Protected to the north by the Alpes Maritimes, and facing the Mediterranean, Menton enjoys a warm, gentle microclimate which encouraged plant collectors in the early twentieth century to create beautiful gardens in the hills, among terraces of olive groves and citrus trees. Well planted, with species brought for acclimatisation from many parts of the world, these gardens provide a fascinating insight into the influence of Thomas and Daniel Hanbury, Ellen Willmott, the Waterfield family and Lawrence Johnston. They were part of a gardening fraternity who exchanged plants and ideas.

Strong elements of Italian design have influenced Menton’s villas and gardens, close as it is to the border with Italy. Our itinerary includes some rarely opened and secluded gardens of exceptional beauty and with superb plant collections. Gardens enjoy a second spring, the scents and colours and the backdrop of the sea and mountains being most inviting. Included are visits to a perched village and its medieval garden, and over the border in Italy we visit the La Mortola garden.

We stay overlooking the old town of Menton in the very comfortable and welcoming Hotel Napoleon in Garavan bay, which was recently renovated to a high standard.