The artist and writer, Jean Cocteau first visited Menton in 1955 and called the city the “Pearl of France,” while maintaining a long-lasting relationship with the city from the late 1950’s.
He became involved in the restoration and decoration of the Bastion, a small fort built in the 17th century, in order to convert it into an exhibition place for his work: watercolors, ceramics, tapestries, sketches, and mosaics, and more.
On the request of Francis Palmero, the Mayor at that time, Cocteau first painted the Salle des Mariages, inaugurated on 22 March 1958 and also decorated the Mayor’s office with a wall painting representing Orpheus in front of the Old City of Menton.
He is also responsible for decorating the “Chapelle St. Pierre” in Villefranche, a fishing town just outside of Nice and also lived in St. Jean Cap Ferrat – all portraying his long love affair with the French Riviera.
Quai de Monlion – Vieux Port of Menton Open all year round from 10.00am to 12.00pm and from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Closed on Tuesday and holidays. Cocteau Chapel 1, Quai Courbet in Villefranche Closed on Tuesday and during lunchtime.
24/7 in FRANCE 
I’ve always found Cocteau’s life of a special interest. He was in fact born just around the corner from us (though the house no longer exists), and I used to have a very charming watercolor of his done when he was barely 20.
That’s impressive – what happened to the watercolor?
It was a portrait of a turn-of-the-century actress. Her name was Adèle, and I ultimately sold it to a client named … Adèle!
A fortuitous coincidence!