Ah Menton – the food, the vine, the scenery!
Menton, a town-resort with an outstanding climate nestling between the Principality of Monaco to the west. The Italian Riviera to the east, is the ideal spot to tour the Mediterranean.
Its exceptional gardens, preserved architectural heritage and gentle way of life have made Menton one of today’s most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Since the Nice airport is less than twenty minutes away. Menton, nicknamed “la perle de la France” (The Pearl of France), is relatively easy to reach.
In Roman times,
the via Julia Augusta, a road connecting Palcentia with Arelates passed through Menton, running along the Rue Longue in the old town. The first mention of Menton dates back to 1262. The town is named in the peace treaty between Charles of Anjou and Genoa. Its position on the border between the Angevin-ruled Provence and the Republic of Genoa, which at the time claimed Monaco as its western limit, made it a coveted location
Acquired in 1346 by Charles Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco, Menton was ruled by the Princes of Monaco until the French Revolution. Annexed during the Revolution, remained part of France for most of the time through today.
From the end of the 19th century,
tourism became an important factor on the Mediterranean coast. Menton was popular with English and Russian aristocrats who built many of the luxurious hotels, villas, and palaces which still grace the town.
While Menton is famous for its gardens, including the Jardin Serre de la Madone, the Jardin botanique exotique de Menton (“Le Val Rahmeh”), the Fontana Rosa, and the Maria Serena garden, we love it as a starting and endpoint for some of our most exiting cycling tours. Sainte-Agnes, Les Lacs, Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Nice are milestones on the road most cyclists will never forget. We usually make sure to cross trough Monaco/Monte Carlo and Cap Martin before we reach again.
We would really like to introduce more teams to this beautiful spot on the Mediterranean cost.
Read More : U-864: Salvage operation postponed
