Menton
The final town on the Riviera before France turns into Italy
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.
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.
Jump to
- History & Culture in Menton
- Sights & Attractions in Menton
- Beaches in Menton
- Dining in Menton
- Events in Menton
- Things to do in Menton
- Cycling in Menton
- Hiking in Menton
- Yachts & Sailing in Menton
- Watersports in Menton
- Nightlife in Menton
- Where to stay in Menton
- Villas in Menton
- Holidays Rentals in Menton
- Hotels in Menton
- How to get to Menton
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
The bastion was built in the 17th century by Honorรฉ II, Prince of Monaco, as a fort to defend the entrance to Menton. It now exhibits artwork by Jean Cocteau.
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Saint Michel Basilica, 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
This gallery is dedicated to the French writer, artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau but also host a number of exhibitions by various other artists.
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Chapelle des Penitents Blancs, 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.
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.
Beaches in Monaco
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Baie du Soleil Beach, Menton
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
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 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
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
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 is the most easterly of the Cap dโAil 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 in Menton
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A Boire A Manger Restaurant, 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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Croc'antine Restaurant, 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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Loving Hut Restaurant, Menton
An eat-in or take-out restaurant serving a wide choice of vegan snacks, meals and desserts.
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Port Garavan Restaurant, Menton
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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Cote Sud Restaurant & Pizzeria, Menton
Located right in front on the sea in Menton, this charming restaurant has a great terrace where to sit and enjoy their creative take on Mediterranean, Italian and Provenรงal classic cuisine.
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Maison Martin & Fils Restaurant, 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.
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 Monaco
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieuย Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
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Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
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Monaco Yacht Show
An annual trade show held in Port Hercules, it is Europe's biggest in-water display of large yachts.
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e-Rallye Monte-Carlo
Open to various categories of non-polluting and CO2-free vehicles.
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Les Gourmand'Eze Gastronomic Festival, Eze
Three days with a packed programme of show cooking, workshops, tastings, conferences, amateur contests and a lot more.
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Sportel Awards at Grimaldi Forum, Monte Carlo
The Sportel Awards celebrate the best sports images of the year. The ceremony will take place at the Grimaldi Forum, under the Honorary Presidency of Prince Albert II of Monaco.
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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Road bike hire
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Le Petit Train, Menton
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.
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Koaland, Menton
A fun-packed mini-theme park for children, just a few minutes walk from the beaches at Menton.
Cycling in Menton
Cycling Routes in Monaco
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Col de la Madone de Gorbio Cycle Route
When Lance Armstrong describes a training route as โmythicalโ you know itโs not going to be easyโฆ
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La Grande Corniche Cycle Route
La Grande Corniche is one of the classic cycle routes of the Riviera and this ride takes you from the heart of Nice all the way to Menton on the Italian border and back.
Hiking in Menton
Walking Routes in Monaco
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Le Corbusier Walk
Cap Martin is a rather exclusive peninsula between Monaco and Menton, which houses a number of large, discrete villas of the rich and famous. Happily, there is also a rather fabulous coastal walk around the headland which allows everyone to access the wonderful views of Monaco and the sea.ย
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Le Corbusier walk
Cap Martin is a rather exclusive peninsula between Monaco and Menton, which houses a number of large, discrete villas of the rich and famous. Happily, there is also a rather fabulous coastal walk around the headland which allows everyone to access the wonderful views of Monaco and the sea.
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Chateau de Sainte-Agnes
Perched high up on the rocks above Menton this lovely village offers great views and classic mediterraneanย architecture.ย
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Chateau de Roquebrune
The historical town of Roccabruna fell under control of the Grimaldi family of Monaco for five centuries during which time the castle was strengthened. It still stands today and is a must see on this short walk.
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Circuit Bon Voyage
A scenic walk along the coast leading to a small chapel dating back to the late 1800's.
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Tour of Mont Gros
Mont Gros stands at 686m and towers above Menton and Monaco. It is a popular venue for paragliding.
Yachts & Sailing in Menton
Watersports in Menton
Watersports in Monaco
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Monte-Carlo Beach Club
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
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
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
Many of the worldโs most prestigious private yachts fly the Yacht Club de Monacoโs burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.
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Private Swimming Lessons
Lessons delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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Private Aqua Fit Classes
Aqua Fit sessions delivered at your villa pool by qualified, insured and highly experienced instructors.
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.
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.
Villas in Menton
Villas 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.
Holidays 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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Victoria Hotel, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
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.
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Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
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.
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
From Nice airport to Monaco, they handle the rest. The Cรดte dโAzur's most trusted private transfers.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
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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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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
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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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.