Warm ochre buildings, jumbled terracotta roofs, pink blossom trees and azure blue sea make Menton a picture-perfect town, the last one right before the Italian border.
Menton
The final town on the Riviera before France turns into Italy
With the sea on one side and the foothills of the Alps behind, it is claimed that you can ski in the mountains in the morning before sunbathing on the beach in the afternoon at certain times of year.
The old town is a labyrinth of charming alleyways, bell towers and churches, winding up towards the cemetery at the peak of the hill. Stroll up there for a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past and unrivalled views of the coastline.
Menton has the best of both worlds; the historic old town and all the hustle and bustle of a modern town. The main pedestrianised street is filled with shops, cafés and restaurants and the main road that runs along the seafront offers lots of places to eat and drink, as well as a large casino and nightclub. It has a strong Italian influence, which can be seen (and tasted) in the restaurants and food markets.
Events in Menton
Daily markets provide fresh local produce, especially lemons, for which the town is famous (there is an annual two week Lemon Festival every February).
Events in Menton
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Beaujolais Nouveau 
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Menton
The stunningly pretty seaside resort of Menton grew popular with the British and the Russians in the late 19th century when the gentry came for its mild climate and fresh air. They created lush subtropical gardens and built Belle Epoque mansions among the citrus groves.
In their footsteps came artists like Monet and Jean Cocteau, indeed the town is now known as 'the town of art and history'.
Despite being nicknamed the 'Pearl of France', Menton has a strong Italianate feel and a medieval heart, with narrow alleyways once ruled by pirates towered over by church spires. Today, its cobbled streets are full of restaurants and pavement cafés bathing in the golden light reflected off the sea and the pastel coloured buildings.
Sights & Attractions in Menton
There are numerous museums and art galleries, including the famous Jean Cocteau Museum and his exquisite gallery in the nearby fort.
Notable buildings include the Basilique-Saint-Michael-Archange, a spectacular baroque church with tall bell tower. Spend an afternoon meandering through the many botanic gardens, olive and citrus groves, or head up to the old chateau cemetery, where there are some simply spectacular views of the coast as you wander among the headstones.
Sights in Menton
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Bastion Museum, Menton
Historical fort on the harbour wall of Menton with works by Jean Cocteau
The bastion was built in the 17th century by Honoré II, Prince of Monaco, as a fort to defend the entrance to Menton. It now exhibits artwork by Jean Cocteau.
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Chapelle des Penitents Blancs, Menton 
Chapelle des Penitents Blancs, Menton
Baroque chapel overlooking Menton
This chapel belonged to the White Penitents, Catholic laymen living under a common rule. It was built between 1680 and 1687 on land outside the city's walls.
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Saint Michel Basilica, Menton 
Saint Michel Basilica, Menton
17th-century church in the centre of Menton
The first stone of the Saint Michel basilica in Menton was set in 1619, but it was not finished until 1653, and consecrated in 1675. Located in the old town, it boasts a beautiful Baroque style.
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Musee Jean Cocteau, Menton
Museum & art gallery in a beautiful modern building
This gallery is dedicated to the French writer, artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau but also host a number of exhibitions by various other artists.
Beaches in Menton
A number of beaches - both public and private - lie along the seafront, backed by a wide promenade just perfect for an afternoon stroll. The pebbled beaches tend to be nicer the closer to the port you are, which also means that they get busier.
The headland by the port is home to a small park area with shady trees and a children's play area.
There are numerous beach clubs where you can rent deckchairs and parasols or have a long leisurely rosé lunch, or muck about in the water on the many water toys for hire.
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Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton 
Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton
A stretch of beaches situated to the west of the Port
Made up of a selection of private and public areas, with the most popular stretch being Plage de Fossan to the east.
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Baie de Garavan Beach, Menton 
Baie de Garavan Beach, Menton
Sandy beaches situated to the east of the Port in Menton
Set to the back drop of Menton's colourful and pretty old town, these beaches stretch eastwards from the Port towards the Italian border.
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Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune 
Plage du Buse Beach, Roquebrune
A quiet pebble beach near the Cap Martin peninsula
Plage Buse is a pretty and undulating stretch of pebbly coastline tucked away to the west of the Roquebrune Cap Martin peninsula.
