About Menton

With its proximity to the Italian border it is not surprising that much of Menton’s history relates more to Italy than it does France. Early signs of mankind date back as far as the Paleolithic era and Menton is ‘famous’ for the discovery of ‘Grimaldi Man’, one of the earliest human remain found in the area. The town was first populated as far back as the 12th century and was ruled either from Genoa in Italy, as part of Sanremo, as a protectorate of the King of Sardinia or as part of the principality of Monaco. It was only in the latter part of the 19th century that Menton finally fell under French rule after the Treaty if Turin in 1860.

One of the greatest attractions of Menton, predominantly as a result of its wonderful climate, is its gardens, of which Le JardinBotaniqueExotique de Menton, JardinSerre de la Madone, Fontana Rosa and Maria Serena are the best known.  Le JardinBotanique is also known as ‘Le Val Rahmeh’ was laid out in 1905 by the Englishman, Sir Percy Radcliffe, who had moved to the French Riviera, while the Fonatana Rosa gardens are attached to the Villa Fontana Rosa, which was built by the Spanish novelist, Blanco Ibanez. The French artist Jean Cocteau spent many years living in Menton and his legacy includes the decorations in the wedding room in Menton’s Hotel de Ville and the stone bastion located in Menton’sharbour wall. Unsurprisingly, there is also a museum in Menton which is dedicated to the works of Jean Cocteau.

February and March are the two months which see the extensive Fête du Citron in Menton which is a complete celebration of the fruit grown in the region, with special events taking place during both the day and in the evening, the festival having started some 80 years ago. August sees the commencement of the Festival de Musique de Menton which has been going for over sixty years and which attracts an international array of classical artists. June is a special month in the equestrian calendar with the annual Mediterranean and Arab countries pure-bred Arab horse championships, while in both June and July, there are four day carnivals devoted to both the music and dance of the Tango.

Food plays an important cultural role in the region and Menton is no exception when it comes to celebrating local produce. At the end of May each year they hold ‘La Semaine de la gastronomieMentonnaise’ which involves both the public, but also the participation of many restaurants and businesses in Menton.The week includes ‘workshops’ from some of the towns established caterers, including the secrets of a master patissier, Jam and olive oil making and demonstrations of traditional Mentonnaise cooking, many of the dishes centred around citrus fruit desserts and cakes.