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CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

Menton

http://www.tourisme-menton.fr

Summary__________________ PAGE

Once upon a time… (The History of Menton)

1

The Surrounding Area

3

City of Art and History

4

City of Culture

7

Our City is a Garden

9

Education

13

Sports and Leisure

15

Tourism

17

The local specialities

19

Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

juillet 2011

CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

Menton Once upon a time…_______________

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s legend has it, while fleeing from Paradise with Adam, Eve, took one of the “Golden Fruits” with

her. Adam, fearing Heavenley wroth, asked her to trhow the lemon away. After climbing many a mountain and traversing valleys and plains, they came across the Bay of Garavan. The beautiful bay, mild climate and luxurious exotic plants evoked poignant memories of the garden of Eden … Eve planted the lemon in the soil, and from this – a little piece of Paradise, Menton was born.

The origins of Menton _________________________ Little is known about the origins of the name Menton or the first inhabitants. City of Roman origin built in the memory of the Emperor Orthon? The Hideout for the pirates of the island of Lampedusa, between Malta and the North African coast? Bult during medieval times under the rule of Emperor Otho, Count of Vintimiglia? There are many theories … What is sure, however, is that at the end of the 11th century, a little fortified city called Podium Pinum or Puypin stood at the top of the hill where the “Monastère de l’Annonciade” now stands and was under ownership of the Counts of Vintimiglia. Later on, a new settlement developed closer to the sea, along the old Roman road from Italy, and grew around what is now known as the “Basilique Saint-Michel Archange” : the old city therefore, the origin nucleus of the city of Menton.

Genoa, Monaco and France ____________________ The Menton seigneury first appeared n the 12th Century. At this time Menton belonged to the Genoan Family, Vento. In 1290, Manuel Vento, son of Guillaume, released all rights of the land to the city. (700 years later, in 1990, Menton celebrated this event by organising a Medieval Fete). In 1346, Menton became the property of Charles Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco. From hence, Menton’s history became intertwined with that of the principality of Monaco. Honoré II, one of the princes of Monaco had his Palace along the “rue Longue”. He ordered the construction of the Bastion (now, the Jean Cocteau museum) in 1619 to protect the city. In the 18th century, there were approximately 4,000 inhabitants in Menton, living mostly from fishing and farming. In 1848, Menton broke away from the principality and proclaimed itself a free city under the protection of Sarde. Menton chose to become part of France in 1860 and Charles III of Monaco waived all rights of the city to Emperor Napoleon III. Menton became part of the Alpes-Maritimes department. 1 Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

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A Fashionable Holiday Resort ___________________ From 1880, Menton benefited from the development of tourism on the French Riviera. The English doctor Henry Bennett gave Menton a great reputation by singing it’s praises worldwide. Menton became a popular health resort frequented by wealthy English tourists and Russian aristocracy. Luxury palaces and villas flourished. Renowned visitors came on holidays to the city : Royalty such as The Empress Eugénie, King Albert I of Belgium, Tsar Alexander of Russia, Queen Victoria of England… as well as famous artists like, Auguste Rodin, the composers Franz Listz and Charles Gounod, the writer Blasco Ibanez… It was the geographer Elysée Reclus, who gave Menton the title “pearl of France”. During the War of 1914-1918, the hotels and palaces in Menton were converted into hospitals. During the Second World War, the Italians then by the Germans occupied Menton. Menton was finally freed on the 8th of September 1944, having been heavily devastated. The reconstruction of the city was finally achieved in the 60’s when Menton regained its title as a popular tourist resort.

Geography ______________________________________________________ Menton is the most eastern city of the French Riviera being situated on the French-Italian border, between Monaco and Italy, nestling in the heart of a bay, which stretches from Mortola to the east and Cap-Martin to the west. Directly behind the city and to either side the mountains loom majestically, both ends of which descend into the sea the peaks of which being : Mont Agel (1149m), Mont Ours (1249m) and the Berceau (1200).

Climate

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The privileged situation between sea and mountains gives Menton the reputation as the most temperate city in France; its climate is considered sub-tropical. Menton is in fact, sheltered from the wind by the Mont Angel to the West and by the foothills of the Alps to the North and Northeast. The winters are mild and sunny: the Thermometer rarely goes below 0°C, the lowest average temperature is 11,3°C in January. The luxurious tropical vegetation such as the palm trees, lemon trees, banana trees, jasmines…is living proof of the wonderful climate in Menton. Summers are hot : 25°C average temperature in July and August, with a cooling sea breeze. The city enjoys 316 days of sunshine a year.

Population __________________________________ The population of Menton is stable about 30,000 inhabitants. The population of Menton is getting younger and the number of jobholders is increasing. During festivities and the holiday’s Menton can welcome more than 80,000 people at one time.

