2025 wrapped up with the classic visit to the EKO Rally Acropolis and a trip to the Central European Rally, a tarmac event I’d wanted to see up close for a long time. Still, the preparation for Rallye Monte-Carlo 2026 had already started… mentally, back in June!
Rallye Monte-Carlo is a special rally. What makes it unique is mainly the tough, constantly changing conditions the crews have to deal with. The scenery on the stages shifts all the time: dry or wet tarmac, snow, and ice can all exist within the same rally. It’s the oldest event in the WRC, and also one where simply starting—let alone finishing—is an achievement.
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The decision and the preparation
Shortly after Easter, D. Amaxopoulos and I decided it was time to do a Rallye Monte-Carlo. We immediately started planning the trip: flights, a rental car, hotels. Dimitris has been to this rally many times as part of a “gravel crew” (and not only), so we knew what we were getting into. The girls in our group, who were coming with us on the trip… had no idea.
Our goal wasn’t only to enjoy the rally, but also to have a great time: to see landscapes, villages, and everything beautiful the Gap region has to offer, and of course the magical Monte-Carlo. To make the most of the experience, we decided to do it as a road trip. So, we stayed four nights in Gap and two nights in Monte-Carlo.
From Milan to Gap
The trip began on the Tuesday before the rally, with a flight to Milan. There we picked up the car and set off for Gap. The drive took about 4–5 hours, but the route after crossing the Italy–France border was simply breathtaking.
From dry roads and cloudy weather, we suddenly found ourselves in a snow-covered landscape, with skiers crossing above the road on bridges and beautiful chalets on both sides. Arriving in Gap, you immediately felt that something big was about to happen. The rally was everywhere.
Shakedown and… disappointment
On Wednesday we watched the shakedown, where we saw this year’s cars for the first time, along with the debuting Lancia. The difference in sound between WRC and WRC2 is noticeable, and we hope the new 2027 regulations will improve that. The shakedown was almost dry, with sunshine. At some point we all thought the same thing: “These aren’t Monte conditions…” After shakedown we went for food—and in the evening… snow!
Day one – night stages
Thursday, the first day of the rally, started in the afternoon with the magical night stages. In the morning we walked around town, the Service Park and the rally’s Fanzone—essential shopping, of course.
We dressed warmly and headed to the rally’s 2nd stage. Walking in from the stage finish, the ice had already appeared. We also met other Greek rally fans and climbed up together to the spot where we’d watch, at a downhill hairpin.
The spectacle was unique.
The cold… brutal.
The adrenaline… through the roof.
Friday: rally action and gravel crews
On Friday the schedule included rally action in the morning and a relaxed outing in the afternoon. After about an hour and a half of driving through stunning scenery with mountains and rivers, we reached SS6. Access was easy and straightforward.
We found a spot around the 14th kilometre of the stage, where the cars were coming down fast and turning into a very slow left-hander. There we also had the chance to see the gravel crews: crews who pass roughly an hour before the competitors and relay information about changes in the road surface and conditions.
In the afternoon we returned to the Service Park and the Fanzone for… extra shopping, food, and some rest.
From Gap to Monaco
Saturday was transfer day from Gap to Monaco. We woke up early, got ready, and started the road trip of about four hours. We drove through stages of the Rally du Var, headed toward Nice, and ended up in Monaco.
Magical Monaco!
You know you’ve arrived in Monaco the moment you see the amphitheatre-like houses built close together, one next to another. It’s a very picturesque city, with a beautiful sea view, narrow streets, and plenty of cars—not necessarily supercars.
In Monaco there’s no street parking. You park in municipal underground car parks. To move between neighbourhoods you use escalators and elevators. The city is very walkable.
Our goal? To watch the afternoon super special stage at the harbour.
The special final day of Rally Monte-Carlo
On Sunday we left the girls at home. We had a mission. We woke up at 04:30, got in the car, and headed to the stages of the final day.
After about an hour we found ourselves in Luceram, where we drove into the stage Col de Braus / La Cabanette 1. Snow everywhere, alternating with black ice, and the car not exceeding 50 km/h. We got a first-hand taste of what the crews face in this special rally.
Next stage: La Bollène-Vésubie / Moulinet 1, also known as Col de Turini. We didn’t want to risk driving into the stage and then struggling on the way back, as there were already huge crowds heading that way.
We reached the most beautiful point of the stage, where the hotels are. Instantly, images from DiRT Rally and DiRT Rally 2.0 came to mind. It’s an incredible feeling to be somewhere you’ve only ever seen in a game.
The spectacle was incredible—especially the moment when the two Hyundais came through together, one right behind the other.
Return and recap
We returned to Monaco at midday, went for more walks and food, visited the ACM, and rested. The next day, after the rally, we took the road back to Milan, and by the evening we were all back home, full of new experiences.
Tips that will save you
- Book early flights / car / accommodation (5–6 months ahead).
- Don’t cheap out on the car: winter tyres are essential.
- Do it as a road trip with +2 extra days.
- You can “skip” shakedown day to save some money.
- Don’t aim for two stages per day, especially very early or late. You’ll face big delays and extra fatigue during the rally.
- Restaurants close at 22:00–22:30, so make sure you’ve stocked up if you won’t make it in time to eat.
- Visit the Fanzone at least once.
Final thoughts
Rallye Monte-Carlo is a unique experience that every rally fan should live at least once. It’s organised and accessible, but it does require good preparation. And if you also get the classic conditions that define this rally, the trip will be unforgettable.
2026 started strongly—with rally.
Stay tuned for what’s next.
Till next time!
