Monaco’s urbanised coast between the Maritime Alps and the sea
Located along the French Riviera, the Principality of Monaco is a densely urbanised coastal enclave bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Maritime Alps. Despite its limited size, Monaco sits within a region of high ecological value, in which marine ecosystems, coastal habitats, and mountainous landscapes converge.
This image, acquired on 16 March 2026 by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites, shows the Principality of Monaco and its surroundings on the southern coast of France. Urban areas appear in light grey and beige tones, contrasting with the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Vegetation on the surrounding hills is visible in green, while port infrastructure and reclaimed coastal zones are clearly distinguishable.
Copernicus satellite data support the monitoring of coastal urban expansion, marine water quality, and land–sea interactions, informing sustainable planning and environmental protection efforts.
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