08/01/2013
Hiking in the mountains above Menton, I discovered this wonderful ancient garden perched on a jagged outcrop above the village of St. Agnes, located 750 m above sea level. Ruins of a 9th century Chateau dominate the village and on terraces below it, an interesting medieval garden can be found, which is maintained and managed by a local trust of artisans and a full time gardener. Each garden terrace is sectioned off into parterres, fruit trees and vegetables. Box topiary adds a structural element with hedges of Lavender and Santolina. Despite the altitude, sunny days are frequent with distant views of the Mediterranean Sea far below. Menton area enjoys the best winter temperatures in France. I visited the gardens on a sunny January morning, the first three photos show the garden at its peak, taken in June, however there is a special beauty to the bareness of the garden in January.
