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Pastel-coloured houses, lemon groves, palm trees and the deep-blue Mediterranean: Menton feels almost like a blend of the Côte d’Azur and Liguria. This French coastal town lies just a few kilometres from the Italian border and is one of the sunniest places in France. As well as its historic alleyways and Mediterranean way of life, Menton’s main attractions are its numerous beaches, which stretch along the coast and are scattered throughout the neighbouring villages.
09.06.2026
Eliza
Photo: Nestled between the sea, the mountains and the old town, Menton is home to many lovely spots all within easy reach of one another.
Menton lies on the eastern edge of the Côte d’Azur in France, right on the border with Italy and just a few kilometres from Ventimiglia. The town nestles between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains, giving it a particularly mild climate and an almost southern, laid-back atmosphere. Anyone arriving here quickly realises that Menton is neither quite France nor quite Italy – but a charming blend of both.
The heart of the town is the old town, with its pastel-coloured façades, narrow stairways and small squares. The path up to the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange is particularly lovely; from its forecourt, the view opens out over the rooftops, the harbour and the sea. Down by the water, Menton takes on a livelier feel: with cafés, small shops, stretches of beach and promenades that pleasantly link the town with the coast.
Garavan, to the east of the town, is also one of the most beautiful spots. This area lies closer to the Italian border, feels a little quieter and more elegant than the centre, and combines the harbour, palm trees, villas and sea views. If you want to explore Menton at a leisurely pace, take a stroll from the old town towards Garavan and experience how the town gradually opens up towards the coast.
And what would Menton be without its beaches? Directly below the old town lies the Plage des Sablettes, which is particularly atmospheric with its views of the pastel-coloured houses and the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange. Centrally located and handy for a quick dip are Plage du Fossan, Plage du Marché and Plage du Casino. Plage de Garavan, to the east of the town, near the harbour and the Italian border, has a more peaceful atmosphere. If you’d like to combine a visit to Menton’s beaches with a short day trip, there are other lovely spots for swimming in the surrounding area, such as at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the Golfe Bleu or Plage Le Buse.
Photo: Menton’s old town is one of the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur.
Menton’s old town is one of the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur. Narrow, stepped alleyways wind their way up between yellow, apricot and ochre-coloured houses to the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange. From the terrace in front of the church, the view sweeps out over the harbour, rooftops and the sea.
A little higher up lies the Cimetière du Vieux Château. This historic cemetery is not only a peaceful spot, but also one of the town’s most beautiful vantage points. From here, you can see the old town, the coastline and, on a clear day, as far as Italy.
Another classic attraction is the Les Halles de Menton market hall. Amidst the fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives, fish and regional specialities, it’s a particularly good place to discover the town’s culinary side. The market hall is close to the old town and fits perfectly into a morning stroll.
Art lovers can visit the Musée Jean Cocteau – Le Bastion at the old harbour. This small 17th-century fortress was designed by Cocteau himself as an exhibition space for his works and is impressively situated right on the waterfront. The museum is compact, but that’s precisely what makes it a lovely cultural stop between the old town, the harbour and a stroll along the beach.
The town’s gardens are also well worth a visit. The Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh surprises visitors with its exotic plants and an almost tropical atmosphere. The Jardin Serre de la Madone is tucked away in the countryside and is a lovely spot, particularly for garden lovers, to get to know Menton away from the coast.
Photo: Menton has a special charm of its own at sunrise or sunset.
As well as the old town, the beaches and the famous viewpoints, there are a few places in Menton that are easy to overlook, even though they reveal a great deal about the town.
One such place is the Salle des Mariages in the town hall. Designed by Jean Cocteau, the wedding hall is somewhat more tucked away than the Musée Jean Cocteau – Le Bastion at the old harbour. Amidst mythological figures, whimsical lines and bold colours, it reveals a surprisingly poetic side to Menton.
The Chemin du Rosaire, leading up to the Monastère de l’Annonciade, offers a lovely change of perspective. The path begins near the bus station and leads out of the town via numerous steps. Once at the top, the view opens out over Menton, the coast and the surrounding hills – a short climb that is particularly worthwhile in the morning.