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Menton Surrounding Area___________

T

he area around Menton offers a vast range of exciting walks and discovery trips between hilltop villages,

the mountain country (the Mercantour Massif mountain range), the Principality of Monaco, the Villefranchesur-Mer bay… A multitude of sporting and leisure activities are accessible throughout the year : A pleasant walk from Cap Martin along the “Sentier de Corbusier”, mountain climbing or of the Indian painter Raza’s exhibition in Gorbio, first class shopping or a visit to the famous Oceanographic Museum in Monaco, a gourmet feast in a mountain hostel in Castellar, meeting with the community of artists in Castillon, the Lavender festival in SainteAgnès…

The hilltop villages of the Mentonese Riviera ________________________ Just outside Menton, there are numerous little paths winding up the mountains leading to the hilltop villages that unveil the magic and beauty of the Mentonese countryside with some breathtaking views over the first peaks of the Alps and the Mediterranean down below.

Five hilltop villages mark the itinerary, five villages where the past has left many a trace, from a Roman chapel and a Baroque church to a medieval castle and a Provençal fountain… Five villages which are lively, dynamic and which cultivate a certain art of living, with restaurants, art galleries, leisurely walks and terrains for more active sports.

Roquebrune –Cap Martin is a medieval village (225m) nestled in the heights of Capmartin and is graced with all the attributes bestowed on villages in the region. It has been a favourite haven for royalty and the rich and famous since the last century.

Sainte-Agnès (800m)

perched on its rocky peak, proud of its status as the highest coastal village in Europe, the presence of its ancient military fort and the ruins of its medieval château remind us of its strategic importance

Gorbio (503m)

but its medieval past is not its only attraction: it offers planned routes for climbing enthusiasts, numerous hiking trails for walkers and for art lovers there is an Indian painter Raza’s inaugural exhibition in the Tour Lascaris.

Castellar (365m) excavations carried out on its land since 1955 have confirmed the Neolithic man’s presence. Having experienced a number of earthquakes, the town still retains impressive traces of its glorious history, closely linked to that of the Lascaris-Vintimille family.

Castillon (782m) is easily distinguishable by its modern architecture, mostly created in a neo-provincial style. Numerous artists and craftsmen have set up home and workshops within the village, which attract thousands of visitors each year. 3 Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

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Menton City of art and history__________

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n 1991, Menton signed a contract with the “Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques et des Sites”

(National Historic Monuments and Sites Department), thereby becoming the 110th French city officially listed with this title and the first “City of Art and History” on the French Riviera. This contract has many objectives : to create awareness of the quality of their environment within the local population, to stimulate the taste for discovery of the city’s history amongst the Mentonese youth and to develop a strong public welcome policy including exhibitions, leaflets, brochures, and to have all this detailed information readily accessible and available to the tourist public. This also includes guided visits given by qualified heritage guides. In Menton conference guides approved by the Minister of Culture conduct the visits.

Along the Baroque Nisso-Ligurian Route __________________ Menton is a key stop on this tourist route, which is an initiative organised by the “Conseil Général des Alpes-Maritimes and the “Azienda di Promozione Turistica Riviera dei Fiori”. The Baroque Nisso-Ligurian Route reveals the secrets of the most beautiful buildings of the baroque inheritance within the county of Nice and the western Liguria: eighty monuments, churches, chapels, palaces, and a citadel are open to the public as well as a programme of guided tours covering more than 30 buildings in this region of France. The Mentonese monuments registered on this itinerary are the “Basilique Saint-Michel Archange” and the “Chapelle de la Conception” otherwise known as the “Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs”.

The Old City _____________________________________________________ The old city in Menton is the historic heart of the city. It is a labyrinth of cobbled narrow streets sloping down the “Colla rogna” hill to the old port quarter of Menton. The names of the streets in the old city are evocative… Aquassoma, Capodanna, Lampedoze, Mattoni, often those of pirates!! The “Vieux Château” cemetery stands at the top of the hill overlooking the old city and is the final resting place of numerous British and Russian aristocracies. The “Basilique Saint-Michel Archange”, with its magnificent “Campanin” (bell tower) and the “Place de la Conception” together form one of the most beautiful examples of baroque architectural sites on the French Riviera. Since 1993, the old city is a protected site. The protection plan will allow the restoration of 600 buildings, the acquisition of some of Menton’s best assets and will restore life to the historic quarters of the city. To visit: l’Hôtel Adhémar de Lantagnac, la Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs, la Chapelle des Pénitents-Noirs and the « halles municipales (1898)» (Municipal Market) . 4 Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

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Walking trail William Webb Ellis _________________________ A walking trail retracing Rugby’s history on 25 boards between the SNCF station and the Cimetière du Vieux Château, in which the founder of rugby is buried as well as the replica statue presented by the town of Rugby. www.rugbyclub-webbellis.com

Lecterns « Côte d’Azur Peintres et Paysages»________________________ This trail, created by the Comité Régional du Tourisme de la Côte d’Azur in collaboration with the Conseil Régional des Alpes Maritimes and partner towns, is punctuated by display stands where you can admire paintings in the spots where the painter set up his easel and worked his magic.Follow this path in Menton and share in the emotions of such artists as Dufy, Inguimberty, Frido and Lessieux.

