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.
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
See all Sights & Sites-
Bastion Museum, Menton
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
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
See all Beaches-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Plage Marquet Beach, Cap d'Ail
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 in Menton
See all Restaurants-
Loving Hut Restaurant, Menton
An eat-in or take-out restaurant serving a wide choice of vegan snacks, meals and desserts.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 Provençal classic cuisine.
-
A Braijade Meridiounale Restaurant, 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.
-
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.
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
See all Events Calendar-
Monaco Yacht Show
An annual trade show held in Port Hercules, it is Europe's biggest in-water display of large yachts.
-
Palermo - Monte Carlo Regatta
The course leaves the Gulf of Mondello bound for the Principality of Monaco. Contestants will have to pass through a “gate” off Porto Cervo, Sardinia, then onto Corsica before reaching Côte d’Azur shores.
-
Monaco Classic Week - La Belle Classe
First held in 1994, Monaco Classic Week took shape from an idea of the Yacht Club de Monaco to mark the first motor-boat meetings of 1904 and to celebrate ten years at the helm of Club President Prince Albert II.
-
Trail des Alpes Maritimes
Two races plus a kids event starting and ending in the medieval mountain village of Sospel.
-
Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
-
e-Rallye Monte-Carlo
Open to various categories of non-polluting and CO2-free vehicles.
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
See all Activities & Trips-
Road bike hire
This company is based in Menton and offers a range of road bikes.
-
Motorbike hire
Based in Menton, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
-
Koaland, Menton
A fun-packed mini-theme park for children, just a few minutes walk from the beaches at Menton.
-
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.
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.
Hotels in Menton
Hotels in Menton
See all Hotels-
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.
Price: €1,547
-
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.
Price: €11,825
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
See all Airport Transfers-
Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Monaco, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.