Les Colombières, Historical monument and garden in Menton, France
Les Colombières is a classified villa with gardens in Menton on the French Riviera. The estate spreads across multiple terraced levels featuring sculptures and architectural elements overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
The philosopher Alfred Fouillée built the original house in 1903. Émile and Caroline Ladan-Bockairy bought the Domaine des Colombières in 1918 as a winter residence and in 1920 asked their friend Ferdinand Bac to remodel the house and lay out the gardens, which he did until 1927. During the Second World War the Italian army used the estate as a convalescent centre, damaging it; the Likiermans restored it from 1995 to 2000.
The garden tells stories from Greek mythology across fifteen different areas decorated with sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes. Visitors can discover figures like Nausicaa, Orpheus, and Nike woven throughout the landscape.
Visits are arranged through guided tours offered during the warmer months, with small group sizes for a more intimate experience. Reservations should be made in advance as spots fill up quickly.
The grounds are home to ancient carob trees and century-old olive trees that have endured for many generations. These plants form together with rare species like Strelitzia Augusta a remarkable botanical collection.
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