Those who enjoy exploring architecture can follow in the footsteps of the Belle Époque. Particularly around Garavan and along selected streets, you’ll find old palaces, villas and hotel façades that evoke the era when Menton was an elegant winter health resort. It’s worth making a point of looking up: balconies, ceramic details, wrought-iron railings and pastel-coloured façades tell the town’s history almost as an afterthought.
Here’s a particularly simple yet lovely tip: experience Menton early in the morning. At that time, the beaches are still quiet, the old town glows in soft light, and along the coast the town reveals its relaxed, almost Italian-style charm.
Photo: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a great place for a day out. The coastal path winds its way past cliffs, villas and small bathing coves, offering frequent views of the Mediterranean.
Menton is a wonderful place to explore on foot. A stroll along the coast, through the old town and on towards Garavan is often enough to get a feel for the town’s character. It’s particularly lovely in the early morning, when the light is soft and the beaches are still quiet.
For those who don’t want to spend the whole day on land, there are also plenty of opportunities for water-based activities around Menton. Depending on the season, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and boat trips are available. The view back towards the coast is particularly lovely: the pastel-coloured houses of the old town, the beaches and the mountains rising behind the town.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a great destination for a day trip. The coastal path winds past cliffs, villas and small bathing coves, offering frequent views of the Mediterranean. Those who enjoy walking can combine the walk with a visit to the medieval village of Roquebrune.
Monaco, too, is just a few minutes’ train ride away. The Prince’s Palace, the harbour, the gardens and the densely built-up coastal landscape provide a fascinating contrast to the quieter Menton. Those travelling without a car, in particular, can easily fit in a half-day trip to Monaco.
Heading towards Italy, there are several worthwhile excursions, each with its own character. Ventimiglia itself is ideal for a visit to the market, an espresso, a spot of shopping or a stroll through the old town. Those who love nature and garden design should continue on to the Giardini Botanici Hanbury near La Mortola, a sprawling botanical garden featuring exotic plants, historic paths and sea views. Even closer to the French border lies Balzi Rossi near Grimaldi: where red cliffs, turquoise waters and prehistoric caves come together. If you like, you can combine a visit to the small museum with a break at the Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi – an excursion that brings together nature, the sea and history in an exceptionally beautiful way.
Those seeking more of a Riviera atmosphere can also reach Nice, Èze or Villefranche-sur-Mer by train. This makes Menton an ideal base for anyone wishing to explore the Côte d’Azur without staying overnight in one of the larger, livelier towns.
Photo: The Menton lemon is particularly well known; it is prized for its flavour and is used in desserts, jams, sauces and drinks.
Culinary-wise, Menton lies between France and Italy. The menus feature a blend of Provençal flavours, Ligurian influences, fresh fish, olive oil, herbs and citrus fruits. The Menton lemon is particularly well known; prized for its aroma, it features in desserts, jams, sauces and drinks.
A good place to start is the Les Halles de Menton market hall. Here you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, olives, bread, fish and regional produce. The market hall is ideal for a picnic on the beach or a quick shop for your holiday let.
For a sweet and very traditional treat, Maison Herbin is well worth a visit. This small workshop specialises in jams and uses, amongst other things, the famous Menton lemon. If you’re looking for a lovely gift to take home, you’ll find a charming alternative to traditional souvenirs here.
For breakfast, pastries or a good loaf of bread to take with you, Mitron Bakery is a lovely place to visit. This artisan bakery is part of Mauro Colagreco’s culinary world and uses natural sourdough, natural ingredients and heirloom grains.
For a special culinary experience, head to Mirazur, perched above Menton. Mauro Colagreco’s restaurant is one of the region’s most renowned establishments and makes extensive use of seasonal produce, its own gardens and the countryside around Menton.
Those who prefer something more laid-back yet still stylish will find Les Enfants Terribles a central spot near the old town and the old harbour. The restaurant specialises in fish and seafood and is ideal for dinner after a stroll through the old town.
A lovely addition is La Pecoranegra, also part of Mauro Colagreco’s culinary world. The pizzeria combines Italian generosity with local ingredients, making it a perfect fit for Menton’s location between the Côte d’Azur and Liguria.
