Palais Carnolès

Palais Carnolès, located on Avenue de la Madone in Menton, France, is a splendid testament to the opulence and historical significance of the region. Once the summer residence of the Grimaldi princes of Monaco, this architectural gem now houses the Museum of Fine Arts of the city. Surrounded by a botanical garden that boasts the most extensive collection of citrus trees in Europe, Palais Carnolès is a destination that offers a blend of history, art, and nature.

The History of Palais Carnolès

The history of Palais Carnolès is as rich and varied as the citrus fruits that grow in its gardens. The land on which the palace stands has been significant since at least 1177, when Count Othon de Vintimille exchanged it with the Abbey of Lérins. The property eventually came into the possession of the Grimaldi family in 1346 when Charles I Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco, purchased it from the Genoese family Vento.

In 1717, Prince Antoine I of Monaco decided to construct a palace on the land he had acquired from the monks of Lérins. Inspired by the Grand Trianon at Versailles, the design of Palais Carnolès featured two pavilions connected by a portico at the entrance and a grand Italian-style salon with three large arcades facing the garden. The palace's elevations were crowned with a balustrade, and local artists such as Bressan, Puppo, and the Vento brothers adorned its walls with their paintings. The project, modified by French architect Jean Antoine Latour, transformed the leisure pavilion into a residence, completed in 1725.

Prince Antoine I enjoyed gathering his musical ensemble at the palace and educating his daughter, Marie-Pelline Grimaldi, the Muse of Monaco, on the harpsichord until his death at the palace. The Prince's Garden, created in 1725 by Antoine Latour, featured a star-shaped layout with irrigated pathways and high walls covered with grape trellises and orange trees from Portugal.

Throughout the centuries, the palace changed hands several times. During the French annexation of Monaco from 1793 to 1815, the palace was sold and later repurchased by the principality in 1818. It was redecorated in the Empire style under Prince Honoré V from 1820 to 1822. In 1848, Menton and Roquebrune declared themselves free cities under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia but eventually returned to Monaco. Menton was annexed by France in 1861, and Prince of Monaco sold Palais Carnolès in 1863. The building served as a casino from 1863 to 1876.

In 1896, American Edward Philips Allis Jr. acquired the palace and enlisted Danish architect Hans-Georg Tersling to modernize it. The palace was expanded, and a new façade was added, maintaining the original architectural spirit. The palace was redecorated in the Neo-Pompeian style in 1903 by Danish painter Oscar Matthiesen.

The Botanical Garden

Today, the botanical garden of Palais Carnolès spans approximately one hectare and features a rectilinear layout with 137 varieties of citrus trees, including 24 sweet orange trees (citrus sinensis), six bitter orange trees (citrus aurantium), mandarins, kumquats, six lemon trees (citrus limon), and a few grapefruit trees. The collection is accredited by the Conservatory of Specialized Plant Collections. Tall Phoenix canariensis palm trees line the main pathway, adding to the garden's exotic allure. The garden has been listed as a historic monument since September 12, 1969.

The Museum of Fine Arts

Acquired by the city of Menton in 1961, Palais Carnolès also serves as the Museum of Fine Arts. The museum's permanent collection includes paintings by Raoul Dufy and oil paintings by Max Jacob, as well as a collection of portraits by painter Kostia Terechkovitch. Since 1994, contemporary sculptures have been displayed in the gardens, adding a modern touch to the historical setting.

Visiting Palais Carnolès is like stepping into a time machine that transports you to the grandeur of the past while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the present. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, this remarkable palace offers something for everyone. So, take a leisurely stroll through the citrus groves, marvel at the exquisite architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture that Palais Carnolès has to offer.