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Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune 
Plage du Golfe Bleu Beach, Roquebrune
Great family friendly beach, a short walk from Roquebrune
This family-friendly beach is easy to get to but not so easy to find, which is perhaps why it always stays fairly quiet even in peak season.
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Plage du Larvotto Beach 
Plage du Larvotto Beach
Stretch of man-made beach at the east end of Monaco's coastline
Larvotto is the principality of Monaco's most popular sandy beach and the main one with free public access. Covered in smooth imported fine gravel this man-made beach is made up of both private and public areas of beach.
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Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail 
Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
A popular beach close to the Monaco border
Plage Marquet is the most easterly of the Cap d’Ail beaches and is right on the border with Monaco.
Dining in Menton
You’ll not go hungry here.
Like everywhere on the Riviera you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh seafood, and Menton’s Italian heritage and reputation for citrus-growing ensure that you’ll enjoy great cuisine even in the cheaper restaurants.
Head to Quai Bonaparte for some beautiful seafront restaurants; if you want to push the boat out then Mirazur is a must, not only is it the proud owner of two Michelin stars but it regularly features in the list of the world’s top 50 restaurants.
Restaurants & Dining in Menton
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Croc'antine Restaurant, Menton 
Croc'antine Restaurant, Menton
Fresh, seasonal and local cuisine in the heart of Menton
This restaurant serves soups, salads, wraps, sweet and savoury tarts, desserts and a selection of freshly squeezed juices. A nice place for a relaxed lunch.
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A Boire A Manger Restaurant, Menton 
A Boire A Manger Restaurant, Menton
Simple, delicious food in the centre of Menton
This is the restaurant where Menton locals go for lunch. They serve huge platters with meat, fish, cheese, sandwiches... all made with high quality ingredients, and their burgers are famous around town.
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Port Garavan Restaurant, Menton
Italian & Mediterranean restaurant right in front of the marina
Located in front of the Garavan Marina in Menton, one of the largest ports on the French Riviera, this restaurant has wonderful views over the Garavan bay and the yachts.
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Maison Martin & Fils Restaurant, Menton
Traditional local specialities in the centre of Menton
Located in Menton's old town, right in front of the old market, this restaurant serves classic dishes from the Core d'Azur region, using only fresh seasonal ingredients.
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Loving Hut Restaurant, Menton
Vegan restaurant on the Menton seafront
An eat-in or take-out restaurant serving a wide choice of vegan snacks, meals and desserts.
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A Braijade Meridiounale Restaurant, Menton
Provençal cuisine in the centre of Menton
Situated in Menton's old town, near the church of St Michel, this restaurant serves traditional Provençal food, classic recipes from the French Riviera with an Italian touch.
Nightlife in Menton
There is a rather grand casino in Menton, and a nightclub too, although one wouldn't go so far to say that Menton has a thumping nightlife. Head to nearby Monaco for the clubs and live music.
Bars & Clubs in Menton
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The Deck Monte-Carlo Beach, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin 
The Deck Monte-Carlo Beach, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
There is no better way to start a Monaco evening than at The Sea Lounge
Set on a deck above the the water, this luxurious lounge bar/restaurant offers comfortable couches on which to wile away the hours drinking cocktails under the stars.
Read more about The Deck Monte-Carlo Beach, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
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Blue Gin Bar 
Blue Gin Bar
Late night bar at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel
With seaside terrace and billiard tables this place is sophisticated and fun, with lounges and icy-cool décor.
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Monte-Carlo Bay Casino 
Monte-Carlo Bay Casino
Ultra-modern casino offering customers a fantastic choice of games
In the heart of the spectacular Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, this ultra-modern casino offers a choice of around 150 new generation slot machines which all work without tokens.
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Jimmy'z Sporting Nightclub 
Jimmy'z Sporting Nightclub
Top name DJ's, bright lights & plenty of action at this nightclub
This nightclub is situated in the middle of the Sporting Monte Carlo Complex, and is one of the most prestigious clubs on the Riviera.
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Amber Lounge Nightclub
Infamous Formula 1 party venue at Le Meridien Hotel
Amber Lounge is where the stars of Formula One rub shoulders with royalty and VIPS from around the world, away from the eyes of the media.
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La Note Bleue Beach Club
Simple beach club combining elegance, simplicity & wellbeing
A private beach where you can relax and enjoy a lounger, have your feet in the cool blue waters, or enjoy the cooling mist on a sunbed.