Menton offers a delightful selection of accommodation options, ranging from beachfront locations to the charm of the old town and peaceful retreats. Particularly lovely are those establishments that combine proximity to the sea with a personal atmosphere.
Villa Genesis: A stylish boutique hotel set in a historic villa, just a few steps from the sea. The hotel has an elegant, tranquil feel and is ideal for travellers who wish to experience Menton in a little more comfort.
Hôtel Riva Art & Spa: A modern hotel on the Promenade du Soleil with a spa, roof terrace and sea views. A good choice if you’d like to stay right by the coast and have beach walks on your doorstep.
Hôtel Princess et Richmond: A charming seaside hotel with bright rooms and a lovely location on the promenade. Particularly suitable for guests who simply want to go for a swim, take a stroll and explore the town on foot.
Hôtel Napoléon: An intimate hotel near Garavan and therefore slightly away from the livelier centre. The location is ideal if you’d like to combine the beach, the harbour and day trips towards Italy.
Whether right on the promenade, in a historic villa or in a quieter spot towards Garavan: Menton can be explored comfortably on foot, by train or via short coastal walks from many of its accommodation options.
Photo: Menton is well worth a visit at any time of year – but the town is a particularly special experience during the Fête du Citron in February.
Menton benefits from its sheltered location between the sea and the mountains. The climate is mild, sunny and, for the Côte d’Azur, unusually green. Palm trees, bougainvillea, lemon trees and exotic plants characterise the townscape and lend Menton a southern charm even outside the summer months.
The best time to visit Menton is from April to October. In spring, the gardens are in bloom, the temperatures are pleasant and the town isn’t too crowded yet. Summer is particularly suitable for beach holidays on Menton’s beaches, though it can be livelier and warmer in the town centre.
Autumn is ideal for anyone wishing to combine the sea, walks and peaceful days. The water often remains pleasant for a long time, whilst the town becomes a little more relaxed.
But winter has its own charm too: Menton is much quieter then, the light is softer, and from mid-February onwards, the famous Fête du Citron brings colour to the town. During the Lemon Festival, the Jardins Biovès are transformed with artistic sculptures and installations made from citrus fruits, accompanied by parades, music and evening events.
If swimming is your main priority, it’s best to visit between June and September. For walks, visits to the gardens and trips along the coast, spring and autumn are often the more pleasant choices.
Photo: Menton is compact, with many attractions, beaches and restaurants within walking distance.
Menton lies on the eastern edge of the Côte d’Azur and can be reached from Switzerland in various ways. Once there, the town is pleasantly compact, whilst many destinations along the coast can be easily reached by train or car.
Train: Travelling by train is a relaxed way to reach Menton – for example, via France with a change in Nice, or via Italy with connections to Genoa and Ventimiglia. The train is also handy once you’re there: Monaco, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Nice and Ventimiglia are all easily accessible along the coast.
Car: You can reach Menton by car via the coastal motorway along the Côte d’Azur. The route offers scenic views, but can be busy during the peak season. A car can be handy for trips to smaller towns, more remote gardens or villages set higher up; in the centre of Menton itself, you’ll hardly need one.
By plane: The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d’Azur. From there, you can travel on to Menton by train, bus, shuttle or hire car. Travelling by train is particularly convenient if you plan to get about without a car during your stay anyway.
On foot: Menton itself is very easy to explore on foot. The old town, beaches, harbour, market hall and many restaurants are all relatively close together. As there are steps and some steeper alleyways in the old town, comfortable shoes are recommended.
If you’re mainly interested in exploring Menton, the beaches and the neighbouring coastal towns, you’ll get by just fine without a car. For more remote destinations further inland, however, a car may be the more convenient option.
Conclusion: Menton is the place for anyone who wants to experience the Côte d’Azur at a more leisurely pace. The town combines beautiful beaches, historic alleyways, Mediterranean gardens and its proximity to Italy in a way all of its own. If you take your time, you’ll discover – amongst the old town, the sea and the lemon trees – a Riviera that doesn’t need to dazzle – and which, precisely for that reason, leaves a lasting impression.
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