Inside Monte-Carlo’s Luxe New Cigar Club

[El Presidente]

 

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/cigars/gallery/the-monte-carlo-cigar-club-in-photos-1236741977/future-terrace-monte-carlo-cigar-club-2-renders-cmoinard-betaille-agency/

Inside Monte-Carlo’s Luxe New Cigar Club

The Monte-Carlo Cigar Club opens its doors on May 28

By Nicole Hoey

Cigar aficionados, your new favorite French Riviera haunt is here.

The Monte-Carlo Cigar Club is opening its doors on May 28 in Monaco after undergoing many months of renovations. Housed in the esteemed Casino de Monte-Carlo, the new, ultra-exclusive spot is aiming to become one of the finest cigar clubs in the world.

To do just that, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer—a leading luxury hospitality powerhouse in the area—decided to partner with Dominique London, a leading cigars and spirts company, to bring the project to life. The collaboration allows the Cigar Club to house no fewer than 35,000 cigars, making it the ultimate stogie haven for its members (if you happen to be staying in one of the Diamond Suites at the Société’s Monte-Carlo hotels, you can also gain access to the trove).

The smokes here include the crème de la crème of long-filler cigar brands from places like Cuba, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Peru. Arturo Fuente, Cohiba, Davidoff, Montecristo, Rocky Patel, Romeo y Julieta, and Trinidad are a few of the notable brands on offer. The location’s walk-in humidor, meanwhile, is the work of Société DeArt.

If you’re in the mood for a tipple, the Cigar Club has a wide array for you to choose from, too. The cigar sommeliers are on call to choose the ultimate drink pairing for your favorite smoke based on your own preferences, whether that be cognac, whiskey, rum or Champagne. Special spirits include the Inconica Havana Club line, which serves up three Cuban rums for you to choose: Havana Club Selección de Maestros, Havana Club Gran Reserva Añejo 15 Años, and Havana Club Máximo Extra Añejo.  Wine, meanwhile, will come directly from the cellars at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Tea and coffee will also be served. And for some nibbles, you can expect club sandwiches, finger foods, and even chocolate to pair with your cigar.

The decor is no slouch, either. The just-over 2,150-square-foot space is the brainchild of Moinard Béraille architecture firm. A stone-and-wood clad greets guests in the reception area. Inside, moody, tobacco-hued tones set the stage for the smoking lounge. You’ll you’ll also get pops of reds, blues, and pinks, meant to evoke both the streets of Havana and old towns dotting the Côte d’Azur. Patinated leather armchairs dot the space, the perfect perch for chatting with your fellow members—or you can choose to head to the bar, with its long, onyx countertop and collection of spirits on display. If you prefer to smoke outside, can also enjoy the Cigar Club’s airy terrace, which shows off stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Avenue de Monte-Carlo.

“The Monte-Carlo Cigar Club will be the fruition of our ongoing quest for elegance and refinement, a mission we hold above all: to offer a world of discovery, experience, wonder, and Joie de Vivre on the Riviera,” Dominique Gyselinck, founder of Dominique London, said in a statement.

The new club is also housed in the former office of François Blanc, founder of the Société des Bains de Mer. The exec once said of the locale, “Here, we give dreams, pleasures, and beauty”—a trifecta that members will be hoping to find at the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club.

[JohnS]

The Monte-Carlo Cigar Club in Photos

The luxe new location is opening its doors on May 28.

By Nicole Hoey

Moinard Bétaille Agency

The entrance. Photo : Moinard Bétaille Agency

The smoking room. Photo : Moinard Bétaille Agency

The bar. Photo : Moinard Bétaille Agency

The lounge. Photo : Moinard Bétaille Agency

The terrace, which overlooks the sea. Photo : Moinard Bétaille Agency

Another view of the terrace. Photo : Moinard Bétaille Agency

Source: https://robbreport.com/food-drink/cigars/gallery/the-monte-carlo-cigar-club-in-photos-1236741977/future-terrace-monte-carlo-cigar-club-2-renders-cmoinard-betaille-agency/

[JohnS]

Monaco’s Newest, Ultra-Exclusive Cigar Lounge

Monaco caters to the wealthy and the famous on a grand scale, and its newest cigar lounge—opening right around the time of the famed Monaco Grand Prix—is no different

 May 21, 2025 - By Garrett Rutledge

The newest lounge in Monaco isn't just trying to appeal to the wealthy—the team behind it wants it to be the top cigar club in the world. - Photos/Monte-Carlo Cigar Club

The glamor and allure of the French Riviera are undeniable. Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice: Each of these breathtaking Mediterranean escapes rightfully draw millions of tourists per year. But just nearby, in a territory that occupies only a three-quarter-mile area and just over 500 acres, sits one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the world. The Principality of Monaco is the world’s second smallest country, only behind Vatican City, but it punches well above its weight class. The city-state is the living embodiment of luxury, affluence and exclusivity, and it just got a new cigar lounge to match. The new Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which opens this month, is aiming to be the most prestigious cigar lounge in the world—and it’s making a fair case.

