Ancien hôtel Riviera de Menton

The Ancien hôtel Riviera de Menton is a private mansion in Menton featuring a central rectangular structure with a curved west wing. Its facades are decorated with turquoise ceramics from the Saïssi manufacture, giving the building a distinctive appearance.

The palace hotel was built in 1897 by architect Abel Glena and became a destination for European nobility during the early 20th century. It represents an era when the Côte d'Azur became accessible by rail and developed into a winter retreat for the wealthy.

The building shows how this place transformed from a fishing village into a fashionable winter destination for wealthy visitors. The ornate design and expensive materials reflect the taste and prosperity of that era.

The building sits on Avenue Riviera and can be viewed from the exterior, as it now functions as private apartments. Guided tours are offered to learn more about the history and architecture of this former luxury hotel.

The property has a spacious garden with century-old plants, including a banksia rose and a Montevideo guava tree. These unusual specimens reflect the wealth of the owners and the botanical treasures that affluent visitors brought to the region.