Menton Travel Guide: Fall in love with the French Riviera again
If you’ve left your heart on the French Riviera or you’re still to tick it off your bucket list, the beautiful resort town of Menton provides a great alternative to the bustling streets of Nice. Often referred to as the "Pearl of France", Menton is famed for its painted old town, exotic gardens, picturesque beaches and unpretentious charm. The resort is the last stop on the Côte d'Azur, just a few kilometres before France turns into Italy, and enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate that makes it an attractive destination year-round. Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes, dreamy beaches and lemon gardens of the Côte d'Azur with our quick travel guide and recommendations of wonderful Menton holiday apartments for every taste and budget. Start with the best things to do in Menton Exploring Menton’s Old Town A visit to ‘Vieux Menton’, Menton’s Old Town has been described as stepping into a painting. Its pastel-hued buildings rising from the bay with shutters and flowered balconies paint a picturesque scene. Here, explore one of the most iconic St. Michel Basilica, climb up the Cimetière du Vieux Château, relax on palm-lined beaches or discover the atmospheric alleyways with hidden courtyards, quaint shops and charming cafes. Relax at the sandy beach with the colourful Menton’s old town in the background Editor’s tip: If you decide to stay in ‘Vieux Menton’, you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore all Menton on foot. You can live like the locals by choosing an apartment right in the heart of things or an elegant escape overlooking the sea. Pastel walls in the Menton’s old town Walk to the Beauty of Basilica of St. Michel At the top of the Old Town, you can discover the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange. The 17th century Basilica is one of Menton's most visited landmarks featuring an impressive façade and a 53-meter steeple with gilded interiors and a magnificent ceiling mural. The basilica is also a picture-perfect spot famous for its Les Rampes Saint-Michel, often referred to as ‘Les Escaliers’ or The Stairs. Originally built in 1753 to bring visitors from the shore to Saint-Michel Basilica, the zig-zag yellow stairway has become a mandatory ‘photo-stop’. Les Rampes Saint-Michel, the stairs leading to Basilique St Michel in Menton, France In front of the Basilica is the square Place Saint-Michel . Repaved with over 250,000 pebbles, this renovation involved laying an incredible mosaic pavement, designed to reflect the historical and cultural significance of the site. The new pavement has enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the square, making it a fitting entrance to the Basilica and a picturesque spot to enjoy the views of the surrounding area. However, for one of the most picturesque spots in Menton, walk out on the Quai Impératrice Eugenie from here to the jetty. The views here, looking back at the town, are unmatched and there are also spots where you can sit, dip your feet in the water, soak up the sun and enjoy the breeze. Editor’s tip: Stay at this charming apartment for 3 if you want to enjoy views over the roof tops and the Basilica. The small mosaic square of the Basilica St. Michel in Menton Where + When Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange has limited visiting hours Monday to Friday, from 3-5 pm Saturday, from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3-5 pm Sunday, Mass at 11 a.m. Climb to the Cemetry of the Old Chateau for panoramic riviera views After visiting the Basilica, it is worth continuing the climb to the Cemetery of the Old Castle (Cimetière du Vieux Château) for some of the most amazing views on the French Riviera. Occupying the site where Menton’s castle once stood, the panoramic vista spreads over the terracotta roofs and colourful houses of Menton, across the sea towards the coast of Italy! The view overlooking the popular coastal town of Menton from the Cemetery of the Old Castle The cemetery was founded in 1807 and has become the final resting place of many notable artists, writers, and members of the European aristocracy. One of the most visited graves in the cemetery is that of William Webb Ellis who is often credited with inventing the game of rugby. Soak up the best French Riviera Beach Days in Menton Menton's beaches are among the most beautiful on the French Riviera. Plage des Sablettes is the busiest and most central of Menton beaches. However, there is no shortage of other good beaches to explore on your trip. Generally, the beaches are rockier on the western side of Menton and sandier on the east towards Italy. The pastel tinted Plage des Sablettes Situated on the edge of Menton’s Old Town Plage des Sablettes has a picturesque boulevard that hugs the white sands. Here, you’ll find beautiful fountains, scenic restaurants, and a buzzing atmosphere. It is known as a place where young people and families gather and you can enjoy views of Menton’s colourful buildings with access to the clear shallow water, parasols, and sunbeds. For a family friendly beach holiday this apartment for 6 is as close to the sea as you can be, without getting your feet wet! Or for a romantic break with your loved one this studio apartment for 2 is a great choice, just a few steps away from the beach and close to local shops and cafes. Editor’s tip: Other options are Plage du Fossan and Plage Rondelli. Fossan is pebbly and good for families whilst Rondelli is sandier and attracts a younger crowd, with some fun beach bars. Shop at Menton’s historic Marché des Halles For the best local produce, head to the covered market, Le Marché des Halles. One of the most striking architectural sights in Menton, its characteristic yellow structure is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the streets of the Old Town.The Historic covered market of menton, Le Marché des Halles Home to a quintessential French market - all cheeses, fish, flowers, fruit, breads, charcuteries, meat and wines, this is the best place of Menton to find your picnic ingredients, if you’ve got a beach day planned! Quiche with spinach, quiche lorraine with ham and cheese, cheese souffle at Le Marché des Halles Where + When Marché des Halles is on Quai de Monleon to the West of the Old Town. It’s open