Jardin Botanique du Villa Maria Serena, Menton: « la petite Afrique »
Visiting the fabulous gardens of the Villa Maria Serena in Menton-Garavan which border the frontier with modern Italy but are within sight of Monte-Carlo and Menton old town across the Bay of Garavan.
Amazing to see in close proximity: cactus, cycads and palms, citrus and succulents, pines and bananas alongside fabulous colours of tropical blooms. This works because of the sunshine, shelter, abundant rainfall and almost complete lack of frost in the micro-climate of this favoured location between the towering limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea. The French nickname “The little Africa” is a bit far-fetched as the specimens come from all over the world but an inspiration to see what can be done with a mature garden in a site like this.
One can only imagine the scenes of hospitality that have enjoyed the backdrop of this magnificent garden in a magnificent location.
