A new photographic exhibition by acclaimed environmental photographer Frédéric Larrey has opened at the historic Serre de la Madone in Menton, offering a rare aerial perspective on the protected Mediterranean coastlines of southern France. Running from 2nd July to 1st October 2025, the show marks the 50th anniversary of the Conservatoire du littoral, France’s national coastal protection agency.
Titled Littoral protégé de Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: itinéraire entre terre et mer, the exhibition brings together 15 striking large-format photographs taken by Larrey from a microlight aircraft. These images reveal a fragile beauty hidden in often-inaccessible stretches of coastline, from the salt marshes of the Camargue to the sun-drenched cliffs of Menton. His lens captures everything from untouched lagoons and historic villas to cultivated fields and ancient fortifications—landscapes shaped by both natural forces and human heritage.
where art and ecology converge
Housed in the villa at the heart of the Serre de la Madone, the exhibition forms part of the garden’s summer cultural programme and reaffirms its commitment to living heritage. Acquired by the Conservatoire du littoral in 1990 and jointly managed by the City of Menton and the ASJEM, the garden is an emblem of ecological stewardship. Larrey’s images reflect this ethos, blending aesthetic depth with environmental awareness. His work highlights the growing pressures on coastal ecosystems—erosion, development and climate disruption—while inviting viewers to connect emotionally with the land.
engaging the public through art
Open daily (except Mondays) from 10am to 6pm with no additional charge beyond standard garden entry, the exhibition is designed to be accessible to all. It contributes to the garden’s educational mission by presenting today’s ecological challenges through the universal language of photography. Each image serves as a gateway to reflection on how we interact with and impact these delicate environments.
a national celebration of coastal protection
Created in 1975, the Conservatoire du littoral today safeguards over 218,000 hectares across more than 800 sites—18% of France’s coastline. Its anniversary is being marked nationwide with a programme titled 50 ans de littoral en commun, featuring exhibitions, performances and public forums. Larrey, a longtime collaborator with the institution, contributes to this commemorative effort with his visually rich and ethically driven portrayal of the Mediterranean shorelines.
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Main photo of Cap Modern, credit: Conservatoire du littoral – Frédéric Larrey