Things to do in Menton
With the sea on one side and the foothills of the Alps behind, it is claimed that sometimes you can ski in the mountains in the morning before sunbathing on the beach in the afternoon.
Walkers will find a great base in Menton; you can hike the final stretch of the GR52 to Sospel or visit one of the nearby mountain villages of Gorbio, Sainte-Agnes or Castellar, which are all linked by a network of trails that extend far into the Alps. Have a look at our walking routes.
Things To Do in Menton
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Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals to explore the French Riviera
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
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Koaland, Menton
Children's fun park with rides and mini-golf
A fun-packed mini-theme park for children, just a few minutes walk from the beaches at Menton.
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Le Petit Train
Discover the town of Menton on board the small tourist train
With influences from Italy and neighbouring Monaco, Menton is a wonderfully rich town on the French Riviera. Picture postcard landscapes, historical architecture and stunning backdrop.
Watersports in Menton
Watersports in Menton
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Monte-Carlo Beach Club 
Monte-Carlo Beach Club
A whole host of watersports from parasailing to flyboaring
Indulge in some energising or relaxing water activities for young and old alike to enjoy at the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, at the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel.
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Centre de Sauvetage Aquatique de Monaco
Aquatic Rescue Centre Monaco offers diving, snorkeling, water rescue & civic aid
This facility offers an excellent opportunity for all those wishing to train and/or specialise in aquatic and underwater areas.
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Aviron Monaco - Rowing Club
Originating from the Regatta Society set up in 1888, now the Aviron Monaco
A rowing club that supports athletes and amateurs in Monaco to reach their goals, whether they are leisure based or competitive.
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Yacht Club de Monaco
Founded in 1953 this yacht club is an integral part of Monaco
Many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monaco’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.
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Private Swimming Lessons
Swimming instruction at your villa in Moncao for all ages and abilities
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Private Aqua Fit Classes
Private aqua fit sessions at your villa in Monaco for all ages and abilities
Aqua Fit sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
Where to stay in Menton
Menton has long been a tourist destination and so there is no shortage of well-established three star hotels; there are also some great campsites up in the hills behind the town - many of which are near staircases that shortcut through the streets and bring you directly to the beach.
Holiday Rentals in Menton
Holiday Rentals in Menton
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La Vigie Villa
Set on a promontory on the same cape as Monte-Carlo Beach, the Villa has a magnificent panoramic view of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Bay.
Hotels in Menton
Hotels in Menton
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Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Surrounded by a magnificent water sports club with an Olympic-size pool
The Monte-Carlo Beach has been entirely redesigned to offer a decidedly modern experience, blending the atmosphere of the Jazz Age on the Riviera with the intimacy of a luxury residence, and the most contemporary interior decor with the soul of a timeless luxury hotel.
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Victoria Hotel, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Convenient location for the beach, promenade and restaurants
Victoria hotel is located right on the beach in Roquebrune Cap Ferat near Menton town centre with easy access by bus from Nice airport. It is very well located if you want to visit places like Monaco, Nice, Cannes.
How to get to Menton
Menton can easily be reached by train (direction Ventimille from Nice) or bus (no.100 from Nice), we advise against taking the car during summer as the main road gets extremely traffic-logged and parking is limited.
Transfers for Monaco
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Private Airport Transfers
Nice Airport to Monaco from €187 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
With years of Alpine transfer experience through its sister brand, this private airport transfer service brings reliable, professional travel to the Côte d'Azur, with trained, English-speaking drivers who know the local area. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, including Mercedes models and spacious people carriers, offer Wi-Fi and complimentary mineral water, while airport meet and greet, flight and traffic monitoring, free child seats and clear pricing help make your journey easier. With automated pick-up reminders, door-to-door service and twenty-four-hour summer telephone support, you can arrange your transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Luxury helicopter transfers to the French Riviera & the French Alps
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Helicopter Transfers & Scenic Flights
Helicopter charter company based in Monaco with over 25 years experience
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Jet & Helicopter Transfers
Aircraft & helicopter charter company based at Nice Airport in the South of France
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Monaco - Nice Helicopter Shuttles, plus French Riviera Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Property For Sale in Menton
Property for Sale in Menton
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Villa for Sale | BSM250379
An enchanted haven between sea and sky