Monaco is small in stature, but massive in the world of luxury and fine living.

The Cigar Club is located in the Casino de Monte-Carlo, a mecca in the world of gambling and entertainment that opened in 1865. Its size and facade are more reminiscent of a humble, classical art museum than that of the mega-casinos in Las Vegas. There are specific rules for entry, in regards to the price of admission, age, forms of identity and dress code. But perhaps the most surprising stipulation is who isn’t allowed in—the 39,000 citizens of Monaco. The local population has been forbidden from entering the gaming rooms since the Casino’s earliest days. The idea then, which sustains today, is that the casino is meant for foreigners and that the small city-state cannot afford its limited population to gamble away its money.

The Casino de Monte-Carlo is world-famous and quite cinematic, making appearances in several films including prominent features in the 007 movie franchise.

The casino is located in Monte-Carlo, the most famous district in Monaco. Outsiders tend to confuse the district with the principality’s namesake, but the two aren’t interchangeable. Monte-Carlo is home to many of the small country’s biggest attractions, such as the casino, the opera house, prestigious hotels, shops and restaurants that serve the ultrawealthy and famous. The Casino de Monte-Carlo is owned and operated by the Société des Bains de Mer, or SBM, a public company in which the Monaco government and the ruling royal family have a majority stake. The latter, the Grimaldi family, has ruled Monaco for eight centuries, and is Europe's longest-ruling royal family. The reigning prince is Albert II, who took the throne in 2005. Beyond the casino, SBM also owns and operates numerous hotels, restaurants, residential buildings and more throughout the city-state. SBM is also the leading force behind the new Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, which the group created alongside Dominique London, a company that owns and operates a large portfolio of high-end cigar shops around Europe, including several La Casa del Habano cigar stores.

There's a kind of wall of mirrors effect as you first enter the Cigar Club, amid walls colored in a rich, tobacco brown.

The Cigar Club is located on the east side of the casino in the former office of François Blanc, the founder of SBM and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. The club is roughly 2,150 square feet. It was designed by world-renowned architectural designers Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille, of the Parisian firm Moinard Bétaille. The duo has worked with SBM before on creating One Monte-Carlo, a high-end residential building, and on a project revamping the wine cellar of the legendary Hôtel de Paris. The high-class, lavish temperament of the lounge, which matches the masterful architecture of the casino, is immediately apparent upon entering the smoky escape. The reception area alone has no shortage of character. The walls are a rich, tobacco-colored brown, accentuated by tall glass panels that allow visitors to peer into the smoking lounge and bar area.

The bright-colored compartments, next to tall windows with palm trees and sunshine, might make one feel that they're in a smoking room in Havana.

Inside the lounge, the atmosphere is refined yet welcoming. The space has the spirit of a peaceful, elegant library or study room but with an intimate layout of tables and brown leather chairs conducive for camaraderie. Natural light beautifully flows through tall window panes that lead to a terrace overlooking the sea, accentuating the rich colors in the room. On the same wall of the windows, one is transported to the vibrantly-colored streets of Havana. A wall of open compartments, with an assortment of books and cigar boxes, are colored in light pinks, blues, reds and bronze, like those common in parts of Cuba or in old towns along the French Riviera. The vibrant colors are meant to contrast with the darker interior, which includes various shades of brown, yellow and green, meant to reflect the entire chromatic range of tobacco.

The green walls inside the smoking lounge area are meant to reflect tobacco in its youngest, unfermented stages.

On other sides of the wall, one can vaguely glimpse into the bar area through clear glass panels that flank mounted cigar lockers, which can be accessed via a member’s key. In the center of this display, a grand locker stands out from the rest, designated specifically for Prince Albert II. Just on the other side of this wall, a long onyx bar is surrounded by brown leather stools and an impressive collection of spirits. An exceptional wine menu is also available, supplied by the prestigious cellars of the Hôtel de Paris (also run by SBM). Flanking the wall of spirits are two large, vertical columns finished in dark brown leather, meant to resemble cigars. Both can slide open to reveal glass displays holding precious bottles of spirits.

Just as the natural lighting in the room can make for a subdued atmosphere, at times the lounge can also feel king-like with a gold hue emanating from the walls.

One of the real gems of this space, adjacent to the lounge and bar, is the sizable outdoor terrace. The gorgeous spot, complete with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas and greenery, offers remarkable views of the Mediterranean Sea and Monaco. The facade of the Hôtel de Paris looms just nearby, giving a city-like, Parisian feel while the sea commands the horizon.

Finding the proper spirit to pair with your cigar shouldn't be an issue in this club.

