The Mediterranean coast seen... from above, a wonderful exhibition to discover in Menton

Entitled "Protected Coastline of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur: Itinerary between Land and Sea", the new photographic exhibition ⁽¹⁾ opened a few days ago in the villa of the Jardin Serre de la Madone, in Menton, presents a selection of 15 large-format photographs. Snapshots captured in a microlight by photographer Frédéric Larrey, along the shores protected by the Conservatoire du littoral, which is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year.

These bird's-eye views reveal the ecological richness and contrasting beauty of the Mediterranean coasts, from the Camargue to Menton, passing through the wooded hills of Figuerolles overlooking the Etang de Berre, the salt marshes of Hyères, Cap Lardier, the Frioul Islands, the Saint-Tropez peninsula, Cap d'Antibes, Cap Moderne in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and the Rayol estate...

A coastline with many faces

From the air, Frédéric Larrey, a committed nature photographer and documentary filmmaker, reveals a coastline with many faces: wild lagoons, cultivated lands, lighthouses, forts or historic villas, a shore rich in remarkable buildings, an exceptional garden... These very diverse landscapes, which are not always accessible on foot, offer a sensitive reading of a territory shaped by nature, history and human intervention.

Presented in the main villa of the Menton garden, this magnificent exhibition, which is part of the summer cultural program of the Serre de la Madone, takes on its full meaning at the heart of this century-old site [it was created in 1924 by the botanist and landscaper Lawrence Johnston, Editor's note] , classified as a Historic Monument and labeled a Remarkable Garden, thus highlighting its active role in promoting living heritage.

Purchased and protected since 1990 by the Conservatoire du littoral, this garden is co-managed by the City of Menton and ASJEM (Association for the Safeguarding of Exceptional Gardens of Menton) chaired by Michael Likierman, with a strong mission: to preserve and transmit the link between man and nature.

Between sensitive perspective and ecological commitment

Through these spectacular images (taken from the original series of 54 shots) combining his sensitive eye and his ecological commitment, Frédéric Larrey, a specialist in wildlife, natural environments and wide open spaces, captures the fragile beauty of shorelines under tension and often highly coveted: between naturalness, agricultural crops and growing urbanization. His work combines aesthetics and lucidity, and offers a reflection on the vulnerability of these coastal ecosystems, subject to erosion, land pressure and climate change.

He has been carrying out fieldwork around the world for over twenty years. His images, often captured from the air, reflect an artistic approach deeply rooted in environmental awareness and the ethics of life. He is a regular collaborator of the Conservatoire du littoral, which was created in 1975 and is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2025 through a vast national program of events combining exhibitions, walks, shows, forums and awareness-raising activities ⁽²⁾ .

This public institution – placed under the supervision of the ministries responsible for regional planning and ecological transition – currently protects more than 218,000 hectares on more than 800 sites, or 18% of the French coastline, thanks to an ambitious land acquisition policy.

Open to the public, the Menton exhibition contributes to the educational and cultural mission of the Serre de la Madone, by providing a space for discovery and raising awareness of major contemporary environmental issues. It is accessible to garden visitors at no additional cost.

1. Exhibition visible during the garden's opening hours (from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Mondays). Until October ^1st . Jardin Serre de la Madone, Villa principale – 74, route de Gorbio – 06500 Menton. Guided tours of the garden are available. 2. For more information on the Conservatoire du Littoral: www.conservatoire-du-littoral.fr