The City Centre _________________________________________________ Holiday resort of the “Belle Époque”, Menton is rich in architectural gems of the period : hotels, palaces, and wealthy homes… the “Promenade du Soleil” district, along the sea front has preserved fine buildings dating back to the same period that give it it’s unique “old world” look and charm. The Danish Architect Hans Georg Tersling designed many of the impressive buildings in Menton: the “Kiosque à musique” the “Alexandra Hôtel” the “Eglise russe”, the “Palais Viale”, he was also responsible for the extension and renovation of the “Palais Carnolès”, which was owned by a rich American at the time. From 1910 onwards Tersling constructed the “Casino Kursaal”, now the “Palais de l’Europe”, as well as the “Eglise du SacréCœur” and the “Hôtel Impérial”.

Religious Monuments _____________________________________________ Basilique Saint-Michel Archange (The Saint-Michael Archange Basilica) With its incredible exterior, the bell-tower, the coloured cobbles of the parvis arranged to form the Grimaldi’s coat of arms and the “rampes Saint-Michel” (a series of flights of stairs) the “Basilique Saint-Michel” is a rare jewel of baroque art. More than 100000 tourists come to see the site every year. The construction of the Basilica begun in 1640 under the reign of Honoré II, but took several centuries to be completed. The façade was then renovated in the 19th Century adding typical decor of the period such as smooth columns with ionic and corinthian capitals. Saint-Michel Archange was proclaimed a Basilica in March 1999, by decree of Pope JeanPaul II. This title, given for eternity, was in reward for the dynamism of the pastoral life and liturgy of the church. The Menton Music Festival is held on the parvis of the Basilica every year. A little further on, “La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs” (White Penitents Chapel) offers a more ornate façade : pinnacles, friezes, garlands of flowers… 5 Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

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Monastère de l’Annonciade(The Annonciade Monastery) The once cradle of the city, “Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade” dominates Menton from its 230 metres above sea level. It is dedicated to Notre Dame of the Annonciation, invoked by sailors and persons in mortal danger. Eglise Russe (The Russian Church) At the end of the last century, a substantial Russian community existed on the French Riviera. The Menton Orthodox Church was erected on the initiative of the Grand Duchess Anastasia, granddaughter of the Tsar, Nicholas 1st and funded by rich Russian families. The church was designed by Danish architect Tersling and was dedicated to the Holy Virgin and Saint Nicholas. At this stage, it was directly linked to the convalescent home “l’Hermitage” founded by Anastasia for Russian children suffering from consumption.

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Menton City of Culture___________________

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rtium civitas, City of Arts : this inscription is engraved over the entrance of the Town

Hall.Menton’s dedication to culture has been re-enforced over time. This is evident in the policy of valuing the heritage of the city (monuments, gardens) and the attribution “City of Art and History” (see Heritage page). Is also obvious in the three museums and the contemporary art gallery in Menton. It is further maintained by a calendar of cultural events that gets better and better each year. From the Menton Music Festival and the Menton Seminars “Thinking About our Times” through to the Music and Theatre Season and the Mediterranean Garden Days, Menton offers a panoply of cultural events and outings not equalled on the French Riviera. Finally the quality and vitality of the associations in existence is confirmation of Menton’s cultural commitment. In 2008, the town was awarded a special “urban-environment ecology” prize! This “city centre of excellence” certification rewards all the realisations which have been carried out through the establishment of secondary schools in the town centre, urban redesign projects, the future Cocteau museum and the setting up of Sciences-Po’s Middle-Eastern Mediterranean department. “A policy founded on promotion, respect and the environment”.

