Monaco is taking on another role this week: a Hollywood film set. Production for the new Ocean’s movie began in the Principality on Monday, 24th August, bringing cameras to some of Monte-Carlo’s most recognisable locations—and temporary disruption to roads and public transport.
Filming is scheduled to continue until Friday, 28th August, with most road closures taking place between 5am and 10am. The production began around Port Hercule, before moving through central Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Casino Square and, later in the week, Portier and Larvotto.
Among the locations affected are Boulevard Albert Ier, Avenue d’Ostende, Avenue des Spélugues, Avenue Princesse Grace and Avenue J.F. Kennedy. Place du Casino is scheduled to close on Thursday morning, placing one of Monaco’s most cinematic landmarks directly at the centre of the production.
The filming is also having a considerable impact on public transport. Several stops on CAM Lines 1, 2, 3 and 5 will not be served during morning filming periods, while Lines 6 and X3 will not operate before 10am. Some regional ZOU! services are also being diverted.
Parking and pedestrian restrictions are in place at selected locations, with measures changing as production moves across the Principality.
While the Monaco Government has referred to the project as an “important cinematographic production”, the filming dates correspond with the upcoming Ocean’s Eleven prequel, starring Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper. Cooper is also expected to direct, while Monica Barbaro has recently been photographed filming with the cast in Paris.
The production is expected to recreate Monaco around the time of the 1962 Grand Prix, giving the Principality’s modern streets a distinctly vintage cinematic identity.
For residents, the week may require some extra planning. For Monaco itself, however, the arrival of a major Hollywood production is another reminder of why its casinos, harbour, architecture and Riviera scenery remain an irresistible backdrop for the big screen.