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Monaco GP General Admission Zones
If you want to attend the Monaco Grand Prix and watch the cars live on track but are on a bit of a budget then the General Admission (GA) areas are the most affordable option, and are cheaper than any of the grandstands.
There are two different GA areas at the Monte Carlo Circuit:
- Secteur Rocher (Also known as La Rocher or The Rock)
- Zone Z (used to be known as Z1)
These areas can be seen on the map below:
Because the circuit runs through the narrow streets of Monte-Carlo, most of the circuit is lined with high-rise buildings, apartment blocks and restaurants. So you can’t just walk around the outskirts of the track and hope to find a view of the circuit, instead you have to buy a ticket to one of the two GA zones listed above as they’re the only place you’ll be able to (cheaply) have a view of the cars on track.
Around all other parts of the circuit you’ll have to pay a LOT to get in to one of the restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels or apartment blocks that lines the circuit with a view of the action.
That being said, there may be some free spots you can catch a glimpse of the action from as well, in addition to the free fans zones which will show the action on big screens. More info on those lower down.
Book Monaco General Admission Tickets
As both the Secteur Rocher and Zone Z tickets are the cheapest ways to see the Monaco GP live, these tickets often sell out very quickly for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the F1 weekend.
If that’s the case then I’d recommend you book tickets on ViaGoGo instead where it’s likely there will be some available right up until the Sunday morning of the Grand Prix..
I’ve used ViaGoGo to buy F1 tickets a number of times and have always had a great experience using their service. I used them for my tickets to attend the Las Vegas Grand Prix and managed to bag some tickets for even less than their list price.
They also have a guarantee which ensures your tickets and money are completely safe which gave me extra peace of mind when purchasing.
Secteur Rocher (La Rocher)
Secteur Rocher, also known as La Rocher or The Rock, is the cheapest General Admission ticket for the Monaco Grand Prix. It’s an area built in to the steep cliffs and rockface that overlooks the last section of the circuit.
If you’re coming to Monaco expecting luxury, glamour, VIP hospitality and comfort then La Rocher is not for you. It gets incredibly busy in this area during the Formula 1 weekend and you’ll have to be prepared to scramble, climb, jump, stand and lean on grass, on rocks, on pavement and on dirt to try and get a good spot or view of the action.
There’s a few pedestrian pathways that run through Secteur Rocher and these will all be full of people. You’ll have to get creative, or get there incredibly early, to try and get a good view. Then you’ll have to be prepared to not leave your spot as if you do, it will be gone by the time you come back.
People have very mixed experiences of this GA area at the Monaco F1. Some have said that it’s not worth it and you’re better off not buying a ticket and just watching the action on one of the TV screens in the Fanzone in Place d’Armes instead.
But if you know what you’re getting yourself in for and come prepared then you can have a great time in a great atmosphere.
Views
The views from this section can vary a lot. At best you’ll be able to see turns 17, 18 and 19 – the famous Rascasse corner and the last turn on the track Antony Noghes. You’ll might also be able to see the pitlane entry, but all of this depends on where you end up. You can also see the wonderful Monte Carlo skyline and harbour.
There is one TV screen visible from this area, between the final two corners of the track. But the GA standing area directly in front of the TV is the most popular and will be standing room only, like this:
Often the higher up the paths / roads in Secteur Rocher you walk the better your vantage point, but at the same time you end up further away from the track.
When you first enter you’ll be walking up Av. de la Porte Neuve, a gradual incline and you’ll be able to get some early glimpses of the track off to your left as the road climbs:
There will be a number of ‘bleacher’ style boxes lining the edge of the road / path that people sit or stand on here for an elevated view. Then a little way up on the left there’ll be an opening in the wall and some steps that lead down closer towards the track.
Down thoe steps is where you get some of the best views of the track and TV screen, like the one below, but getting those views can be incredibly difficult as everyone wants to stand here:
However, if you’re creative and up for a bit of scrambling, you can find some great spots in between the trees and bushes on the edge of La Rocher:
This videos gives a great idea of some of the views when you first enter this GA zone:
And this one also shows finding some other good spots:
If you want to try an ever higher vantage point and are prepared for some more walking, the other option is to take the Rampe de la Major pedestrian path that leads up to the Place du Palace. You might need to go back down to the entrance of Secteur Rocher to access the Rampe de la Major.
