Skip to main content

Menton

The final town on the Riviera before France turns into Italy

Location
Menton
Featured in
Towns & Villages
Updated

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

  1. History & Culture in Menton
  2. Sights & Attractions in Menton
  3. Beaches in Menton
  4. Dining in Menton
  5. Events in Menton
  6. Things to do in Menton
  7. Cycling in Menton
  8. Hiking in Menton
  9. Yachts & Sailing in Menton
  10. Watersports in Menton
  11. Nightlife in Menton
  12. Where to stay in Menton
  13. Villas in Menton
  14. Holidays Rentals in Menton
  15. Hotels in Menton
  16. 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

See all Sights in Menton

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 in 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 in Menton

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 in 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

See all Things To Do in Menton

Cycling in Menton

Cycling Routes in Monaco

See all Cycling Routes in Monaco

Hiking in Menton

Walking Routes in Monaco

See all Walking Routes in Monaco

Yachts & Sailing in Menton

Watersports in Menton

Watersports in Monaco

See all Watersports in Monaco

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

See all Villas in Menton

Holidays Rentals in Menton

Holiday Rentals in Menton

See all Holiday Rentals in Menton

Hotels in Menton

Hotels in Menton

See all Hotels in Menton

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 Transfers for Monaco

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Monaco and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this charming Principality.

See allLatest News & Reviews

Upcoming Events

Monaco is well-known for hosting some of the world's biggest and best events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters and the Monaco Yacht Show. Fashion, art and music are also popular – you will find that there are events taking place throughout the year attracting some of the biggest names in these fields.

See allUpcoming Events
looking across the river to beaulieu sur dordogne
A trail runner in the mountains of Sospel
What's On in Monaco September 2019
e-Rallye Monte-Carlo 2020, Monaco
Monaco in October 2019 - What to see & do
Monaco in October 2019 - What to see & do