The Cigar Club certainly does not disappoint when it comes to cigars themselves. You can access the walk-in humidor by entering a room just by the entrance. The humidor was built by Italian fine furniture and humidor specialists DeArt. Inside, there’s a remarkable collection of some of the finest cigars in the world—35,000 in total. The physical space is accented by a gold and bronze-like hue that gives it an almost heavenly, distinguished feel. Frédéric Dechamps, CEO of Dominique London, says the finest collection of Cuban cigars you can find are on-hand, including Cohiba Behikes (52s through 56s), Bolivar Belicoso Finos, all of the recent Edición Limitadas, the new regional editions for France and so much more. But this high-end collection is not limited to just Cuban cigars. Dechamps says they have Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Oliva and Rocky Patel cigars, just to name a select few. “We want to offer what the market offers,” he says, noting they wanted to reflect evolving international tastes that have given more credence to non-Cuban smokes in recent years.

Just below the terrace, on the street that weaves around the Casino in the bottom right, F1 cars will soon be soaring by.

This past Monday, on May 19, the club had its official inauguration. Prince Albert II was in attendance along with an exclusive, VIP group of roughly 100. The club, however, won’t be fully open to members until May 28. It has to close down for the remainder of this week as arguably the biggest event of the year is rolling into Monaco, the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.

Practice will go on the rest of the week before race day on Sunday, May 25. Given the Casino’s immediate proximity to what will soon be a full-fledged race track, the closure makes logistical sense. Plus, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most famous and historic races in the world, with races on the 'Circuit de Monaco’ track extending back more than 100 years. In a place known for high-profile events and attractions, this race typically takes the top spot.

The terrace is quite breathtaking here, a nice dichotomy between seaside views and city-feel.

Dechamps believes the club will be in the same league as the Gran Prix. “We believe we created the number one cigar club in the world,” he says. Its exclusivity cannot be denied. There will be no walk-ins here. The only way to gain entry without knowing people who know some people is to become a Platinum My Monte-Carlo member, which is the highest level of the My Monte-Carlo loyalty program, only achievable by spending 100,000 euros at the Monte-Carlo Resort. Dechamps says there is already a waiting list. There are presently around 50 founding members, and it’s unclear how much that number may or may not grow as time goes on. Annual membership fees are undisclosed. 

Prince Albert II (seen pictured here, middle left) attended the opening event alongside SBM and Dominique London leadership, who are seen here on either side of His Serene Highness.

For future admission, individuals will need to have two sponsors, members who will vouch for them. Plus, the group is adamant about including members who are legitimate cigar connoisseurs who will be present in the club. They don’t want “ghost members” who join but are never actually there enjoying cigars. We concur. No real cigar aficionado would belong to a club of this magnitude and not rightfully bask in the cigar spoils on a consistent basis.

Just take a look inside the astounding walk-in humidor:

Source: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/monaco-s-newest-ultra-exclusive-cigar-lounge

[BrightonCorgi]

Elite presentation and selection of cigars.

[Stoyan]

[CigarCulture09]

Doesn’t get any better than this. 

[Havanaaddict]

It's ok 🙄

 

 

 

 

 

😂 Holy crap!😳

[ha_banos]

That's the market for BHK 58 etc then. Krok Karl was taking some shots overlooking the road recently. He gets bloody everywhere, lol.

[JohnS]

World’s Best Cigar Club?

 July 30, 2025 - Nick Hammond 

THE Place de Casino basks in the morning sun.

Ornate coral pink and lemon-yellow buildings dress the square, and in the far corner, beyond the magnificent Casino, the Mediterranean glitters seductively.

To one side of that gloriously over-the-top Casino is a subtle terrace. This oasis forms the beating heart of a brand-new cigar club which is setting the Gold Standard for the genre. It’s a place of serenity, beauty, peace and friendship. This is the Monte Carlo Cigar Club.

“We have a simple aim,” says the urbane Club Directeur, Jean Thomas. “To be the best Cigar Club in the world.”

This is a familiar refrain from one of the companies behind the Club. Dominique London, European cigar specialist retailer, has long espoused a similar aim – to be the world’s best cigar merchant. From humble beginnings and a small shop in 2001, founder Dominique Gyselinck and husband Frédéric Dechamps have built a multi-national cigar juggernaut.

And they show no signs of stopping.

Dominque London has opened the Monte Carlo Cigar Club in collaboration with the Société des Bains de Mers, the Monaco Government-owned organisation responsible for managing a host of businesses in the Place de Casino and beyond.

Time spent in the Club and on the terrace is ethereal; a wonderful mix of sophistication, knowledge and fun. Membership is strictly limited, expensive and in-demand. Club Sommelier Adrien Dalang is exacting when selecting smokes and drinks for his Members (‘What flavours do you like? Nutty? Sweet? Spicy?”)

