Monet Gardens

When Nature Inspires Art

The Monet Gardens are located on a hill in the heart of the town of Bordighera. These enchanting gardens are part of what remains of the old Moreno Gardens.

Around 1830, Vincenzo Moreno, a wealthy merchant from Bordighera, began collecting seeds of exotic plants during his many travels. Through to his work, he introduced many species from overseas to the Riviera. His garden soon acquired an international reputation, especially when the architect Garnier took charge of its organisation in 1860.

The beauty of the Moreno Gardens attracted many writers, travellers and painters. Among these was the famous French painter Claude Monet, a leading exponent of the Impressionist movement, who painted several pictures in the park that now bears his name. “

Impressions of Beauty

In 1884, Claude Monet wrote of the Gardens now dedicated to him: “A garden such as this has no equal, it is pure enchantment, all the plants in the world grow on this ground as if they were not cared for”.

The French artist found here the inspiration and light he sought for some of his famous works, such as View of Ventimiglia, Study of Olive Trees, Garden in Bordighera, Impression of Morning.

This extraordinary testimony shows how, at the end of the 19th century, the Riviera was an exclusive meeting place for prominent personalities from the European cultural world.
Today, the park retains its 19th-century style, with citrus trees, palm trees, several hundred-year-old olive trees and small fountains. A peaceful place where one can dream, experience emotions and let oneself be inspired by nature and art.