Discovering Menton’s hidden treasures

Step 1

A tangy morning

How is a treasure cultivated? In Menton, two institutions in PGI lemon production explain and open their doors to you. Maison Gannac, in Laurent and Adrien’s home, or Ferme des Citrons in the hills above. Guided or not, allow at least two hours for each visit.

La Ferme des Citrons

Menton’s largest IGP lemon farm hides in the hills above the town. The sea in the distance, a delicate lemony scent, olive trees and even, a forest of giant avocado trees, you’re plunged into a tropical atmosphere.

Maison Gannac, la Maison du Citron

At the Gannac home, the Menton lemon is at home. Passionate citrus growers for generations, Laurent and his son Adrien are citrus nuts! In their orchard, they share their growing secrets, unveil their know-how, share their commitments and let you taste jams, limoncello, olive pastes or terrines.

Step 2

A gentle afternoon

You’ve spent the morning crabbing, now it’s time to indulge in a little peace and quiet. First amid the subtle fragrances of the Carnolès garden, then lulled by the waves of the Mediterranean aboard the Brigantin.

The Palais Carnolès garden

In this sumptuous location, the Princes of Monaco had their summer residence built. Today, it boasts the finest collection of citrus trees in Europe. Admire, smell and stroll through this little haven of peace, where citrus fruits and curiosity are cultivated. What is a kumquat? How old is a sour orange tree? The guided tour will turn you into a real citrus specialist! If you’d prefer to stroll freely in the shade of century-old lemon trees, that’s perfectly possible.

Menton from the waves

A little blue was all that was needed to complete the picture. Immediate boarding at Menton’s old port, on the Brigantin. Your ship and its captain, an emblematic figure of Menton, will be waiting for you. Head for Cap Martin, the Bay of Menton and the Bay of Monaco. A simple but precious moment, made magical at sunset.