This is a higher viewpoint overlooking the last section of the Formula 1 circuit, and whilst you’re further away you’re more likely to find a bit of space.
This video shows some of the views from up here:
Entrance
You enter Secteur Rocher via entrance gate 1 where Avenue de la Porte Neuve meets Place d’Armes. There will be an official checking ticketing here.
For info on getting to Monaco in general check out my guide to parking, travel and transport at the Monaco GP.
What time to arrive
On the Friday of race weekend when it’s just Free Practice, you should arrive by around 7am if you want to try and get one of the best spots.
On Saturday and Sunday you need to be there in the queue by 6am to stand a chance of getting a good view point. People will be there even earlier and some people will even camp out the night before to get an early entry and secure the best spots.
It’s also not unheard of for people to visit a day or two before and lock their camping chair to the fence nearest the TV screen to secure a spot in advance.
Food and drinks
Definitely bring as much food and water as you can carry. If you do get a good spot then you don’t want to have to leave it to keep getting supplies.
There is also a snack stand available here. Plus you’re only a short walk from the shops, bars and cafes in town if you want a break.
What to bring
Here’s my suggested list of things to bring to the Secteur Rocher GA zone at the Monaco GP:
- Small folding camping chair
- Binoculars
- Picnic blanket / mat to sit on
- Appropriate clothing for the weather – be prepared in case it rains. Small lightweight ponchos that can go in your bag are a good idea.
- Ear defenders for children
- Comfortable footwear – there can be a lot of walking
- Food and water
- Fully charged phone
- Battery bank / power pack
- F1 TV app on your phone to keep up with the action
Zone Z (Z1)
Zone Z (used to be known as Z1) is very different. It’s actually on the inside of the circuit just before the Turn 12 Tabac corner. It’s a small area with a number of raised standing platforms that lines the edge of the track.
Compared to La Rocher, in Zone Z you are right up against the fence that borders the circuit. The cars will pass you by only a couple of feet away and the sound, vibrations and atmosphere from the Formula 1 cars passing at high speed will be incredible.
It’s a small area so it does get very busy. But it’s worth it.
Views
The video below provides a perfect example of the view from zone Z at the Monaco GP:
As the video shows, you can also catch a glimpse of the cars as they exit the tunnel and enter the Turn 10 / Turn 11 chicane if you stand in the right place. Then you’ll see them as they fly by you and enter Turn 12.
The only big TV screen visible from here is the triple-TV by Turn 13. You have to stand in the right spot to see it and it’s a little far away, but it’s possible.
Entrance
To get to Zone Z you need to enter via entrance gate 8 on Rue Grimaldi, where you’ll use a tunnel to pass under the circuit.
What time to arrive
You don’t need to get there quite as early as you do at La Rocher, but if you want a good spot up against the fence it’s still worth aiming to arrive an hour before the track action begins.
Food and drink
Again you can bring your own food, drink and snacks in to this General Admission zone, which is definitely worth doing.
Just behind the standing platforms there’s a couple of cafes / restaurants where you can sit down to grab a bite to eat or a drink. They’ll also have the F1 on their TVs.
Is General Admission at the Monaco GP worth it?
If you’re going on the Friday of the F1 weekend, then no. Grandstand tickets for Friday are incredibly cheap and you are definitely better off grabbing a seat in one of those rather than trying a GA area.
However the difference between GA and grandstand prices goes up a lot on the Saturday and Sunday. So that’s when the two GA zones become more affordable.
Z1 would definitely be my preference but it’s also everyone else’s first choice, so it sells out quickly. But again, you might be able to find tickets on ViaGoGo.
If you go for La Rocher then be prepared to get there early, be uncomfortable and have to fight for a good view.
If you don’t fancy that then don’t bother getting a ticket and watch the action on the big TV in the Fan Zone in Place d’Armes.
