Menton City Hall, which is where The Salle des Mariages (wedding room) in the Italianate Hôtel de Ville (town hall) was decorated by Jean Cocteau on the theme of Orpheus and Eurydice

Menton is a town on the French Riviera in southeast France. It’s known for beaches and gardens such as the Serre de la Madone garden, showcasing rare plants. East, the hilly, medieval old town is home to Basilique Saint-Michel, with its 18th-century bell tower, and the ornate facade of La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs. Nearby, the Musée Jean Cocteau collection Séverin Wunderman displays works by poet Jean Cocteau.

One of the many themed trees in the Town Square. 

Florence Lagache visited Laguna Beach in October 2011 escorting 25 high school students (English class) that had been communicating weekly for a year with Odile Dewars’ high school French class.

Street Light décor with the bell tower of the baroque basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange in the background.

Much like our Presbyterian Church, the basilica is a town landmark. It was built in 1619 by the Genoese architect Lorenzo Lavagna. The Bastion Museum, which features decoration by Jean Cocteau, is located in the Bastion of the port of Menton.

LBSCA Founding President Karyn Philippsen says, “I have been fortunate to be in France and Menton during the holidays…and they simply just decorate magnificently! All the little shop have decorations and many have animated window scenes. It is all so lovely.” 

Another version of their street light décor. Each street has a different theme.

The LBSCA has a primary goal to establish and maintain long-term relationships between the City of Laguna Beach and its sister cities, Menton, France, San José del Cabo, Mexico, and St. Ives, England. These partnerships will encourage a collaborative exchange of cultural, educational, and business activities.