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The Ultimate Guide to Menton France: Perfect Visit to the Pearl of the French Riviera

Menton France is what happens when a destination decides to be effortlessly charming without trying too hard. It’s the cool, sophisticated cousin in the French Riviera family—understated yet unforgettable.

On my recent 4-day trip to the French Riviera, I had the pleasure of spending time in Menton France, a true gem–– with its beauty, charm, and relaxed atmosphere. Often called “The Pearl of France”, Menton is hands-down one of the prettiest towns in the Nice area and a must-visit destination.

Nestled right on the Franco-Italian border, Menton enjoys a unique microclimate with over 316 days of sunshine a year! The Mediterranean Sea sparkles in front, while the Alps rise dramatically behind, creating a stunning natural setting.

But Menton’s appeal extends well beyond its gorgeous location. The town retains an authentic sleepy French Riviera vibe, lacking the pretension and crowds of more famous neighbors like Saint-Tropez and Monaco. Colorful pastel buildings tumble down the hilltop old town, the air is scented with lemons (a local obsession), and an Italianate influence adds to the magic.

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The Ultimate Guide to Menton France: Tips for a Perfect Visit to the Pearl of the French Riviera

I experienced Menton as a place to slow down, breathe the sea air, and savor simple pleasures like a chilled rosé at a beachside cafe, a meandering stroll through shady medieval streets, or a sweet bite of homemade lemon gelato. This is the spot to literally smell the lemons and roses, to adopt the laid-back Mentonnais approach to life, if only for a few blissful Mediterranean days.

Whether you’re making Menton your base for a Riviera sojourn or popping in as a day trip from Nice, here are my tips for falling in love with The Pearl of France, but first some things to know before visiting.

How Many Days to See Menton?

Let’s cut through the travel fluff: Menton isn’t a destination that demands weeks of your precious vacation time. Think of it as the espresso shot of French Riviera experiences—concentrated, potent, and leaving you delightfully satisfied.

One full day? Absolutely perfect. This compact gem allows you to absorb its Mediterranean essence without feeling like you’re racing through a travel checklist. For the photography-obsessed (aren’t we all these days?), consider an overnight stay. Why? Those tourist-free, golden-hour shots of pastel buildings against azure waters—they’re worth their weight in Instagram gold.

Insider’s Pro Tip: Wake up before the town stirs. Those early morning hours? They’re your secret weapon for capturing Menton’s soul without the selfie-stick brigade.

Stay duration breakdown:

  • Day Trip: 3-4 hours of pure Menton magic
  • Overnight: Recommended for serious photographers and those who want to savor every nuanced moment
  • Extended Stay: Unless you’re planning day trips to Monaco or nearby villages, anything more than two nights feels like linguistic overkill.

Best time to Visit Menton

Menton laughs in the face of seasonal constraints. This isn’t your typical temperamental destination—it’s more like that friend who’s always perfectly dressed, regardless of the occasion.

Swim-friendly months (June through September) come with a caveat: crowds. Lots of them. If you’re the type who breaks out in hives at the mere mention of tourist masses, pivot to the shoulder seasons.

April-May and September-October? They’re your golden tickets. Less crowded, temperatures still flirting with perfection, and you’ll feel like you’ve discovered something the masses haven’t.

Is Menton, France Worth Visiting?

Short answer: Absolutely. Long answer? Buckle up.

Imagine a place where postcard aesthetics aren’t just marketing—they’re everyday reality. Menton isn’t just a destination; it’s a sensory experience wrapped in Mediterranean brilliance. Fresh sea air that feels like it’s been personally curated? Check. A historic old quarter so picturesque it makes other towns weep? Double-check.

The views? They’re not just views—they’re visual poetry stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the Italian border. Azure waters brush against beaches that look like they’ve been art-directed by nature itself. Every corner tells a story, every street is a potential masterpiece.

Traveler’s Brutally Honest Assessment: Menton is what happens when a destination decides to be effortlessly charming without trying too hard. It’s the cool, sophisticated cousin in the French Riviera family—understated yet unforgettable.

Recommendation: Go. Explore. Photograph. Repeat.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

Where to Stay in Menton France: Hotels in Menton France

For such a petite town, Menton France offers an appealing array of places to stay. I suggest picking between three main areas:

  • Old Town: Atmospheric but with stairs and hills, less convenient for cars
  • Promenade du Soleil: Beachfront location with sea views, an easy walk to everything
  • Inland: Often newer construction and better value, may require some walking
  1. Hotel Napolean, the best overall hotel
  2. Hotel de Londresfor the best luxury hotel
  3. Hotel Lemonboutique hotel

On my recent visit, I stayed at the charming boutique Hotel Lemon in the heart of town (29 Porte de France). It hits the sweet spot between old town character and beachside ease.