Museums _______________________________________________________ The museums in Menton are opened every day, except Tuesdays and Bank Holidays from 10 : 00 am to 12 : 00 am and from 02 : 00 pm to 06 : 00 pm

The Beaux Arts Museum in the Palais Carnolès In the once summer residence of the princes of Monaco, you can view a beautiful collection of paintings from the 13th century to the present as well as temporary exhibition of contemporary artists. Within the famous citrus gardens, the most extensive in Europe, you can also find some fantastic examples of modern sculptures. 3 avenue de la Madone The Regional Pre-Historic Museum 

Stopping place 4 “Via IVLIA AVGVSTA”

Built in 1907 and unique on the French Riviera, the museum has gathered together objects found on the numerous archaeological sites in the region. Here, representations of every-day Life of man from the beginning of time have been meticulously re-

constructed, providing an oustanding pedagogical tool to all that visit. The museum also exhibits a casting of the “l’Homme de Menton” (Menton Man), the original being in the “Musée de l’Homme” (Museum of Man) in Paris : the cadaver was found at the end of the lastcentury in “la grotte de Cavillon” (cave in Cavillon) - in italian territory – and there is Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

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still much debate as to his origins ; through it is widely thought the he dates back to upper Palaeolithic times (âge de rennes, âge de l’ours). The “Arts, popular traditions and local history section” have reconstructed a kitchen and a bedroom scene set at the end of the 19th century. Here, you can discover typical objects and activities of the period : lemon farming, olive picking and sea-fishing… The museum also holds temporary exhibitions. Rue Lorédan-Larchey The Contemporary Art Gallery in the “Palais de l’Europe” This magnificent building, like many others in Menton, was designed by the Danish architect, Tersling and used to be the municipal casino “ the Kursaal”. Nowaday, on the ground floor, it houses an art gallery that is committed to exhibition the best contemporary art creation of our day. 8, avenue Boyer JEAN COCTEAU The Jean Cocteau Museums are opened every day, except Tuesdays and Bank Holidays from 10 : 00 am to 06 : 00 pm (in July and August to 10:00pm).

The Jean Cocteau Museums -Bastion An exhibition every year on a different theme at the Bastion (a small 17th century fort overlooking the sea) Bastion du Vieux port

Jean Cocteau Severin Wunderman Collection Museum The world's first and most important public resource for the work of Jean Cocteau. Cocteau's work in the visual arts and theatre is presented chronologically and thematically in seven sequences. They chronicle the milestones and encounters in his life and work. The Wedding Room in the Town Hall Cocteau painted large coloured fresques on the walls and ceiling of what is now known as the “Wedding Room” in the Town Hall between 1957 and 1958. Young Japanese couples flock to the city to celebrate their union in the wedding room. Mairie de Menton, place Ardoïno The Wedding room in the Town Hall is opened everyday from Monday to Friday from 08 : 30 am to 12 : 30 pm and from 01 : 30 pm to 05 : 00 pm

Once a month the Heritage Service organises a guided tour on the theme “Menton and Jean Cocteau”.

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Menton Our city is a garden_______

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n the19th century, botanists, mainly of English origin, created the “exceptional” gardens in

Menton Benefiting from the sub-tropical microclimate; they introduced rare tropical species, which have flourished in the Menton soil. Guided tours of the exceptional gardens are organised by the heritage service to give the opportunity to the public to discover these incredible sites

Menton nourishes its privileged relation with nature through the importance it has attached to flowers and the cultivation and presentation of the same. Already the holder of the “Quatre Fleurs” title, awarded by the association of Floral towns and villages at the end of 2008, the town was also awarded the supreme “Fleur d’Or” 2008-2009 prize, meaning that it does not need to compete for the next six years. The Lemon City is the only town in the PACA region to have received such a reward for its urban layout. It is also one of six towns in France whose work has been cited on a national level. This distinction is a result of the savoir-faire of the Municipality of Menton’s entire “parks and gardens” service who’s maintaining the 46 hectares of parks. The Tourist Office also organises the “Mediterranean Garden Days”, a large plant exhibition held in “esplanade du Bastion” by the many nursery gardeners in the region. Menton is also promoting its botanical heritage, as shown by the restoration of La Serre de la Madone, the redevelopment of Jardin des Colombières, the constant expansion in numbers of the citrus trees in the Palais Carnolès, the modern gardens in the heart of the town (Square des Etats-Unis, Jardin du Campanin) and, following the 2010 arrival of Mr. Franck Roturier, Parc & Jardins’ new director specialising in sustainable development, the creation of 11 allotments in the Fossan area, introduction of ticket-punching machines, etc.

