Menton is often associated with the sea, its colorful facades and its famous Lemon Festival. However, it was the gardens that impressed us most during our stay on the Côte d’Azur. Here, nature is omnipresent and perfectly integrated into the city. In just a few minutes, you can move from the bustling center to oases of calm, sometimes perched on higher ground, sometimes nestled between two avenues.
These gardens also tell the story of Menton, long prized by the European aristocracy and botanical enthusiasts. An ideal destination for slowing down, strolling and enjoying the mild climate all year round.
Here’s our selection of Menton’s most beautiful gardens, with practical tips for organizing your visits.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Menton’s most beautiful gardens: tips + map
Menton is a destination in a class of its own on the Côte d’Azur. Thanks to its exceptional microclimate, the town offers an impressive concentration of gardens, between sea and hills. Citrus fruits, palm trees, tropical plants and Mediterranean essences grow alongside each other all year round, to the delight of nature lovers… and travelers in search of a peaceful break.
But there’s much more to Menton than its gardens: see our complete guide to planning your stay.
If you only have to visit 3 gardens, we recommend :
- The Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden: a lush, exotic journey around the world.
- Jardin Serre de la Madone: a remarkable, elegant and highly structured historic garden.
- The Citrus Garden of the Palais de Carnolès: a Menton landmark, perfect for learning about the history of lemons and the town.
To help you find your way around, here’s a map of Menton’s main gardens.
1. Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden
Why visit? Our review
This is clearly one of our favorites in Menton. The Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden is a true concentrate of the exotic. Spread over 1.5 hectares, we discovered plants from all over the world: palms, bamboos, exotic fruit trees, aquatic plants… The giant water lily pond is absolutely spectacular.
We loved the peaceful atmosphere of the place, very different from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It’s a visit that will appeal as much to botany enthusiasts as to travelers in search of a refreshing change of scenery. Don’t miss the article we devoted to him.
Useful tips
- Located to the east of Menton, close to the old town.
- Access on foot, but the end of the route is uphill.
- Length of visit: 45 minutes to 1h30.
- Difficulty: easy, but paths can be uneven.
- Not suitable for strollers.
- Admission charge.
- Opening times vary according to season.
- Find all the latest information on the official website, here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Menton
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Hotel de Londres – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Riva Art – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Villa Genesis – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Port side
Easy access to the center and beautiful views of the old town.
- Hotel Napoleon with swimming pool – view prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: Beachside
15 to 30 minutes’ walk from the center between Roquebrune and downtown, to enjoy the sea.
- Best Western Premier Hotel Prince de Galles – view prices, pictures and availability
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Julia Augusta – see prices, photos and availability
2. Jardin Serre de la Madone
Why visit? Our review
The Serre de la Madone garden is a garden in a class of its own, very different from the others. Created by Lawrence Johnston, it stands out as a carefully thought-out work of landscape design. The terraces, staircases, ponds and vistas are superb.
We particularly appreciated its elegant, almost timeless atmosphere. It’s a garden you’ll enjoy visiting slowly, observing details and rare plant associations. Don’t miss the full article we devoted to it.
Useful tips
- Located in the hills above Menton.
- Recommended access by car or bus.
- Guided tours strongly recommended.
- Length of visit: approx. 1h to 1h30.
- Difficulty: numerous steps and terraced terrain.
- Not suitable for young children.
- Admission charge.
- Visit the official website for timetables here
3. Garden of the Palais de Carnolès
Why visit? Our review
This is one of Menton’s most emblematic gardens. Set around the former summer residence of the Princes of Monaco, now the Musée des Beaux Arts, it houses one of Europe’s largest citrus collections, with 137 different varieties. As we strolled down the aisles, we also came across a number of sculptures.
The walk is particularly pleasant in winter and early spring, when the trees are laden with fruit and the fragrances fill the garden. We appreciated the flat, spacious grounds, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a family visit.
Useful tips
- Located by the sea, west of Menton.
- Easy access on foot or by public transport.
- Length of visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Difficulty: very easy.
- Ideal for children.
- Free entrance to the garden
- Open all year round.
- Find out more here.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Garden of the former Palace Hôtel Impérial
Why visit? Our review
This more discreet garden bears witness to Menton’s prestigious past during the Belle Époque. Around the former Palace Hôtel Impérial, we enjoyed the elegant atmosphere typical of palace gardens, with palm trees and citrus trees.
Not an absolute must-see, but a pleasant green break during a stroll through the city center.
Useful tips
- Located downtown.
- Access on foot.
- Tour duration: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Difficulty: easy.
- Free access to open spaces.
- More info here
5. Campanin garden
Why visit? Our review
Small, intimate and full of charm, the Campanin garden is perfect for a quiet break. Inspired by Andalusian art, it features a central fountain, mosaics and a relaxing atmosphere.
We loved it after our visit to the old town, to sit for a few minutes in the shade near Plage des Sablettes.
Useful tips
- Located at the foot of the old town.
- Access on foot only.
- Length of visit: 10 to 20 minutes.
- Difficulty: easy.
- Free admission.
- Open all year round.
- More info here
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6. Biovès public garden
Why visit? Our review
The Jardin Biovès is Menton’s liveliest garden. Situated on the seafront, it is most famous for hosting the monumental sculptures of the Lemon Festival. Apart from this event, we found it a pleasant place to stroll, take a break or simply observe local life.
Useful tips
- Located between downtown and the beach.
- Very easy access.
- Visit duration: free.
- Difficulty: very easy.
- Suitable for children.
- Free admission.
- Open all year round.
- More info here
7. Garden of the Grand Hôtel de Venise – L’Orangeraie
Why visit? Our review
This garden reminds us of the time when Menton welcomed an aristocratic clientele who came to enjoy the winter climate. The Orangeraie at the Grand Hotel de Venise offers a peaceful, elegant atmosphere, ideal for a short stroll through the city center.
Useful tips
- Located downtown.
- Access on foot.
- Length of visit: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Difficulty: easy.
- Free access depending on space.
- More details here
Other gardens in Menton
Jardin Fontana Rosa – garden of novelists
We discovered that this original garden paid tribute to great writers through Andalucia-inspired architecture, colorful mosaics and a unique artistic ambience. A confidential place, perfect for lovers of unusual gardens.
Maria Serena Garden
Perched high above Menton, this private garden offers superb views of the Mediterranean and a fine collection of exotic plants. We weren’t able to visit it, as access is only available for guided tours or special events.
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Other gardens nearby
During your stay in Menton, you’ll be sure to enjoy excursions in the surrounding area, including Nice, Èze and Cap Ferrat. It’s an opportunity to discover other remarkable gardens on the Côte d’Azur.
Jardin Exotique d’Èze
With its impressive collection of cacti and succulents, but above all its breathtaking panoramic views, it’s a must-see in the region. We liked it so much that we devoted a whole article to it.
Gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
To the east of Nice, these themed gardens are a real gem. Lush, elegant and perfectly maintained, they embody the refinement of the Côte d’Azur. They certainly deserved an article about our visit.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