Helpful tip: Request a sea view room on a high floor for a stunning outlook!

For a touch of Art Deco glamour, the Hôtel Napoléon has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Katherine Hepburn in its heyday (29 Porte de France).

In the old town, apartment rentals are a fantastic option. This is a particularly good bet if you’re traveling as a family or group. I love the looks of Spectacular Blue Look (42 Montée du souvenir), a stylish duplex with a terrace and knockout views.

How To Get To Menton and Around

Getting there is a breeze: train, car, take your pick. This isn’t just a day trip; it’s a microcosm of everything magical about the South of France, compressed into a deliciously manageable package.

Menton is well connected by air, rail and road, making it easy to reach from both France and Italy. Here are your main options:

  • Closest airport to Menton : Nice Côte d’Azur (NCE), 30 min drive. Check flights on Skyscanner
  • Trains: Direct TGV service from Paris (6.5 hrs) and Marseille (3.5 hrs). Regional TER trains from Nice (30 min), Cannes (1 hr) and Ventimiglia, Italy (7 min). Book train in advance on Omio for popular routes fill up.
  • Bus: €1.50 bus #100 runs along the coast from Nice to Menton, but takes much longer than the train
  • Driving in Menton Car: A8 autoroute, exits Menton or Roquebrune. Book your car in Nice in advance from Discover Cars

Once you’re in Menton, your own two feet are the best way to get around! It’s very walkable, especially in the dense old town. That said, comfortable shoes are key for navigating the many staircases and hills.

If you want to explore the coastal towns further afield, the train is your friend. Menton has two stations, Menton-Garavan and Menton, with frequent connections in both directions. You can even ride right across the border to the first town in Italy.

Best Things to do in Menton France

Get Lost in the Old Town Menton Nice

  • Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and staircases climbing up the hill, lined with sherbet-hued houses and secret squares. Go on a full day Menton Guided Tour that includes a boat tour. Learn more here
  • Step inside the ornate Italianate Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange and admire the intricate Baroque interiors
  • Enjoy spectacular views over the red-tiled roofs to the sea from the cemetery and Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs
  • Cool off with a scoop of artisanal Italian gelato in delightful flavors like melon, ginger or chocolate-orange
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The medieval old town district is Menton’s undeniable highlight. Dedicate at least a half-day to leisurely exploring this compact tangle of pedestrianized streets, where traces of the past linger around every corner.

I loved starting at the lively Cours Saleya market street, where vendors sell everything from antiques to artichokes, then wandering upwards with no fixed agenda. Pastel dwellings with wrought-iron balconies, ochre church facades and splashing fountains kept drawing me further along – every street reveals a new delight!

Helpful tip: Beat the heat (and crowds) with an early morning ramble when the light is gorgeous and you’ll have the streets almost to yourself.

All paths converge at the showpiece Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange. This 17th-century Baroque beauty towers over Menton, its dome tiled with vibrant ceramics. Inside, dramatic paintings and sculptures cover every inch. Seek out the lovely side chapel dedicated to Menton’s patron saints.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

Above the cathedral, the old chateau cemetery delivers dizzying views over the jumbled rooftops to the sparkling sea. It’s an incredibly evocative spot, with crumbling tombs shaded by cypress and palm trees, many engraved with names revealing Menton’s English heritage.

End your explorations on a sweet note at Bouton d’Or (7 Rue Saint-Michel), a 100-year-old chocolate shop and tearoom. Their citrus gelato bursts with Menton lemons; I combined it with rich dark chocolate – pure Riviera bliss!

Be sure not to miss…

Les Rampes Saint-Michel in Menton France

 a stunning set of geometric stairs leading up to the cathedral. The lemon-yellow steps, adorned with trompe l’oeil paintings, are one of Menton’s most iconic sights and an Instagram must. Climb to the top for a fantastic perspective over the tangled streets below.

