A day spent discovering three exceptional gardens with a gourmet picnic
Your first visit will take you to Italy to explore the Jardins Botaniques Hanbury [Hanbury Botanic Gardens] self guided tour.
Set on a hill 5 km from Menton, they contain many wonderful treasures, including a perfume garden, a Japanese garden and a succulent garden, all overlooking the Mediterranean.
Back to France for lunch in the romantic setting of the jardin Fontana Rosa [Fontana Rosa Garden], where a gourmet picnic awaits prepared by the Paris-Rome, one of Menton’s Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants.
The garden then becomes the best table in the house, as you enjoy your gourmet picnic.
Next is a visit to the Fontana Rosa Garden with a tour guide. Created in 1921 by Vicente Blasco-Ibañez, this Valencian-inspired garden – currently being restored – combines historic ceramic tiles, ponds, window boxes and pergolas with a bright décor that retains all of its original charm.
Continue exploring in the garden of the villa Maria Serena [Maria Serena Villa], still accompanied by your guide. Created in 1886, this garden, known as “little Africa”, has a beautiful collection of palm trees, Cycas and tropical plants.
The most temperate garden in France, it provides this villa, which was once a presidential residence, with a lush green setting by the sea.
Guided Tours
Duration: one day
Guided tours by an Italian garden specialist and a tour guide accredited by the French Ministry of Culture.
Depart by minibus from the Tourist Office
at 9.30 am and return around 5.30 pm
Dates: Every Wednesday from March to mid-November, except 1 May and when there is a special programme related to an organised event in Menton.
Prices:
€64,00 (visits, gourmet lunch and transport)
€57,00 for children under 8.
From a minimum of 10 registered people,
Bookings must be made 48 hours in advance (by 12 pm on Monday at the latest).
Tickets available from the Tourist Office
