A
charming town full of mystery is located at the french-italian
boarder right on the coast. Surrounded by mountains, Menton
is protected from winds and benefits from a wonderful
weather.
Menton
was founded on the Comtes of Vintimiglia domain. Menton
belonged to Grimaldi family (Monaco) from 1346 till 1848,
and on the 2nd february 1861 officialy became french.
From
the 18th century, Menton attracted a lot of celebrities
: Ferdinand de Lesseps, La Reine Victoria, l'Impératrice
Eugénie, Alexandre de Russie, le roi Albert 1er de Belgique,
Ferdinand Bach, Vicente Blasco Ibanez, Jean Cocteau, le
Président René Coty, Katherine Mansfield, la Reine Astrid
de Belgique, …
The medieval city
It
looks like an opened amphitheatre. Only two doors remain;
the doors St Julien and St Antoine.
Saint-Michel square
Made
of little white and grey stones representing Grimaldi
coat of arms. The construction of Saint-Michel church
began in 1640 and terminated in 1675. The bell tower was
constructed in the 18th century and the front in 1819
in baroque style. On the side, church of "White Penitents"
was constructed in 1687 by Prince Louis 1st.
The Bastion
Constructed
from 1636 to 1639 by Honore II of Monaco to defend the
town. In 1957, restored it to put his work of arts.
Buy a poster in the shop : boutique-menton.com
Villa
Maria Serena 
Belong
to Lesseps family, constructed in 1880 on Charles Granier
plans, architect of Paris Opera. This house has a beautiful
garden.
Fontana
Rosa
Vincente
Blasco Ibanez purchased in 1921 Fontana Rosa domain and
dedicated it to Spain and novelists.
Val
Rahmeh
Created
in 1905 by Lord Radcliffe, ex-governor of Malte. Botanic
garden was acquired by state in 1966 and gave to the "Musée
d'Histoire Naturelle".
Les
Colombieres
Ferdinand
Bac, novelist, drawer, illustrator and landscaper found
the spirit of mediteranean gardens on the domain of Ladan
Bockairy family in 1918.
La Serre
de la Madone
Designed
between 1919 and 1939 by major Lawrence Johnston, designer
of english gardens. Today, contains a collection of rare
essence brought back from Asia.
Le
Palais Carnolés
Old
summer residence of Princes of Monaco, constructed in
1717. Today, this little "Versailles" contains paint collections.
Le Marché municipal
Constructed
in 1898 by Adrien Rey, architect of Menton.A picturesque
market where villager sale their harverst.
