WINTER 2024

Jean Cocteau Museum
Menton cemetery © Menton, Riviera & Merveilles
High on a hill sits Menton cemetery. An odd
choice for a visit you might think but hear
me out. This is a cemetery with astonishing
views. Look south over the city to the sea and
as far as Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, look east
to see Italy, and to the north are the soaring
Alps. The cemetery, built on the ruins of the
ancient castle of Menton, is the last resting
place of several prominent residents. It’s filled
with statues, sculptures and monuments, and
tombs that look like tiny villas. Much as the
town grew organically over the centuries, the
five levels of the cemetery simply spread out
over time. You can’t miss the last resting place
of William Web Ellis, his tomb is permanently
honoured with rugby shirts and rugby balls left
by fans.
From spring to early winter, bright pink and
purple bougainvillea grows everywhere and
orange and lemon trees thrive in gardens
and streets year-round, but one of the
best places to see them is at the beautiful
Palais Carnolès. In 1717, Prince Antoine 1 of
Monaco commissioned a summer palace to
Palais Carnolès © Menton, Riviera & Merveilles Joëlle Martin
Serre de la Madone © Menton, Riviera & Merveilles Pango Visual
be built in the style of Versailles which is now
the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Prince’s
ornamental fruit grove contains the most
important collection of citrus fruits in Europe -
137 varieties of citrus in a single site.
The locals say that the grass really is greener
here and that’s not hard to believe because
there are so many spellbinding gardens. One
not to miss is Serre de la Madone, created
by British botanist and garden designer
Lawrence W. Johnston in the early 20th
century – he also created the legendary
Hidcote Manor Garden in England, though
many consider the Menton garden even
better than Hidcote. Take a guided tour, or
simply get lost in the beauty of its gorgeous
green alleys even in winter. It’s a lovely place
to while away a few hours.
And for a more exotic garden, Val Rahmeh,
complete with fountains, giant waterlily
pond and plants from around the world is an
absolute beauty.
Don’t miss the fabulous art-deco covered
market Les Halles de Menton where you’ll
find fabulous local produce from Monday to
Sunday. Lemons flavour everything here and
there are plenty of shops to indulge your new
passion! Try lemon beer from Mentounasc,
4* family-owned
hotel and restaurant
Exceptional service &
stylish rooms, suites and
cottages plus pool &
gorgeous gardens
A truly unique & authentic
Provence experience in a
stunning location
Les Baux de Provence
Benvengudo.com
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