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“Jardins

d’exception” __________________________

Maria Serena Villa and Garden Situated right on the Italian border, the Maria Serena villa is attributed to Charles Garnier, the architect who designed the “Opéra de Paris” and the Nice Observatory Dome. He is believed to have designed the plans for his friend Ferdinand de Lesseps (the man behind the Suez Canal). The garden is renowned for having the mildest climate in France : the barometer never descends below 5°. An abundance of tropical and sub-tropical plants flourish within the parameters of the gardens including many palm and cyca trees. The garden also shelters some very rare species, notably one of the three “Draceana drago” growing in outdoor environments in Europe. 21, promenade Reine-Astrid The “Serre de la Madone” garden Lawrence Johnston, who also created the English Hidcote Manor Gardens, constructed the Serre de la Madone gardens at the beginning of the century. It is a haven of greenery, peace and beauty spread over 7 hectares of terraced land and houses a rare collection of plants species of plants brought back from travels to Asia. Despite being a remarkable place the gardens were abandoned for many years. Under the impetus of the Municipality, the gardens were retrieved from property speculation : an official classement procedure, rare for a garden, allowed the garden to be classed as a “historical monument” in 1990. Major renovation was carried out in 1994-95. Sufficient funds were gathered in 1999 enabling the Coastal Conservatory along with the City of Menton, the “Conseil Général des Alpes-Maritimes and the “Foundation EDF” to buy the property outright. Since autumn 2009/2010, the establishment is also home responsible for the management of the garden. The Heritage Service organises a guided tours. News: Between May and October, treat yourself to a “Pause Gourmande” from a Michelin starred Menton tearoom on Saturdays and Sundays between midday and 6 pm. 74, Route de Gorbio The Fontana Rosa Located in Garavan, the Fontana Rosa is the masterpiece of Vincente Blasco-Ibanez, a Spanish novelist and political exile, he acquired the domain in 1921 and from it created a reading garden dedicated to the great masters of literature, with for example the Cervantès Rotunda. The ceramic décor omnipresent in the gardens is reminiscent of Andalusian gardens. The restoration of the ceramics is presently under way. Avenue Blasco-Ibanez

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“Jardin botanique exotique du Val Rahmeh” Created by an Englishman, with a passion for all things botanical, the Val Rahmeh garden is now the Mediterranean antenna of the National History Museum. More than 700 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants flourish within the gardens including such rare species as Labiacées and Solancées (from the Datura family) and a large number of edible fruit such as kiwis, avocados and bananas. These gardens are also home to the only example in Europe of the Sophora tormiro, the mythical tree from the Easter islands. Avenue Saint-Jacques

“Palais Carnolès”: The Citrus Garden and “Potager des Princes” Surrounding the once summer residence of the Princes of Monaco, the garden of the “Palais Carnolès” contain: The largest citrus fruit collection in Europe (100. Such different varieties of fruit) : 11 different kinds of lemon, 6 of citron, 20 of orange and 8 of lime, as well as manderines, clementines, kumquats, bergamots, Seville oranges, grapefruits, and pomelos, spread out over 340 trees A vegetable garden from multiple varieties, sometimes forgotten or old vegetables, planted and staged to support and showcase the sculptures and citrus fruits. The town's Parks and Gardens Department wants to promote local botanical heritage, drawing special attention to the citrus collection at the Palais Carnolès: “It's, consisting of over biodiversity has led the Palais Carnolès' citrus collection to be recongised by the CCVS (Conservatory of Specialized Vegetable Collections -- “collection agréée”) and the Ministry of Culture (“Jardin Remarquable”).” From 2009, the garden maintenance team is experimenting with a method of associating mycorrhiza with citrus fruit trees, which have been weakened by several years of drought. This natural method, which uses mushrooms, promotes the development of the root system, enabling the tree to better absorb nutrients and water and to resist bacterial and cryptogamic attack. 3, avenue de la Madone La Citronneraie has essentially a productive area of olive and lemon trees but other citrus fruit is also grown including grapefruit, oranges, mandarins, clementines and pomelos. In addition there are about 20 varieties of hybrids such as the famous "cedrat" (Buddha's hand), limes, citrange, combava etc.. A further area is dedicated to a remarkable garden of pleasure divided into various themes for tropical plants. Each area is well laid out always respecting the contours and microclimate of the natural environment. There are over 800 varieties of plants represented in the garden: varieties of cactus, tropical and sub-tropical plants: cycad, ginko, kiwi, avocado, banana, salvia, solanum, palms and arecastrum, camphor, eucalyptus, cedar, yucca, dragon tree, mango, maple, orchid, ginger, and a number of varieties of bamboo and mimosa. Visits throughout the year by appointment with the Menton’s heritage department:  0033 (0)4 92 10 33 66. « Mas Flofaro » 69, Corniche André Tardieu www.lacitronneraie.fr 11 Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

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Private gardens ______________________________ The Clos du Peyronnet The Clos du Peyronnet is the last garden in Menton to still be owned by the same family sine 1915. The Waterfield family collects tropical species of plants, especially “bulbous” plants from South Africa. This garden cleverly combines colour and motion with its water steps made-up of successive ponds of which the last step is …. The Mediterranean. Avenue Aristide-Briand The Colombières garden The Colombières gardens was created by the painter and novelist Ferdinand Bac between 1918 and 1927, the garden is presented like a tip around the Mediterranean under the cypress and olive trees. From here you have a bird eye view over the old city and the Bay of Garavan. Classed as an historical monument, the garden - renovated under the initiative of the owner, Georges-Michaël Likierman, and thanks to aide from the State and the “Conseil Général” - can be visited during the summer (for further information, please contact the Heritage Service – ph 33 04 92 10 9710 / Fax 33 04 93 28 4685) Route des Colombières Also to see: The “Parc du Pian”: An olive tree park right in the heart of city. Plateau Saint-Michel: Dominating the Mentonese region, and also a classified site (olive trees, pine trees, eucalyptus trees, mimosa trees …)

