Serre de la Madone

Serre de la Madone is a six-hectare garden on a hillside in Menton, France. Terraces climb through the Gorbio valley among old olive trees and subtropical planting. Hedges and low walls divide the slope into separate garden rooms.

Lawrence Johnston developed the garden between 1924 and 1939 after collecting rare plants worldwide. He enlarged an existing farmhouse with two wings and worked alongside twelve gardeners. A double pool forms the centre, surrounded by bamboo, umbrella pines, and flowering species. Cycads, succulents, Mahonia siamensis, and Tetrapanax add distinctive botanical collections. After 1958, changing ownership affected the plantings before restoration began in 1999. The Conservatoire du littoral now guides restoration, including renewed hydraulic systems and planting schemes.

The garden is recognised as a historical monument and a French jardin remarquable. Pergolas, fountains, classical sculptures, and three national plant collections appear across the terraces. One memorable detail is the large Tetrapanax growing among the Araliaceae collection.