every day (except Monday) from 8am until around 1pm. We recommend heading here early in the morning for the most authentic experience (and more produce on show). On Mondays, (depending on the season) the market may be completely closed or there will be fewer stalls. More attractions in Menton to visit Visiting Museum Jean Cocteau: Perfect for Art Lovers The Museum Jean Cocteau - The Bastion is undoubtably the cultural hub of Menton, contributing to its reputation as a centre for arts on the French Riviera. The museum celebrates the work of Jean Cocteau (1889-1963), the renowned poet, playwright, novelist, designer, filmmaker and artist. The museum houses a permanent collection of Cocteau's works, including drawings, ceramics, tapestries, and paintings. The Bastion (1619), now part of the Jean Cocteau Museum Cocteau had a deep connection with the French Riviera, particularly Menton. The museum itself is built within a 17th-century fort that’s been decorated with beautiful murals and mosaics by Cocteau himself. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea offering visitors a unique blend of art, history and incredible coastal views. This gorgeous escape for 5 is situated on edge of the Old Town, moments from the beach and only a 5-minute walk from the museum. Where + When The Bastion—Jean Cocteau Museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 14.00 pm to 18.00 pm except Tuesdays, the 1st of January, 1st May, 1st November & 25th December. The museum is situated on Quai Napoléon III, 06500 Menton, France Menton’s Garden: Exploring an exotic paradise You can’t visit Menton without stopping at one of the town’s beautiful gardens. With its Mediterranean microclimate and fine, year-round weather, Menton has garnered a reputation as a true gardener's paradise. The resort has attracted botanists since the 1700’s when the upper-class English community sculpted grand, beautiful gardens between the sea and the mountains. A statue in a pool with water lilies in the Jardin Serre de la Madone Jardin Serre de la Madone, created by Major Lawrence Johnston in the 1920s, is still a serene retreat featuring rare plants from around the world. Its terraced design and tranquil ponds make it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. A wonderful example is the Val Rahmeh Botanical Gardens that surround an Italian-Provencal-style villa. Wander through bamboo groves, tropical greenhouses, and citrus orchards, and enjoy the vibrant colours and fragrant scents. Created by the Spanish writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, Fontana Rosa, the "Garden of Writers," offers a more whimsical, eclectic design. Its mosaics, statues and colourful ceramic benches pay homage to literary greats. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea, this apartment for 4 is ideally situated within an 8–12-minute walk from both Val Rahmeh Botanical Gardens and Fontana Rosa. Where + When Val Rahmeh Botanical Gardens are open all year. Ticket prices are full rate: €8.00 & Concessions: €6.00. The garden is closed every Tuesday, May 01 and December 25. Jardin Serre de la Madone is also open all year round. Ticket prices are Full rate: €10.00 & Concessions: €7.00 The garden is closed every Monday. Fontana Rosa is only open on Mondays & Fridays between 10 am & 11.30 am. Ticket prices are Full rate: €8.00 & Concessions: €4.00 Editor’s tip: If you are planning to come in February, then don’t miss the unique Fête du Citron celebrating Menton’s renowned citrus fruits. Menton Restaurants: A taste of the French Riviera fine dining Finally, a holiday in Menton wouldn't be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. The town's cuisine reflects its unique location, blending French sophistication with Italian flavours leading to scrumptious dishes like Ravioli with Vegetables, Nicoise Salad and Socca Pancakes. Fresh seafood, sun-ripened vegetables and locally grown citrus fruits are staples of the local diet. The delicious French salad Nicoise with tuna, eggs, green beans, tomatoes, olives, lettuce and anchovies Menton is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including the world-renowned Mirazur. Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, Mirazur offers a dining experience that is unforgettable, with dishes inspired by the region's rich bounty. FAQs Why is Menton famous? Menton is famed for its painted old town, exotic gardens, picturesque beaches and quiet unpretentious charm. Is Menton, France worth visiting? With its sunny Mediterranean microclimate, the beautiful resort town of Menton provides a culturally rich alternative to the bustling streets of Nice, making it an attractive destination all year-round. How much time do you need to visit Menton? The amount of time needed to visit Menton depends on your interests and the pace you prefer to travel. In one day, it is possible to enjoy the Old Town, visit one of the ornamental gardens and relax on the beach for a few hours. How to reach Menton? The closest international airport is Nice Airport (NCE) which is a 35-minute drive from Menton. Alternatively, there is a regular train service which takes approximately 40 minutes. The same train line connects Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer to Menton. There are two train stations, ‘Menton’ on the west side of town and ‘Menton Garavan’ on the east. Both are approximately a 15-20-minute walk from The Old Town. Nice St Agustin (the train stop nearest the airport), a 15 - 20-minute walk from the airpot. Can you walk from Menton to Italy? Yes, it is possible to walk from Menton to the Italian border – there is a great hike which takes approximately 40 minutes from Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange listed here. Can you walk from Menton to Monaco? Yes, there is a great hike with gorgeous sea views all the way from Menton to Monaco which can be completed in between 2 and 4 hours depending on how many stops you make along the way. Is Menton expensive to visit? Menton is comparatively more affordable than Nice, Monaco, and Cannes. However, the cost can vary depending on the time of year, accommodation choices, dining preferences and activities. Make the most of your stay in Menton by planning your trip with these wonderful Menton vacation rentals, ranging from beachfront stays to budget-friendly escapes!