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Menton Education_______________________ Kindergardens and Schools _______________________________________ More than 6000 young people are schooled in Menton currently within: 17 kindergardens and primary schools, 2 « secondary school »(André Maurois, Vento) Secondary education: 2 vocational lycées (upper secondary schools): the Lycée Professionnel Pierre et Marie CURIE and the Lycée Professionnel Paul VALERY (careers in the service sector and catering) 1 lycée offering a general and technological education (Lycée Pierre et Marie CURIE) Higher education: IUT (University Technology Institute): 2 departments: STID (Statistics and Data Processing) and Social Careers (beginning at the start of the 2009/2010 academic year) BTS (advanced vocational training certificate): Manager’s Assistant (Lycée Pierre et Marie CURIE Private school – “Villa Blanche” - educates children from kindergarden through to 4th year/form. “Establishment of High-tech sectors”________________________________________ Located a few kilometres from the University centre of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, Menton shows its individuality. Our capital of lemons has played the card of the niche market, favouring study cycles devoted to the high-tech sector: it is home to a professional high school for the tourism industry, an I.U.T., specialising in statistical research and, in October of this year, it inaugurated a decentralised unit of Sciences-Po. LEP: Tourism industry professions Every year, approximately 600 students attend the school in order to obtain a professional baccalaureat in the tourism and catering industry.

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STDI Menton now has a new department within the IUT (Technical University) – “Statistiques et Traitement Informatique des Données” (STID) (Analysis and Statistics in computers). Decided by the State within the framework of the development of the territory, it is unique in that it is a Franco-Italian University Department, where students and teachers from both sides of the border learn and teach within a bi-lingual environment. A formal agreement was signed between the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and the University of Genoa and Turin within the framework of the European project “Nicomede”. The establishment is attached to the “IUT Nice Côte d’Azur”. Right from the onset, in 1999, the IUT had the full capacity, 150 strong, of students. The IUT has also introduced a third year specialisation course in “Statistiques et informatique décisionelles” which can then lead on to a university degree. It is in partnership with the University of Genoa. Since the 2009/2010 academic year: “social careers” are offering as a study cours

SCIENCES -PO “Middle East unit” This new establishment is one of the town’s major international projects. Lying fourth, after Nancy, Dijon and Poitiers – half of its students are French and the other half are from other Mediterranean or Middle Eastern countries. It offers first level multilingual training. The third year takes place overseas, in a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern country, and the last two years are conducted in Paris, rue Saint-Guillaume. Today, Sciences-Po is a university which is fully integrated into the international competitive environment of higher education and research. The Middle East Mediterranean Chair will become a recognised centre for the training of high-level specialists, who will become the political, administrative and economic elite of tomorrow. .

The Personalised Pedagogical Workshop _____________________________________ On the initiative of the Minister of Employment, and Professional Training, the Menton Workshop opened its doors in 1998. It welcomes both people searching for employment as well as employees looking to further their education. It proposes panoply of courses : French, mathematics, general culture, English, Italian, Word-processing… They are also planning to carry out “Distance Learning via Internet” and exchange programmes with the Ligura region in Italy.

Mentonese Courses________________________________________________ Mentonese is also a subject: it is a “Baccalauréat” option that students from the “Pierre & Marie Curie Secondary School” can take as well as a subject that is taught in the city’s adult university. Further Information: The Menton Art and History Society 3, rue Longue – Ph. + 33 (0)4 93 35 33 98

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Menton Sports and Leisure________________

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ith more than 70 clubs and over 6000 members Menton is a dynamic and sporty city. It is possible

to practice almost all sports from basketball to karate, from pétanque to swimming… The surrounding area offers further recreational facilities such as skiing, hill walking and mountain climbing, paragliding, canyonning and rapid whitewater rafting… The Mediterranean lends to many other activities such as sailing, scuba diving and kayaking…

Budding Champions ______________________________________________ Menton has trained several famous sportsmen, such as Nathalie Leroy (several times karate champion of France, two-time world champion, on the French team etc.) and Marion Laval part of the French pentathlon team (horse riding, swimming, shooting, fencing and running).

