Welcome to Menton ! It is one of the best places to visit in France. Menton is easily considered the hidden gem of the famous French Riviera. This small town is located next to the Italian borders. So, if you love Italian culture and style, Menton is the place for you. Apart from the Italian vibes, you can expect amazing Mediterranean vibes, as there are palm trees almost everywhere. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Menton.
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Discovering Menton – French Riviera
Why is it considered the pearl of the French Riviera ?
Menton is undoubtedly one of the most colorful and charming places we have ever been. Since its architecture and natural beauty are on another level, it is considered the pearl of the French Riviera. But, although it is still a lesser known place than other popular cities on the Côte d’Azur, it’s packed in the summer peak season. Another special feature of Menton is its delicious cuisine. What better combination than French and Italian cuisine ? It also offers stunning mountain views of the Alps which will be snow covered during fall or early spring.
How to get to Menton ?
You can get to Menton from any of the French Riviera cities. Cannes, Nice and of course Monaco are very close to Menton. However, you can easily reach it from Italy, i.e. cities like Genoa, Portofino and even Cinque Terre. That’s why it has a unique geographical location that makes it an easily accessible destination to add to your itinerary. We recommend you visit as a day trip and spend a whole day exploring this jewel of the Côte d’Azur. If you have more time, you can stay overnight to fully experience its beauty !
Distance from nearby major cities :
- Cannes to Menton : 64 kilometers
- Nice to Menton : 30 kilometers
- Monaco to Menton : 13 kilometers
- Genoa to Menton : 173 kilometers
- Portofino to Menton : 207 kilometers
- Cinque Terre to Menton : 260 kilometers
The famous lemons of Menton
Menton is one of the warmest and sunniest places in France (300 days of sunshine per year). That’s why lemons and oranges abound, as well as olives and palm trees ! In fact Menton was considered the lemon capital of Europe in the 19th century. You will see them everywhere. So, it is the main product you will see sold in souvenir shops. If you love lemons, you will have the chance to try lemon liqueur or even lemon-infused oil which is a must try. With these weather conditions, Menton is the perfect Mediterranean place.
Best things to do in Menton
1-Stroll around colorful old town
Strolling the streets of the old town is the must do in picturesque places like Menton. Getting lost in its colorful roads is a delight. We had an amazing time exploring the narrow alleys, full of Italian vibes. This old town looks like a movie’s scenery with all the vibrant colors, the palm trees, the cozy cafés and restaurants and of course the charming squares. It is one of the best old towns you can find in France. In case you plan to visit it in summer, keep in mind that the streets get very crowded after 9-10am. So, if you want to enjoy your time to the fullest and maybe take some pictures without tourists inside, you should come as early as possible. This way you will also avoid the hot summer mornings and afternoons !
2-Visit Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange
At the top of the old town, you will find the magnificent Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange which is the landmark of Menton. This baroque cathedral dates back to the 17th century and is equally beautiful inside and out. The entrance is free. In addition to its beauty, it is also the tallest building in town. So, it is the perfect place for amazing panoramic views.
3-Enjoy the photogenic Plage des Sablettes
This small beach has gained a lot of attention due to social media. It is one of the most beautiful beaches you will find on the French Riviera. The clear blue waters, white sand and colorful scenery of the town make it a dream beach to enjoy your morning dip ! Imagine swimming against this epic view. Here you will also find charming restaurants, the old port (vieux port in French) and a pedestrian street where locals and tourists gather. That’s why it is one of the liveliest areas in Menton.
4-Walk along the Promenade du Soleil
The best place for long walks on the Menton coastline is the “Promenade du Soleil (boardwalk in the sun in English). You can walk, bike or jog for miles admiring the stunning ocean views. It is better to do such activities either early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the high summer temperatures. The whole scenery with the clear blue waters, the colorful buildings and the surrounding mountains is very romantic.
Bonus Tip :
If you are a foodie with a particular interest in olive oil, vinegar and limoncello, then Menton will be your happy place. Since it is the last French city before the Italian border, its cuisine has an Italian influence. So, you will find delicious French and Italian dishes for all hours ! During our day trip, we had the chance to have an amazing breakfast and lunch there. Everything was delicious and attention to detail ! What’s better than enjoying culinary delights with a magnificent view of the ocean ?
Other nearby places on the French Riviera
1-Monaco
The principality of Monaco is an independent state and one of the most luxurious places in the world. A few kilometres from Menton, it is the perfect destination for glamorous vibes. However, if you are not into fancy places, Monaco isn’t all about that. It also offers stunning panoramic views. So, if you take a road trip on the French Riviera, you can easily add it to your itinerary as a day trip from Nice, Cannes or Menton. Since Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, it offers many tours to Monaco. We recommend you take a boat tour for a unique experience enjoying the turquoise waters and beautiful surroundings.
2-Nice
Nice is a bigger city with magical sunsets, turquoise waters, a picturesque old town and amazing Mediterranean vibes. It does not look like Monaco, nor Menton. It has a unique beauty and lots of things to do. It is only a 30-minute drive from Nice to Menton. It is the perfect place to base yourself and take day trips to the other gems of the French Riviera. However, if you are short on time and still want to experience the beauty of this incredible French region, we suggest booking a guided tour to save time and money !
Final Thoughts
The Côte d’Azur is a unique French region, full of hidden gems like Menton. But, this small town in particular has it all ! For us, it’s an idyllic place that should be on everyone’s bucket list. You will feel you have found a city-oasis. We honestly can not recommend it enough.
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