jewellery.
Souvenir to take home?
I think mementos are the best souvenirs. The Monaco Casino is a great night out. I kept a chip from the last time I went and it always makes me smile remembering that night.
The best place to treat yourself is…
The Monte Carlo Bay Hotel has incredible private cabanas overlooking the sea. You can easily spend all day there in the summer, enjoying drinks, a spot of lunch, card games and swimming. It feels decadent beyond belief and is one of my favourite ways to spend a weekend.
View this post on Instagram
Best overall shopping experience?
I love French supermarkets. The cheese section of the Monaco Carrefour is by far my favourite way to while away an hour.
Best store design?
Sabrina Monte Carlo is Monaco’s interior destination. Their showroom in Monaco is pretty on point.
Best pit stop for lunch or coffee?
I start every morning with a flaky Chausson aux Pommes from the L’Epi D’or Boulangerie. It’s my guilty pleasure and sets me up for the day. For lunch, there’s one place I always go: an Italian meat place called La Bionda, it’s located inside an underpass in the area of Condamine. It’s not fancy – instead a TV on the wall with the football on kind of place – but the food is outstanding and I usually order the entire menu; the picanya, cheese penne, gnocchi, charcuterie plate, the list goes on. For dessert I’ll get an ice cream at Rossi La Bottega del Gelato, which is out of this world.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?