Equipment ______________________________________________________ Two gyms (Careï and Borrigo) – a swimming pool (Alex Jany) – 4 stadia (St Roman, Rondelli, Lucien Rhein fully renovated: stands, changing room, artificial turf, the Val d'Anaud sports centre (opened in 2005) – two tennis courts: Tennis de la Madone and Tennis-club de Menton – basketball and pétanque courts, – a skate park (renovated in 2009) next to the Rondelli stadium etc. The Municipal Sailing and Watersports Centre offers initiation and refresher courses in several watersports disciplines: optimists, dinghies, catamarans windsurfs, cruisers, kayaks… A qualified team (French School of Sailing, State Qualified Monitors) are on hand at all times in the sailing club. The nautical base, also proposes, in summer, activity "Gear Tractés" (buoys, disks, sofas)

Sports Meetings ________________________________________________________________ Menton holds more than 100 sporting events throughout the year, and this number is on the increase. Amongst the numerous events held are: The Campanin Road Race, the Madone Hill Race, International Regattas, Tennis Tournaments, International Feminine Football Tournament… During the summer – in august -, Menton holds the International Karting Grand Prix - which is the only event in France included in the International Karting calendar -. Every year in spring Menton is part of the International Monaco Marathon circuit. 15

Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

Leisure and recreation ___________________________________________ Beaches: following extensive work carried-out by the city, the public beach in Menton has regained its former dimensions. The construction of underwater sea walls allowed an area of 30 metres wide and 400 metres long to be protected by sea erosion: there is a west-facing, arena-shaped beach below the Esplanade du Bastion. The quality of the swimming water is assured thanks to the new Purification Station. Leisure clubs: Menton Plus, billiards, dance, stamps collecting, genealogy, bridge, chorales…

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Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

Menton Tourism___________ M

enton is a destination increasingly favoured by a growing international clientele. After the French,

Italians are the most important group of foreign tourists, followed by the English and the Germans. A new phenomenon is appearing, with visitors arriving from further away, North America, Russia, Scandinavia, SouthEastern Asia… For example, Japanese are very partial to Menton and the “must” for them is to get married there: great admirers of Jean Cocteau, they like to confirm their union in the Wedding Room at the Town Hall which was decorated by the artist.

Quality reception _________________________________________________ Having been a tourist town for more than a century, Menton offers the advantage of a varied hotel infrastructure, often situated on the seafront in buildings offering delightful architectural features and a variety of prices. The town has 30 hotels, representing a total of approximately 1658 BEDS (thirteen 3* hotels, eleven 2* hotels, three 1* hotels and three NH hotels). There is also one campsite,6 hotel residences, 3 rental properties, 5 holiday centre houses ,one youth hostel, 5 bed & breakfast and 108 Classified rental flats. And…1 restaurant 1* Michelin: Le Mirazur (Mauro Colagreco was primed “Meilleur Chef 2009” by Gault & Millau).

An active Tourist Office ___________________________________________ The rise in the number of tourists is helped by the promotional activities conducted by Menton Tourist Office throughout the world.Salons: Menton is present at some of international tourism exhibitions (Milan, London, Berlin, Madrid…). Press activities: nationals and internationals newspapers, radio and television regularly promote the many assets of heritage, gardens, way of life and events in Menton, such as the Fête du Citron® (http://www.feteducitron.com) the Christmas celebrations. Reception of cruiseships: Menton is involved in dynamic development through its maritime attraction: reception in port visit (cruise ships “Lux category”= 300 passengers) and in nears ports.

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CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

“Reception and Reservation Service” &Tourist products ___________________ Every year, more than 60,000 visitors look for information at the tourist office in the Palais de l’Europe. The Tourist Office (4*) designs and sells “tourism products” to show off the multi-facetted Menton and its countryside: Heritage, incredible gardens, gastronomy, sport, well-being, events etc... The Heritage Services’ guided tours with an expert tour guide will broaden your knowledge of the town’s various historical, architectural and botanical aspects. The Town Hall and Tourist Office (4*) have organised several events with a high turnout: La Fête du Citron® (Lemon Festival), for example, attracted over 250,000 people in February and the Christmas festivities regularly see an increase in attendance etc... This “promotion” dynamism earned the Tourist Office a classification in the four star category in 2008 by the Departmental Commission for Tourism as well as the “Tourism and Disability” certification. All-year opening of private beaches_____________________________________________ Since obtaining 4* classification in 2008, private beaches have been granted permission to open 48 weeks. Thus, it is now possible to take advantage of the warm sunshine on a beach terrace at Christmas and during the Lemon Festival ®.

