Key dates for the 2026 Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is not limited to race day on Sunday. The circuit is set up several weeks in advance, and dismantling takes several days.
Here are the key dates for the 2026 Grand Prix:
- The circuit will be set up starting on April 15.
- Free practice takes place on Thursday, May 21, followed by qualifying on Saturday, May 23.
- The race takes place on Sunday, May 24, and dismantling continues until May 28.
In total, the risk period runs from April 15 to May 28, meaning nearly six weeks during which traffic is disrupted to varying degrees.
Which neighborhoods are affected by the circuit?
Not all neighborhoods in Monaco are subject to the same restrictions. Some become completely inaccessible to vehicles, while others remain unaffected.
Areas inaccessible during the Grand Prix
Monte Carlo is the most affected neighborhood. Boulevard Albert 1er and Avenue d'Ostende are completely closed to traffic as they form part of the circuit. Boulevard des Moulins experiences significant disruption, and the Portier tunnel is closed intermittently depending on the sessions.
La Condamine is also heavily impacted. Quai Albert 1er runs along the port and is an integral part of the circuit. Boulevard Louis II is closed, and access to Avenue du Port is severely restricted. Even Fontvieille, although slightly further away, is subject to access restrictions from Beausoleil and has traffic diverted.
The least affected neighborhoods
Le Rocher, also known as Monaco-Ville, has reduced traffic but remains accessible. This historic neighborhood is perched on a promontory and remains relatively accessible even during the event. Larvotto, located east of Monte Carlo, experiences minor disruptions. Moving there is still possible with good coordination. Finally, Moneghetti is relatively unaffected by road closures and remains accessible via alternative routes.
3 options to consider
Given the constraints of the Grand Prix, there are three strategies available to you depending on your requirements and flexibility.
Option 1: Move before the Grand Prix
This is by far the most reasonable solution. The ideal period is from January to mid-April, when Monaco is still operating normally. All neighborhoods are accessible, you don't have to worry about road closures, and moving company rates remain standard.
The only requirement is to plan ahead: book your moving company in January to avoid saturation. Moving professionals in Monaco quickly become overwhelmed as the Grand Prix approaches, because many people make the same calculation as you.
Option 2: Moving during the Grand Prix
This option is a real challenge and should only be considered in cases of absolute emergency. Both your departure neighborhood and your arrival neighborhood must be outside the circuit areas, so choose Larvotto, Moneghetti, or Le Rocher. For this to be possible, you must meet several conditions.
Moves can only take place very early in the morning, usually between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., before the streets are closed for the race. You will need to obtain special traffic authorization from the Monaco Police, a process that takes 4 to 6 weeks and is not guaranteed to be successful. Only compact trucks are accepted; large trucks are completely excluded.
You should also be prepared for a significant price increase. Movers who agree to work during this period charge 40 to 60% more than their usual rates. Finally, you must book at least two months in advance, as very few companies accept these moves and their availability is extremely limited.
Option 3: Postpone until after the Grand Prix
If your moving date is not set in stone, postponing until after the event is an excellent fallback option. From May 29 onwards, traffic will gradually return to normal in Monaco. The stress associated with the event will have subsided, the streets will be reopened, and movers' rates will return to their standard levels within one to two weeks.
The only real drawback is for people whose departure date from their current home is fixed. In this case, a temporary solution will need to be found for the three to four weeks in between.
The temporary storage solution
If you absolutely must vacate your current home before the Grand Prix but cannot move into your new home before the end of the event, storage is the ideal solution.
The principle is simple: you empty your current home before April 15 and store all your belongings in a secure storage unit, either in Monaco or nearby in La Turbie. Once the Grand Prix is over, after May 29, you can move into your new home under normal conditions.
This approach allows you to comply with your notice period while avoiding the insurmountable constraints of the Grand Prix. For six weeks of storage in a 15 to 20 m³ unit, expect to pay around $180 to $360 depending on the location and services provided.
Special authorizations: An administrative process
If, despite all these obstacles, you absolutely must move during the Grand Prix, you will have to go through a demanding administrative process. The Monaco City Council requires special traffic permits during the event.
You must contact the City Council at least six weeks before your desired moving date. Your request for a traffic permit must be accompanied by the following mandatory supporting documents: lease, professional moving contract, proof of necessity. The City Council will impose a very strict time slot, usually between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and will define a specific route that you will not be able to change.
In certain particularly sensitive areas, a police escort may even be required. Be aware that the refusal rate is high: Monaco prioritizes safety and the smooth running of the event, which is a major economic issue for the Principality.
Practical tips for moving during the GP
If, after weighing up all these factors, you still decide to move during the Grand Prix, there are a few precautions you should take.
Choose a local removal company that knows Monaco inside out, including its diversions and possible time slots. An experienced professional will know how to navigate the constraints of the event better than anyone else. Allow at least 50% more time than you would for a normal move, as journeys will be longer due to the many detours imposed.
Don't expect to use a large truck: only compact vehicles are allowed during this period. Pack everything before moving day to save as much time as possible, as every minute counts in the time slot you will be allocated. Finally, prepare a backup plan with a furniture storage solution in case the operation is canceled at the last minute for reasons beyond your control.
Don't forget to notify your building manager at least two months in advance. Many condominiums restrict or simply prohibit moving during the Grand Prix to avoid complications.
The impact on rates
Moving rates vary considerably depending on the time of year. From January to March, you can benefit from standard rates with excellent availability of movers. From April 15 to May 14, just before the Grand Prix, rates increase by 20 to 30% and availability begins to decrease.
During the Grand Prix period itself, from May 15 to 28, surcharges reach 40 to 60% and availability becomes very limited. Only a few movers accept these jobs, and only under strict conditions. From May 29 onwards, rates return to standard and availability returns to normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we move on race day, Sunday?
No, that is strictly impossible. Traffic is completely closed in most of Monaco from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on that day. Even with special permits, you will not be able to access the areas affected by the circuit.
Do movers agree to work during the Grand Prix?
Some companies will do so for a significant surcharge of 50 to 60%, and only if the necessary permits have been obtained from the City Hall. The vast majority of movers simply refuse to do so, as they consider it too complicated.
Can I rent a truck and move on my own during the Grand Prix?
This is strongly discouraged. You will not be able to obtain the necessary traffic permits as a private individual, and you risk a fine and having your vehicle immobilized. The Monegasque authorities are very strict on this point during the event.
Does the furniture lift operate during the Grand Prix?
Yes, the furniture lift itself can operate as it does not use public roads. The problem remains the access of the truck to the foot of the building, which remains impossible in the areas around the circuit.
What should I do if my lease ends during the Grand Prix?
The best solution is to negotiate with your landlord for a two- to three-week lease extension so you can move out after the event. If this is not possible, temporary storage is your best option for vacating the property on time.
Our professional recommendation
After 25 years of experience in Monaco, our advice is clear: avoid moving between April 15 and May 28 at all costs. This period involves too many constraints, risks of cancellation, and additional costs for a smooth move.
If your moving date is dictated by the end of a lease or the purchase of a property, opt for the following periods. From January to March, Monaco is quiet and all services operate normally. June to July, just after the Grand Prix and before the summer holidays, is also an excellent window. Finally, from September to November, you can enjoy mild weather and sometimes advantageous rates.
In any case, plan ahead and book your movers 2 to 3 months in advance to guarantee the slot of your choice. This advance planning is even more crucial if you need to move in the weeks leading up to the Grand Prix.
Need help organizing your move to Monaco, whether during or outside of the Grand Prix?
Contact Prestigia Déménagement for a personalized quote.