Menton’s historic ties with Monaco will be celebrated in June 2018, as organised by the association Sites historiques Grimaldi de Monaco to mark the centuries-long affiliation of Monaco with a number of sites in France, many of which, like Menton, were once part of the Principality.
The first meeting of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco will take place during the Feast of St Jean in Monaco (June 24). Three sites have been invited to participate: the marquisate of Baux de Provence, in honour of hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, the county of Carladès, as well as the city of Menton, a former stronghold of the Grimaldi family.
The association was initiated in 2015 by Jean-Claude Guibal, then Deputy Mayor of Menton, at a ceremony attended by Prince Albert at the Palace of Carnoles, the former summer residence of the Princely family. The building became a Museum of Fine Arts in 1977 and then the property of the City of Menton.
“On the occasion of the 300th anniversary celebration of the alliance between the Grimaldis and Matignons, I suggested setting up a network of former Grimaldi strongholds that would show the friendship between France and Monaco,” Jean-Claude Guibal said.
“The goal is to gather, promote and strengthen the emotional ties between the different municipalities and the Principality… We share with Monaco an inestimable historical heritage that we must preserve but also transmit to make it live.”
Mr Guibal was awarded the prestigious title of Officer of the Order of Saint Charles by Prince Albert at a ceremony at the Prince’s Palace in November 2017.
Article first published January 1, 2018.