18 Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

Menton Local specialities ________________

T

he Menton cuisine is typically Mediterranean and the all the ingredients can be found in the

surrounding soil and sea: sun-kissed vegetables, exotic Mediterranean fish, home-produced olive oil, mountain cheeses and an abundance of fruit including of course the “Menton Lemon” …

Mentonese Specialities ___________________________________________ Similar to Niçoise and Italian cuisine, Menton’s neighbours, the recipes are the fruit to innovation and invention developed over the centuries by a rural population of modest means, but blessed by nature! Menton shares many specialities with the surrounding region : socca (chick-pea flour and olive oil which is baked in the oven), panisses (fritters made with chick-pea flour cooked in olive oil), pan bagna (loaf of bread split in two and filled with tomatoes, anchovies, lettuce, bell peppers, black olives, and finally sprinkled with olive oil), stuffed vegetables, raviolis, omelette de poutine (an omelette made with tiny fish fry caught in springtime), soupe au pistou (a thick soup with a mixture of fresh vegetables seasoned with garlic and sweet basil), brousse (mountain cheese macerated in a very strong and aromatic brandy, eaten with olive oil on toasted bread), bagna cauda (an assortment of vegetables accompanied by an anchovy paste served on a hot plate)…

Some typical Menton specialities ___________________________________ Pichade is Menton’s most famous speciality, a tart made of dough kneaded by hand and covered with tomatoes onions and anchovies, sprinkles with garlic and black olives and baked in the oven. Tian is an unique dish of little “stuffed vegetables” served as an ensemble using tomatoes, onions, aubergines and courgettes, which are hollowed out and filled with purée of potatoes, beans, aubergines and courgettes and topped with bread crumbs and grated cheese and finally sprinkled with olive oil and baked in the oven. Barba Juan(meaning “Uncle John” in the local “Mentonese” dialect) is a kind of large rectangular ravioli, filled with blettes or red gourds, chopped cooked meat, eggs, cheese, oil and rice. The Barba Juan is then fried until crisp and golden. Mentonese fougasse is cake flavoured with orange blossom, covered with sugar, dragées (sugar coated almonds) and aniseed. Lemon tart is a shortbread pastry tart covered with lemon cream and topped with meringue.

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CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

Fête des Bazaïs __________________________________________________ This is the oldest and most traditional Menton festival. It gathers the whole population around a gigantic cauldron of bean soup, along with all sorts of vegetables and morsels of meat. It is held in August, on the Henry Bennet Quay. It is said to have originated in the Middle Ages. Tradition has it that an epidemic of the plague decimated the population, who were besieged by Barbary pirates, and caused famine. The survivors made giant soup with all that remained in the way of food, in order to survive. Faced with such abundance, the assailants fled, totally discouraged.

Local garden produce _____________________________________________ The local garden produce can be found in plenty in the Menton markets: Menton Lemons, fish caught by the Mentonese fishermen, vegetables, mountain cheeses from the back country, jams produced by local artisans …

Local specialities It is possible to taste the local hand-made specialities from: L’Arche des confitures (“Maison Herbin”) www.confitures-herbin.com by going on a visit of the factory (jams, condiments, honey products, olive oil …). Shop outlet - 2, rue du Vieux Collège  33 (0)4 93 57 20 29  33 (0)4 93 57 21 00 Factory - 8 rue Palmaro (Visits for groups arranged on request at 10:30am on Wednesday)

Lemon Grove : Mas Flofaro www.lacitronneraie.fr Colline de l’Annonciade ( 33 (0) 4 93 35 77 86) Group visits with reservation

Au Pays du citron www.aupaysducitron.fr A special Lemon’s products shop can be discovered in the pedestrian street Saint-Michel 24 Rue St Michel  33 (0)4 92 09 22 85

Huilerie St Michel-Menton www.huilerie-saint-michel.com 22 rue du Brea  33 (0)4 93 35 71 04

Eau de Menton can be found at Kalliste an artisan perfumer, www.prestigedementon.com  33 (0) 4 93 41 45 87 As well as the fragances of the “eau de Menton” can be discovered in the pedestrian street Saint-Michel where a jovial atmosphere, scents and the colours of Southern France prevail.

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Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53

CITY OF MENTON PRESS INFORMATION 2012

Presse et Réceptif Croisières Office de Tourisme**** 8, avenue Boyer 06500 Menton cedex – France + 33 492 41 76 58

Patricia MERTZIG  + 33 492 41 76 53  [email protected] Catherine CHOQUIER assistant  + 33 492 41 76 88  [email protected]

WEBSITES PRESSPACK http://www.tourisme-menton.fr/Presse-Menton.html A STOPOVER IN MENTON www.tourisme-menton.fr/menton-croisieres.html OTHER WEBSITES (visits and events) ww.tourisme-menton.fr www.feteducitron.com www.jardin-menton.fr www.musique-menton.fr PHOTOS IN HIGH RESOLUTION ** You can directly download some photos of Menton (in high resolution) on our website

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tourisme-menton/collections/ To be mentioned:

© office de tourisme Menton www.tourisme-menton.fr Patricia Mertzig Press Contact  [email protected]  +33.492.41.76.53