Villa Maria Serena, Aristocratic villa in Menton, France
Villa Maria Serena is an aristocratic residence in Menton on the French coast near the Italian border, positioned on a cliff overlooking the landscape. A metal footbridge spans across railway tracks to connect two sections of the property.
Construction began in 1885 for French Ambassador Louis-Alexandre Foucher de Careil, who served in Austria-Hungary. A banker named Hans Henry Konig later purchased the property, shifting its ownership and purpose.
The building serves as Menton's honorary town hall today, welcoming official guests for ceremonial occasions. It has become a symbol of the town's formal representation.
The gardens are accessible through guided visits held on specific weekdays. It is recommended to contact Menton's tourist office in advance to confirm availability and arrange your visit.
The garden houses rare tropical plants that flourish in this coastal climate where temperatures rarely dip below five degrees. This botanical variety makes the site a surprising green refuge along the rugged Mediterranean coast.
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