Menton became world famous during “The Belle Epoque” when Queen Victoria visited in the spring of 1882.
“The Belle Epoque” refers to the period between 1870 and the First World War & was named in retrospect as a time free of conflict, with a wealth of technical, political, social and economic developments. The arts flourished and creativity seemed to know no limits!
The 1882 “Royal Visit” of Queen Victoria
Traveling under the pseudonym "Countess of Balmoral," Queen Victoria came to the Menton for the health and climate benefits, accompanied by her youngest daughter Princess Beatrice and her son Prince Leopold. She stayed at Le Chalet des Rosiers, a villa lent by railway magnate Charles Henfrey. Entranced by the citrus vegetation and mild microclimate, she called the landscape "a paradise of nature" and wrote in her diary upon leaving that she was "sad to leave beloved and beautiful Mentone"
From 1869 onwards, thanks mainly to its train service, Menton became an international holiday destination. Several palaces were built, featuring Neo-classical, Italian and Art Nouveau styles all leaving their elegant imprint on Menton. Among the most iconic are the Hôtel Impérial, Menton, one of the last palaces built in Menton by the architect Hans-Georg Tersling, the “Winter Palace,” the “Grand Hôtel d’Orient,” and the “Grand Hôtel de Venise” now known as the Orangeraie. Prior to Queen Victoria’s Royal Visit Menton had become a part of France in 1860, after centuries of rule by Genoa and the Grimaldi Family of Monaco.
Mount Othon - Menton
During the 11th Century the first major settlement developed in Menton around the Château de Puypin. The Monastery of the Annonciade, the last vestige of the ancient city of Podium Pini & a symbol of the city of Menton is perched 225 metres above sea level. Inheriting the original site of the castle of Puypin, built by Lord Othon V of Ventimiglia as his personal castle & located at the bottom of the nearby hill, named “Mount Othon” - over time, the name contracted into “Menton.”
By 1262 the first written mention of Menton appeared in a Peace Treaty between Genoa and Charles of Anjou.
In the 14th Century The Grimaldi family of Monaco purchased Menton, beginning a long period of Monegasque influence.
"When life gives you Lemons . . ."
During the 15th Century Lemon cultivation began in Menton after fruit had arrived initially from Spain. Lemon farming boomed due to Menton's Magical Microclimate - a unique local mix of sea air and protective mountains which together provided a warm, frost-free zone ideal for citrus growing with an average of over 300 days of sunshine every year.
During the 17th century the Lemon business was booming which led the Prince of Monaco to appoint a special Lemon Magistrate in 1671.
By the 18th century, Menton had become Europe's leading lemon producer. Millions of weirdly shaped, large, elongated, highly aromatic lemons were being shipped to Russia, Northern Europe and throughout North America.
The Lemon Secession / 1848 Tax Revolt: Menton was part of the Principality of Monaco when Prince Florestan placed heavy taxes on lemon exports, devastating local Menton producer's livelihoods. Menton revolted, declaring Independence as a free city in 1848. Soon after, in 1860, residents voted to join France after Napoleon III agreed to pay financial compensation to Monaco, cementing Menton's status as a French town, due primarily to its citrus economy.