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Menton’s Most Photogenic Viewpoints

  • Snap the iconic shot of colorful buildings tumbling down to the sea from Quai Impératrice Eugénie
  • Capture the picturesque old port and its bobbing sailboats from Quai Napoléon III
  • Frame the lush gardens and sea vistas from Jardin Elisée Reclus
  • Zoom in on the Italianate bell tower of Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs rising above the rooftops

Menton is a photographer’s dream, with postcard-perfect views around every corner. For the classic shot of pastel houses cascading down to the Mediterranean, head to Quai Impératrice Eugénie (maps). This waterfront promenade on the western edge of the old town offers unobstructed views of Menton’s most colorful buildings, with the azure sea beyond.

Helpful tip: Go in the morning for the best light, before the harsh midday sun washes out the colors.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

The Vieux Port, or old port, is another photography hot spot (maps). Stroll along Quai Napoléon III to snap pics of the pretty sailboats and fishing skiffs bobbing in the harbor, backed by the lush green hills. At golden hour, the light is pure magic.

For a leafy oasis, seek out Jardin Elisée Reclus (maps), one of Menton’s loveliest parks. Tucked between the old town and the sea, this petite garden bursts with sub-tropical plants and citrus trees. Grab a bench and frame the turquoise water peeking through the greenery.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

Don’t miss the Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs (maps), a 17th-century church dedicated to Menton’s patron saint. Its square Italianate bell tower is an iconic landmark, rising proudly above the old town rooftops. Climb up to the cemetery behind the church for a fantastic vantage point.

With these viewpoints and a charged battery, you’ll be sure to fill your camera roll with frame-worthy shots of magnificent Menton!

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/
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Relax on the Beaches in Menton French Riviera

  • Stake out a spot on the soft sand or smooth pebbles of Menton’s public beaches
  • Book a lounger and umbrella for a splurge at one of the seasonal private beach clubs
  • Splash in the calm, impossibly blue Mediterranean Sea from Plage des Sablettes
  • Take in the sunset with an Aperol Spritz at one of the casual beachfront cafes

Menton’s beaches are an integral part of the town’s appeal. With miles of coastline to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice!

Plage des Sablettes is the main town beach, a long stretch of sand and colorful umbrellas. It’s lively without being chaotic, drawing a mix of all ages. The wide promenade behind is ideal for people watching or grabbing a bite.

Helpful tip: Get here early to snag a good spot, as it’s popular with locals and visitors alike.

Further east towards Italy, Plage Rondelli has a younger vibe with DJs and cocktails. Rent a sunbed at one of the seasonal beach clubs if you want a bit of a scene. For a low-key option, Plage Fossan is a pebbly, quiet spot near the old port with shallow, calm waters.

if you’re craving a quieter stretch of shore, head west of town to …

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

Plage de Fossa

 This pebbly beach lacks the crowds of Menton’s main beaches but offers the same translucent turquoise waters. It’s a favorite with locals, especially families appreciating the calm shallow bay. There’s a nice park just behind the beach, ideal for a shady picnic.

My favorite way to experience Menton’s beaches is to spend a lazy day alternating between swimming in the bathtub-warm sea, napping under an umbrella, and wandering along the waterfront with a gelato in hand. When evening hits, there’s no better place for a sundowner than the deck at Cocteau Plage (10 Promenade de la Mer), directly on the sand.

Taste the Famous Lemons in Menton

  • Sample Menton’s sweet, fragrant citrus in treats like lemonade, olive oil, candied peels and tarts
  • Take a guided tour and tasting at the organic Domaine Mas Flofaro farm to learn about Menton’s lemon heritage
  • Visit family-run shop Au Pays du Citron to stock up on artisanal lemon products like soaps, liqueurs and ceramics
  • Celebrate la fête du citron, a unique annual festival featuring giant sculptures made entirely of citrus

Menton and lemons are inextricably intertwined. Thanks to its subtropical microclimate, the town has grown this succulent citrus for centuries. These aren’t your average lemons: Menton’s have a delicate floral scent and sweetness prized by top chefs.

Over 200 producers in Menton grow lemons, numbering around 150 trees each. To learn more about this fascinating history, head to Domaine Mas Flofaro (Route de Castagnins), an organic farm where you can stroll the fragrant groves, peek inside the wax-lined sorting shed, and taste estate-made olive oils and jams. Tours cost €6 and run several times daily.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

Back in town, you’ll find lemons worked into everything, from savory dishes to perfumes and handicrafts. Sample a dizzying array of specialties at Au Pays du Citron (22 Rue Saint-Michel). I loved the citron pressé (fresh-squeezed lemonade), zesty limoncello liqueur, and traditional lemon-sugar marzipan, sold wrapped in bright Menton-themed packaging.

