best in the world. No

best in the world. No other lemons are as juicy as ours, and they have a unique perfume and taste. Have a bite!” He plucked a lemon from a tree, sliced it expertly and held out a wedge. Now, ordinarily as we all know, biting into a lemon makes you wince at the sharpness, but these lemons are different. They bathe your taste buds in utterly delicious, delicate lemon flavour without the acid flinch. The guide smiled at my surprise “Menton lemons have IGP (Indication Géographique Protegée), an appellation, they’re like a fine wine. We call the little lemon beads ‘caviar’” he said. “Even the pith is edible, and very prized by chefs.” This heavenly garden is filled with the aroma of citrus fruits and the tranquility is interrupted only by the sound of an occasional plonk of oranges dropping from the fruit-stuffed trees or from bells ringing at a nearby church. Visit for the exquisite views, the fruit tasting, and to see these extraordinary terraces (visits in French only). What to see and do in Menton Menton’s beaches are among the most beautiful on the French Riviera and whilst you may not fancy a dip in winter, it’s often warm enough for a spot of sunbathing. Picturesque and sandy Plage des Sablettes is the busiest and most central of Menton’s beaches and is lined with restaurants and bars. Take a stroll along the Promenade de la Mer, a palm-tree lined avenue with great views over the town. Head to Quai Impératrice Eugenie, one of the most picturesque spots, where you can sit, dip your feet in the water, soak up the sun or enjoy a glorious sunset. Basilica Saint-Michel © Menton, Riviera & Merveilles Franck Barbier Zigzag staircase © Menton, Riviera & Merveilles Marine Marrec La Casetta Tear yourself away from the beaches and head to the old town with its labyrinth of narrow, steep cobbled streets lined with buildings in every shade of ochre and yellow from pale apricot to flaming saffron, with shutters painted in strictly controlled shades of green and grey. One of the most iconic buildings is the 17th century lemon-coloured Baroque style Basilica of St Michael which sits atop a grand zigzag flamboyantly sunflower coloured staircase. Inside the magnificent ceiling frescoes, glorious chandeliers and rich décor are dazzling. He’s not exaggerating. Tests on Menton lemons grown elsewhere in the Mediterranean have proved that the variety grown in its native home does have more juice as well as a different perfume due to the unique chemical composition of the skin. And the finger-thick pith is soft and creamy. Top chefs around the world sing the praises of Menton lemons. For a culture hit, Musée Jean Cocteau celebrates the work of renowned poet, playwright, novelist, designer, filmmaker and artist Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) with a permanent collection of his works, including drawings, ceramics, tapestries, and paintings. The museum is in a 17thcentury fort which Cocteau decorated with beautiful murals and mosaics. 12 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 13