Settled in Menton in 1922, the Valencian novelist Vicente Blasco Ibanez turned this Garavan property into an evocation of his native Spain. He combined figurative ceramics, pergolas, pools and brightly decorated planters, raised busts of his favourite authors and dedicated fountains and benches to Cervantes and to Shakespeare. He wrote here and died here in 1928. His son gave the property to the city of Menton in 1970, and the garden was listed as a historic monument in 1990.
Restored in stages since the mid 1980s, the Novelists' Garden can be seen only with a guide, led by the heritage department of the city of Menton, in a small group. The route follows the Andalusian and Valencian patios, the rotunda open to the sea and the ceramic walks. It is a literary and ornamental reading of the Riviera, far removed from the botanical gardens nearby.
Other experiences in Port de Menton (Garavan)
An organic citrus orchard on the heights above Garavan, where the Menton IGP lemon grows alongside some thirty species. The estate opens either as a guided walk or as a fully private format.
Culture & HeritageCap Moderne, Villa E-1027 and Le Corbusier's CabanonOn the tip of Cap Martin, two manifestos of twentieth century architecture set along the same path, managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux. Accompanied visits only.
Culture & HeritageLes Colombieres, Ferdinand Bac's Mediterranean GardenA villa and garden listed as a historic monument, composed by Ferdinand Bac on the heights of Garavan. It can only be seen with a guide, in a very small group.
Shopping & CraftsmanshipMaison Herbin, Jam Making in Copper PansAn artisan jam workshop in Menton's old town, devoted to local citrus and holding the Living Heritage Company label. The workshop can be seen while the fruit is cooking.