If you’re on the Côte d’ Azur for a few days and plan to pass through Menton, be sure to visit the Serre de la Madone Garden high above the town. The garden is a verdant jewel offering an exquisite experience: a romantic stroll through botany and magnificent panoramas.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Jardin Serre de la Madone in the hills above Menton.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the Serre de la Madone Garden worthwhile?
Yes, the garden is well worth a visit. It is located in a very steep area, on the slope of a veritable ridge. We loved its rare botanical collection and serene ambience. Exploring its steep paths and shady steps, we were seduced by its timeless charm and discovered a dazzling variety of flowers, trees and plants. A stroll through this iconic garden is a true journey into a world of beauty and tranquility. It’s also a must for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts.
Serre de la Madone Garden is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful gardens on the Côte d’Azur. It is also listed as a Historic Monument and has been awarded the “Jardin Remarquable” label.
We really enjoyed visiting this delightful garden. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Menton. We highly recommend that you take the time to discover it.
What you can see
A small water lily pond
As soon as you enter, at the bend in the path, you find yourself at a crossroads of passages and staircases hidden in the lush green shade of the lush vegetation. In the center, a small round pool sown with water lilies sets the tone for freshness and serenity.
Stone staircases
Winding paths and stone steps add a picturesque dimension to the walk. They invite you to lose yourself in the hidden corners of the garden. They promise an adventure full of discovery and wonder.
The main pergola
The main pergola is on the left as you climb to the top of the garden. It supports magnificent wisteria and clematis, which were not in flower at the time of our visit. But we could imagine the fragrant meditative pause they must offer.
The water garden
The Serre de la Madone Garden is laid out in successive levels. One of the first is the water garden. It comprises 2 large rectangular basins facing each other. In the middle of the one on the right, a statue of Venus, framed by papyrus, greets the visitor.
The hot greenhouse
Opposite the Venus, in the shade of huge umbrella pines, is a hot greenhouse. It’s a former orangery. It is home to tropical plants. In front of her, the rectangular basin was once a bathing pool. It is lined with terracotta Anduze vases.
The central staircase
Above the water garden, themain staircase leads up to the villa. This is thecentral axis of the composition of the site as intended by the garden’s founder, Lawrence Johnston. At the end of the 19th century, he chose to build his home here and create a garden for which he would bring back the rarest plants from the ends of the earth.
Stone fountains
In addition to the various water features cleverly arranged in different parts of the garden, there is a sculpted stone fountain on every landing. Often tucked away in the greenery, they captivate the eye with their refined decoration and contribute to theromantic atmosphere of the garden.
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
The main villa
The villa overlooks the garden and the Gorbio valley. The ochre-yellow building resembles a small Italian palazzo . The central part was the original farmhouse, to which the new owner added 2 pavilions on either side. The first floor is open to the public as an exhibition space.
The belvedere
The circular shape of the belvedere is entirely covered by opulent wisteria, which we would have loved to see in bloom. Sitting in the shade, we took in the view of the garden and surrounding countryside.
The Hispano-Moorish garden
This part of the garden is an invitation to travel and daydream. In fact, it’s reminiscent of the gardens of Granada’s Alhambra: the pool with its fountains reflecting the blue sky, the azulejo-decorated loggia, the myrtle hedges…. Just like in Andalucia!
The mandarin tree courtyard
Below the Moorish garden, the mandarin courtyard is an extension of the house. The mandarin tree shown here is not the original tree. He has since been replaced. The floor is covered with a calade of pebbles, typical of Provence and Liguria.
Serre de la Madone Garden in Menton: access
Where to find Serre de la Madone Garden
- Located on the heights of Menton
- In the Madone district
- On the road to Gorbio
- West of downtown
Access by car and parking
The garden has a shaded parking area. Come in the morning to find a seat, especially in summer!
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.
Public transport access
- The garden is served by the “Serre de la Madone” bus stop , line 7, which takes 20 minutes from the Gare Routière. Find out more here.
- Alternatively, it’s a 40-minute walk from the center of Menton.
Visiting difficulties
- We recommend you wear walking shoes. There are lots of stairs, steep paths and gravel.
- The garden is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Find out more here.
- And don’t forget to protect yourself from mosquitoes!
Visiting the Madonna Greenhouse Garden: useful tips
Schedules and prices
The garden is open every day except Monday and May 1st.
- Summer from 10 am to 6 pm
- Winter: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Full price: €10
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 1 to 2 hours for a tour of the garden, more if you wish.
Best moment
We advise you to come early in the morning if you like peace and quiet and want to avoid the heat. Come at the end of the day, too, and enjoy the late afternoon light before closing time.
Direction of visit
There’s no set direction for visiting the garden, but it’s natural to start by walking up to the villa before strolling back down either side of the main staircase.
Eating out
We saw tables in front of the garden’s reception villa, in the extension of the boutique. Refreshments must be available. However, there are no restaurants nearby. Discover our best places to eat in Menton.
Hotels
The garden is located in the hills above Menton, close to the town center. Don’t miss our article on the best places to stay in Menton.
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