Helpful tip: Visit in February for the Fête du Citron. For two weeks, the Jardins Biovès park blooms with whimsical lemon sculptures, some towering 30 feet tall! Parades, live music, fireworks and a citrus market add to the fun.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

View beautiful Art at the Jean Cocteau Museums

  • Explore the work of artist, poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau at three unique museums
  • Marvel at his mythological mosaics swirling across the walls of a 17th century bastion
  • Study his dreamlike paintings and line drawings inside the Musée du Bastion
  • Admire how he transformed a simple wedding hall into a “tattoo studio” of frescoes
  • Don’t miss his gorgeous stained glass windows in the Chapelle Saint-Pierre des Pecheurs
Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

French artist Jean Cocteau was so enamored with Menton, he made it his adopted home. Today, his artistic legacy endures at a trio of singular museums.

Most visitors make a beeline for the Musée Jean Cocteau, a.k.a. the Bastion. Perched above the sea, this 17th century fort proves a dramatic showcase for Cocteau’s paintings, ceramics and tapestries, many inspired by local landscapes and Greek mythology. Before even entering, you’re greeted by Cocteau’s mosaic of Orpheus stretching across the exterior.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

Helpful tip: Don’t miss the Bastion’s video room to catch screenings of Cocteau’s groundbreaking films like Beauty and the Beast.

Cocteau fans should also seek out the intimate Musée du Bastion. Inside a 17th century wedding hall, his enchanting frescoes blanket the walls and ceilings, creating a chapelle de mariage (marriage chapel) like no other. Look closely to spot portraits of his muses and famous friends.

Finally, art lovers shouldn’t miss Cocteau’s jewel-like stained glass windows inside the Chapelle Saint-Pierre des Pecheurs. Shimmering with vivid blues, yellows and reds, they were some of his final works, a glowing love letter to his cherished Menton.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/
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Take a Day Trip to Magnificent Monaco

  • See mega-yachts and luxury cars in the glittering harbor of Monte-Carlo
  • Tour the Prince’s Palace, residence of the Grimaldi royal family
  • Try your luck at the opulent Casino de Monte-Carlo, a James Bond filming location
  • Lose yourself in the fragrant Princess Grace Rose Garden
  • Browse haute couture shops and galleries in the chic Cercle d’Or district

Glamorous Monaco, that dazzling principality of outrageous wealth and outsize beauty, sits just 20 minutes by train from Menton. With sights concentrated in a compact area, it’s ideal for a day trip.

Hop off at the Monaco-Monte Carlo station to emerge in the heart of the action. The stately Prince’s Palace perches on the clifftop “Rock of Monaco”, commanding endless views over the yacht-filled Port Hercules. Time your visit for 11:55 am to witness the pomp and circustance of the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

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From there, stroll down to the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, a lavish Beaux Arts marvel dripping in marble and gold. Helpful tip: Only over 18s are allowed inside, and a passport and jacket are required after 8 pm.

Across the street, the legendary Cafe de Paris is ideal for a fancy coffee break or a flute of champagne. You might spot a celebrity or two!

Further on, the lush Jardin Japonais offers a serene respite, with waterfalls and red bridges. But the finest garden is the fragrant, rose-filled Princess Grace Garden, dedicated to the beloved royal.

Coco Tran • Curated Travel Journal • Travel Blog by Coco Tran https://cocotran.com/menton-france/

Restaurants in Menton: where to eat in Menton France

When hunger hits, here are my recommended restaurants and eateries to check out

  • Condamine Market food hall serves up casual global fare.
  • For a splurge, spring for lunch at Alain Ducasse’s three-Michelin-starred Louis XV in the Hotel de Paris. 
  • Grab a seafood snack at this cute eatery selling these delicious fried seafood. You won’t miss it, it’s on the left side of the yellow stairs.

Before catching the train back to Menton, save time to peek into the stylish boutiques, antique shops and galleries of the Cercle d’Or district around Place du Casino. From Cartier to Chanel, Prada to Loro Piana, every luxury name is represented!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Menton known for?

Menton is famed for its beautiful pastel-hued old town, subtropical gardens, and enviable climate with 316 days of sunshine a year. It’s particularly known for its fantastic lemons, celebrated each year with a festival.

When is the best time to visit Menton?

With its balmy weather, Menton is pleasant year-round. June-August is peak season, when the beaches are at their best but most crowded. For fewer visitors and lower prices, spring or fall are ideal. Winter is cooler but rarely frigid – a good time for hikes and museum-hopping.

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