A weekend on the Cote d’Azur: a visit to Menton’s gardens

With a mild climate and maximum sunshine, all kinds of plants grow in Menton, even tropical ones!

To admire the superb biodiversity of this seaside resort, your hotel in Menton has made a note of the best gardens and parks.

In this botanical garden, you can admire the sacred Sophora toromiro tree, a species which has disappeared in the wild, having previously grown on the faraway island of Easter Island in the Pacific. You’ll also see a four-hundred-year old olive tree, a plethora of palm trees, lotuses and chorisia trees… this botanical garden, which is open to the public, is also focused on research and conservation. Set back, behind the seafront, you need just 20 minutes to walk to this garden from your hotel in Menton.

Given the majestically tall species’ dominance, this should really be called the “Maria Serena palm garden”. Its species include: Caryota urens, Phoenix canariensis, Cycas and more. Among this lush vegetation, you will also see cypress trees, colourful lily flowers and Mediterranean species (stone pines and carob trees). The garden is right by Le Mirazur, one of the best restaurants in Menton, with two Michelin stars.

On the way to Gorbio, the property is host to magnificent species, including the superb tropical Himalayan oak, a huge magnolia delavayi from Yunnan and a nolina from Mexico. Enjoy the delicious scents, birdsong and the villa itself. The garden was recognised as a historical monument in 1990. It’s an ideal park for a stroll after enjoying a meal of Mediterranean-inspired food in our  Menton restaurant, Le Westminster.

It dates back to the 16th century. On the hill of l’Annonciade, just under 2 miles from your hotel in Menton, the citrus grove has roughly 450 lemon, olive and orange trees. What’s more, the garden is host to 800 species of tropical and subtropical plants. An unmissable detour during your weekend on the Cote d’Azur to find out all about Menton’s lemons.