The coastal town of Menton in the Alpes-Maritimes department experiences exceptional climatic conditions which attract a whole winter population. Beyond the temperate Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera, it benefits from a specific microclimate with a subtropical tendency linked to its very eastern geographical location on the borders of Italy and sheltered by Mont-Agel and the last Alpine foothills. The lowest average winter temperature is 52.3°F (11.3°C) in January and the vegetation of palm trees, lemon trees, orange trees and jasmine reflects this sweetness and the almost permanent sunshine (316 days per year) of the city.