Monaco isn’t just about yachts and casinos. Every season, the principality becomes a magnet for the world’s most visible faces - supermodels, influencers, and fashion icons who show up for events, parties, and private gatherings that most people never even hear about. If you want to meet top models in Monaco this season, you don’t need a VIP list or a celebrity agent. You just need to know where to look, when to show up, and how to blend in without trying too hard.
Where Top Models Actually Hang Out in Monaco
Forget the red carpets at the Film Festival - that’s long over. Right now, the real action is in the hidden corners of Monte Carlo’s nightlife. Top models aren’t sitting at the front row of runway shows. They’re sipping sparkling water at Le Club 55 on the beach, dancing barefoot at Le Rascasse after midnight, or grabbing a late-night burger at Le Petit Nice in Larvotto. These aren’t the places you see in travel brochures. They’re the spots where models unwind after shoots, away from photographers and PR teams.
Most of them stay at the Hotel de Paris or Monte-Carlo Bay, but they rarely check in under their real names. If you’re staying there, don’t hover in the lobby. Instead, show up for breakfast at the hotel’s beachside café around 8:30 a.m. That’s when models who’ve been up all night at parties are grabbing avocado toast and coffee before heading to the gym.
Timing Is Everything
The season runs from late October through December, with peaks around the Monaco Yacht Show (late September) and the Formula 1 Grand Prix (May), but right now, the quiet window between October and November is prime time. After the crowds thin out, the models come back - relaxed, unguarded, and looking for real connections, not Instagram moments.
They’re not at the big clubs on Friday nights. That’s when tourists flood in. Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The music is better. The crowd is smaller. And the models? They’re there because they want to be, not because they have to be.
How to Get Invited to the Right Parties
You won’t find a public list of model parties. But you can get on the guest list if you know how to play the game. Start by building credibility in the right circles. Attend open events like the Monaco Art Fair or the Yacht Club de Monaco’s monthly wine tastings. These aren’t exclusive - but they’re attended by people who know the right people.
Bring something real to the table. Not a business card. Not your LinkedIn profile. Bring a conversation. Ask about their favorite place to eat in Port Hercule. Or mention a designer they’ve walked for - not just the big names, but the indie ones like Marine Serre or Simone Rocha. Models notice when you know their work, not just their face.
What Not to Do
Don’t approach them with a phone out. Don’t ask for a selfie. Don’t say, “I know you from Instagram.” That’s the quickest way to get ignored - or worse, flagged by security.
Don’t show up in a suit if you’re not invited to a formal event. Most models wear jeans, sneakers, and oversized coats. If you’re dressed like you’re going to a board meeting, you’ll stand out for the wrong reasons.
And never, ever try to buy their attention. No gifts. No DMs. No offers to “take them out.” They’ve heard it all. Authenticity is the only currency that works here.
Where to Spot Them During the Day
Daytime is often easier than night. Top models are often in Monaco for photo shoots, brand launches, or personal time. Head to Marché de la Condamine on Saturday mornings. It’s crowded, but not touristy. You’ll see them picking out fresh figs, chatting with vendors, or just walking their dogs.
Another quiet spot: the Princess Grace Rose Garden. It’s open to the public, and models who live nearby come here to read, meditate, or sketch. Go early, before 10 a.m. Bring a book. Sit on a bench. Don’t stare. If they say hello, say it back. That’s all it takes.
Why Monaco Works Better Than Milan or Paris
In Milan, models are working. In Paris, they’re rushing between shows. In Monaco, they’re not on the clock. The principality doesn’t have a fashion week. It has no pressure. That’s why so many top models - like Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo, and Winnie Harlow - come here to reset. They’re not here to be seen. They’re here to be free.
That’s your advantage. You’re not chasing fame. You’re looking for connection. And that’s exactly what they’re looking for too.
Real Stories From People Who Did It Right
A friend of mine met Freja Beha Erichsen at a small jazz bar in Fontvieille last year. He didn’t say anything at first. Just nodded when she walked in. She sat down alone. He ordered a whiskey. Five minutes later, she asked if he knew the band. They talked for two hours. No photos. No exchange of numbers. Just a quiet conversation about music and travel.
Three weeks later, she sent him a postcard from Bali. No signature. Just a drawing of a wave and the words: “Thanks for not asking for a selfie.”
That’s the rule: be present, not pushy.
What to Bring - and What to Leave Behind
- Bring: A genuine interest in people, not just fame
- Bring: A good book, a sketchpad, or a quiet conversation starter
- Bring: Comfortable shoes - you’ll be walking a lot
- Leave: Your ego, your phone, your expectations
- Leave: The idea that meeting a model is a trophy
Top models in Monaco aren’t celebrities. They’re people. And if you treat them that way, you might just end up with a real connection - not just a story to tell.
Can I meet top models at the Monaco Grand Prix?
You might see a few models at the Grand Prix, but it’s not the best place to meet them. The event is packed with corporate clients, media, and security. Models who attend usually do so as guests of brands, not for socializing. If you want real interaction, skip the track and head to the quieter beach clubs or art galleries in the weeks after.
Do I need to be rich to meet top models in Monaco?
No. You don’t need to own a yacht or wear a Rolex. Most models aren’t impressed by wealth - they see it every day. What matters is curiosity, respect, and the ability to hold a real conversation. Many of them have worked as waitresses or bartenders before modeling. They know the difference between someone who’s trying to impress and someone who’s just being themselves.
Are there any model-specific events in Monaco this season?
There aren’t any official events labeled as “model-only,” but look for private gallery openings, charity dinners hosted by fashion designers, or small music nights at Le Jardin d’Hiver. These are often invite-only, but if you’re connected to the local art or design scene, you can get in. Follow local cultural blogs like Monaco Life or La Revue de Monaco - they list these events before they go public.
What if I accidentally approach a model the wrong way?
If you realize you’ve made them uncomfortable - even if you didn’t mean to - apologize quickly and walk away. Don’t try to explain or justify yourself. Models deal with unwanted attention daily. A simple, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” goes further than any excuse. Most will appreciate the honesty, even if they don’t respond.
Can I follow models on social media to find out where they’ll be?
You can, but don’t rely on it. Most top models turn off location tags and avoid posting about their personal plans. If they do post something, it’s often misleading - meant to create buzz, not give directions. Instead of tracking them online, focus on real places and real moments. The best encounters happen when you’re not looking for them.
