Menton's Tropical Gardens: A Botanical Paradise on the French Riviera
Menton, the first French town after the Italian border, boasts a unique microclimate known as Petite Afrique, which has drawn British visitors during winter since the 18th century. Among its many gardens, the Jardin Botanique de Val Rahmeh, founded in 1905, is home to 1,700 different plant species. The Arab-Andalusian garden of Fontana Rosa, established in 1875, is recognized as a Monument Historique. Domaine des Colombières offers a Mediterranean experience, while Clos du Peyronnet features over 600 subtropical species. Villa Maria Serena, crafted by Charles Garnier, includes palm groves. The Serre de la Madone has been a Monument Historique since 1990 and holds significant plant collections. The Palais Carnolès park showcases 137 citrus varieties, including the famous Menton lemons, celebrated at the Fête du Citron, which will reach its 90th edition in 2024.
Key facts
- Menton has one of France's best climates, sheltered by mountains over 1,000 meters high.
- The microclimate is known as Petite Afrique.
- British winter visitors introduced tropical species from the 18th century.
- Gardens are managed by the municipality, Conservatoire du Littoral, and Natural History Museum, united under ASJEM.
- Val Rahmeh garden was established in 1905 by Sir Percy Radcliffe and his wife Rahmeh.
- Val Rahmeh hosts about 1,700 plant species, including rare ones like Sophora toromiro.
- Fontana Rosa was built in 1875 and inhabited by Vicente Blasco-Ibáñez from 1922.
- Fontana Rosa is classified as a Monument Historique.
- Domaine des Colombières was created by Ferdinand Bac.
- Clos du Peyronnet is a private garden with over 600 subtropical and Mediterranean species.
- Villa Maria Serena was designed by Charles Garnier.
- Serre de la Madone was listed as a Monument Historique in 1990 and acquired by Conservatoire du Littoral in 1999.
- Lawrence Johnston enriched Serre de la Madone with plants from his travels.
- Palais Carnolès park has 137 citrus varieties.
- Menton lemons are protected by IGP since 2015.
- Fête du Citron 2024 is the 90th edition, running until March 3.
- The festival uses about 120,000 tons of citrus, mostly from Spain.
- 2024 theme is ancient Greece, as France hosts the Olympics.
Entities
Artists
- Sir Percy Radcliffe
- Rahmeh
- Vicente Blasco-Ibáñez
- Ferdinand Bac
- Charles Garnier
- Lawrence Johnston
- Dario Bragaglia
Institutions
- Conservatoire du Littoral
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle
- Association pour la Sauvegarde des Jardins d'Exception du Mentonnais (ASJEM)
- Villa Hanbury
- Boccanegra
- Hidcote Manor
- Riviera Palace
- Winter Palace
- Imperial
- Palais Carnolès
- Office de Tourisme Menton, Riviera et Merveilles
- Artribune
Locations
- Menton
- France
- Ventimiglia
- Italy
- Alps
- Garavan
- Val Rahmeh
- Fontana Rosa
- Domaine des Colombières
- Parc Départemental du Pian
- Clos du Peyronnet
- Villa Maria Serena
- Petite Afrique
- Serre de la Madone
- Gorbio
- Jardin Biovès
- Palais de l'Europe
- 8 avenue Boyer
- Easter Island
- China
- Spain
- England
- Monaco
- Paris
- Mediterranean Sea