Menton can be explored through a variety of distinct themes: Serre de la Madone tells the story of a garden designed over more than two decades, citrus cultivation ranges from the Fête du Citron® to encounters with producers, and the old town traces history from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. When planning your trip, it is therefore important to decide whether you would like to focus on garden and cultural history, citrus experiences, art or a visit to the beach.
Visit the garden at Serre de la Madone
Major Lawrence Johnston designed the garden between 1919 and 1939. This long period gives Serre de la Madone a distinctive history. The winter garden’s design is also special: it was created in the Vallon de Gorbio around an enlarged former farmhouse and was intended for plants brought from East Asia or Africa.
Guided tours in French are offered at 3 p.m. on all days the garden is open. If you plan to join a tour, check the seasonal visiting arrangements before your visit.
Citrus culture: events, routes and groves
The recurring Fête du Citron® features parades with floats inspired by citrus fruits, as well as an exhibition of citrus-themed displays in the Jardins Biovès. The specific program may change; check the event dates if you are planning a visit. The festival’s cultural recognition is also part of its history: in 2019, the French Ministry of Culture added the Fête du Citron® to France’s Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Route du Citron starts at the Tourist Office in the Palais de l’Europe, 8 avenue Boyer. It offers opportunities to meet producers and artisans of IGP-certified Menton lemons. Domaine Gannac also offers guided tours of its citrus groves with tastings. Booking details may change, so check them in advance.
Old town and protected heritage
In the historic old town, colorful façades and a labyrinth of narrow streets stretch from the Italian border to Cap Martin. Here, you can trace the town’s history from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. Menton received the “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” designation in 1991 for its remarkable, well-preserved architectural and botanical heritage, which brings together Gallo-Roman, Mediterranean and Renaissance influences.
Protected buildings include the Church of Saint-Michel and the Chapelle de la Conception. Both were listed as historic monuments by decree on March 3, 1947. These buildings complement the wider history visible in the old town and its narrow streets, making them part of a cultural and historical exploration of Menton.
Art and views across the bay
The Museum of Fine Arts in the Palais Carnolès is housed in the former summer residence of the Princes of Monaco. Its painting collection spans from the 13th century to the present day; the museum also hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists. The Vieux Château cemetery offers a different perspective: accessible via narrow stairways, it affords panoramic views across the entire Bay of Menton. Take this access via stairs into account when planning your visit.
Plage Rondelli as a beach option
Plage Rondelli lies in front of Garavan harbor and is a small sandy beach with views of the old town. The adjacent large parking lot makes the beach easy to access, and it is particularly suitable for families. Seasonal facilities may vary; if a beach visit is important to your plans, check the relevant conditions in advance.
The themes are clearly distinct: Serre de la Madone focuses on garden and plant history, the Route du Citron on encounters centered around lemons, and Vieux Château on views across the bay. This makes it easy to choose what to explore in Menton based on what matters most to you during your trip.
Discover more destinations: Gilette, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Utelle, Saint-Martin-Du-Var, Les Ferres, Roquefort Les Pins, Isola, Roubion
See the regional travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