He has plenty to choose from. The incredible walk-in humidor is like something you’d find – appropriately enough in this sailor’s paradise – aboard one of the yachts in the nearby marina. It was meticulously crafted by world-renowned humidor specialist, DeArt of Bergamot and is, as you might imagine, heavily weighted towards Cuba. But plenty of smokes from elsewhere in the cigar-making universe are represented here; Oliva, Davidoff, Rocky Patel, Fuente and Padron among them.

Snacks are quietly placed at hand and, protected by the fierce sun of southern France by smart overhead canopies, you are free to enjoy a wide range of libations from the bar. There are, of course, perfectly ventilated and cooling rooms inside in which to meet, talk and enjoy your smoke. But it is this terrace that is the focal point of the Club. Prince Albert II of Monaco is a Founding Member and regular visitor to the terrace, where he is able to enjoy a smoke in peace like any other Member.

An incredible wine list is available from the cellars of one of the world’s grand old hotels, the Hôtel De Paris, itself just a short stroll across the Avenue de Monte Carlo – across the very road that F1 drivers preposterously race along at speeds in excess of 120mph at the annual Monaco Grand Prix.

“We have been open a matter of weeks, and we already are not far away from fulfilling our desired Membership total,” Frédéric Dechamps tells me over lunch.

“We want cigar people; people who will use the facilities, enjoy their cigars and their lockers and who can simply sit in peace or meet up with other Members and their guests. We will be holding Club events of course and will offer the sort of benefits you would expect from a Club of this magnitude. The feedback we’ve had so far has been excellent – and we are only just beginning to bed in. Working with the Société des Bains de Mers has been a joy.”

If becoming a Member – there are several varying categories – is something you’d like to explore further, you are advised to make contact sooner rather than later. There is no shortage of cigar lovers in this part of the world – and the chance to join a Club of this calibre doesn’t come around very often.

Monte Carlo Cigar Club – Tel: +377 980 622 21, email: [email protected] 

Source: https://www.cigarjournal.com/worlds-best-cigar-club/

[Wookie]

Anybody know the initiation fee and annual dues?

[teamrandr]

That would be a great experience. 

[MC4]

[ha_banos]

Reading further down the CA article - absolutely anything to avoid watching that video ^^

There will be no walk-ins here. The only way to gain entry without knowing people who know some people is to become a Platinum My Monte-Carlo member, which is the highest level of the My Monte-Carlo loyalty program, only achievable by spending 100,000 euros at the Monte-Carlo Resort.

[99call]

When governments try to ban cigars and people wonder why the average Joe in the street doesn't give a flying _____ about cigar smokers. It's because of stuff like this...segregated society. 

 

[El Presidente]

4 hours ago, 99call said:

When governments try to ban cigars and people wonder why the average Joe in the street doesn't give a flying _____ about cigar smokers. It's because of stuff like this...segregated society. 

I tend to agree. 

I knocked back a membership in June to a new invite only gala cigar club. My friends were not considered elite enough to join even if they wanted to. It wasn't a financial issue, simply not considered to have the requisite social standing.

Give me the FOH cigar deck or the Kapsali Greek crew, Sydney crew, WA crew, the Limassol Cypriot locals or the NY Jersey crew any day.

[ha_banos]

Cigars have always had an elitist image in the UK. Politicians, movies, theatre, wealthy business men, private clubs. Ok, they were priced and became a lot more accessible through the 90s up till few years ago of course. I'm evidence of that. But outside of the US and Aus, I get the impression the direction is towards UHNW and those who aspire. We can see from the Habanos earnings it makes sense (more for less.)

Is that a fair generalisation? Maybe I'll go to the AIs for some context...

[cnov]

3 hours ago, ha_banos said:

Cigars have always had an elitist image in the UK. Politicians, movies, theatre, wealthy business men, private clubs. Ok, they were priced and became a lot more accessible through the 90s up till few years ago of course. I'm evidence of that. But outside of the US and Aus, I get the impression the direction is towards UHNW and those who aspire. We can see from the Habanos earnings it makes sense (more for less.)

Is that a fair generalisation? Maybe I'll go to the AIs for some context...

I think you're about right there. Thankfully the perception is merely that, there are definitely a wide range of characters at the events. 

 

[Mr. Japan]

It's a super elite place where it would be nice to sit and smoke one...twice. But nothing is better than to share a cigar with my friends around the world, sitting anywhere. Most importantly, without wind! 🙂

[Chibearsv]

On 7/31/2025 at 5:19 AM, El Presidente said:

I knocked back a membership in June to a new invite only gala cigar club. My friends were not considered elite enough to join even if they wanted to.

Bravo!  

[Mr. DD]

https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/luxury/article/the-human-humidor-inside-monacos-5000-a-year-cigar-club-times-luxury-qjlxwjccx