On the shores of the Mediterranean and on the Italian border, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, Menton, the capital of lemon, is classified as a “station d’intérêt touristique” (resort of tourist interest). The city enhances its heritage and offers a place of choice for culture through museums and art galleries. The contemporary art gallery of Menton is located in Palais de l’Europe, which used to be a municipal casino. Today, the first floor of the building, designed by the architect Tersling, houses the contemporary creations of the art gallery. During your holiday, discover, alone or with a guide, the picturesque old town which consists of narrow streets and squares cascading down to the sea. Tourists also flock to enjoy the beaches and their typical Mediterranean charm.
Events such as the French Riviera Garden Festival and the famous Lemon Festival are organized throughout the year.
The lemon is the symbol of the city. Legend has it that when Eve left the Garden of Eden, she took with her a golden fruit: the lemon. Fearing divine wrath, Adam asked her to throw the fruit she planted on the Garavan Bay, where Menton was born. Although citrus growing is rarer in the city today, the citrus garden of the Palais de Carnolès houses a fine collection of various varieties of citrus fruit.
The botanical heritage of the city holds an important place. The Mediterranean climate allows the development of many plant species such as palm trees, olive trees, etc. Discover the gardens of the city: Serre de la Madone, Val Rahmeh, Maria Serena and Fontana Rosa.
Menton is also particularly famous thanks to the works of Jean Cocteau. During his stay in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, he fell in love with Menton and decided to stay there regularly. At the request of the mayor, he undertook the decoration of the Wedding Hall. He then transformed the Bastion into a museum.
