29 February – 07 March 2012
In early March the warmth of the sun, the scents of mimosa and genista in full bloom, and the trees laden with oranges and lemons provide a perfect reason to escape the northern winter. It is the season of the Lemon Festival in Menton, a time to soak up the pleasant warmth and enjoy the vivid colours.
Protected to the north by the Alpes Maritimes, and facing the Mediterranean, the gentle microclimate has encouraged plant collectors to create beautiful gardens amongst terraces of olive groves and citrus trees. Strong elements of Italian design have influenced Menton’s villas and gardens, which are close to the border with Italy.
We stay in Menton Garavan, near to the Italian border, in the very comfortable, contemporary-style, Hotel Napoleon. This welcoming hotel is surrounded by wonderful scenery and luxuriant vegetation and faces the old perched Italianate town and the sea.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – WEDNESDAY 29 FEBRUARY
Flight to Nice airport where you will be met by Susan and transfer to the hotel with time to relax in the afternoon – perhaps take a stroll along the seafront. There will be an aperitif and short talk on the week’s programme before enjoying dinner together in a nearby restaurant.DAY TWO – THURSDAY 01 MARCH
In the morning we visit Monsieur Mazet’s typical Mentonese terraced citrus garden to enjoy an interesting guided tour of his extensive citrus collection, grown organically and sold to top chefs in France. Return to the hotel and a light lunch nearby, overlooking the sea. In the afternoon we walk to Le Clos du Peyronnet, the garden of William Waterfield created early last century by his grandfather. A small but influential garden on a terraced hillside with a series of pools descending like a staircase to the sea. We shall be shown many varieties of mimosa, ancient olives, rare species and avocado trees. Evening free.DAY THREE – FRIDAY 02 MARCH
Morning guided visit to La Serre de la Madone, the garden created by Lawrence Johnston of Hidcote fame in the 1920s for his extensive collection of tender plants. It has close links with Hidcote and a restoration programme is currently well under way. On a hillside away from the sea, terraces and paths lead through various ‘rooms’ and exotic plants intermingle with ancient olive trees. In the afternoon we walk to Villa Val Rahmeh, created as a botanic garden by Maybud Campbell. Now part of the French Natural History Museum, it has a superb collection of about 1500 species growing on a terraced hillside around an ochre-coloured villa. The head gardener will give an introduction. Dinner together in a nearby restaurant.DAYS FOUR & FIVE – WEEKEND OF 03/04 MARCH – THE LEMON FESTIVAL
A weekend pass will be provided to visit the fascinating citrus displays in the town centre, and, on Sunday, entry to the parade of the citrus floats – a real carnival atmosphere. Optional walk on Sunday morning around Cap Martin along the shore path to see the wild flowers. In the evening, after a short walk to the port, we enjoy dinner together at a restaurant with Ligurian specialities.DAY SIX – MONDAY 05 MARCH
Leaving after breakfast, we visit the famous Hanbury gardens, La Mortola, just over the border in Italy: surely the greatest of the Riviera gardens, covering 45 acres. Thomas Hanbury discovered the terraced promontory in 1867 and, with his brother Daniel, created a garden with plants from all over the world, grouped together in themes and linked with avenues, terraces, pools and statues down to the seashore. Most of the day is given to visiting this extensive garden. Evening free.DAY SEVEN – TUESDAY 06 MARCH
Free day, perhaps to visit Menton’s covered market or to discover the old town. In the early evening we leave for the mountainous hinterland for dinner in the perched village of Sainte Agnes.DAY EIGHT – WEDNESDAY 07 MARCH
Departure from the hotel for Nice airport for the return flights.
Tour Costs
Air flight, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1390pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private bath/shower room
Dinner on 4 evenings/1 lunch
Supplement – single use of double room £215
To extend your stay £85pp day/sharing b&b
Taxi to airport £85
Activity Level:
Terraced hillside gardens.
Additional Information:
Why not add a few more days at the Hotel Napoleon to discover more of the area.