The 9 things to do in Menton

Visit Menton: what to see during a visit to this city of the Alpes-Maritimes? Discover the must-see activities of Menton!

Nestled in the extreme south-east of the Côte d’Azur, Menton is considered “the pearl of France”. Indeed, the city is of all beauty, but it also enjoys a subtropical micro climate, pleasant all year round. Visiting Menton is a pure moment of happiness. It is first of all a pleasure for the eyes, with its historic centre and its ancient facades with soft pastel colors. It is also the wonder, facing the vegetation and the famous lush gardens.

But Menton is also known worldwide for his famous lemon festival. Let us not forget the cultural aspect, with Jean Cocteau, who left his mark in this southern city. And then, impossible not to mention the very beautiful beaches of Lyon. Are you wondering what to do in Menton? They tell you everything!

1. The historic centre

To start visiting Menton, the ideal is to get into the maze of the sinuous streets, because strolling in the old city is a real pleasure. Visitors discover these small medieval streets full of charm and beautiful facades embellished with Mediterranean plants. Among the streets of the medieval area, the Rue du Vieux Château is picturesque, typical of the alleys of old cities.

Also, the pretty streets Capodanna , Aquassoma and Mattoni , bear the names of pirates who were stalking the Mediterranean several centuries ago, and according to legend would have founded the city of Menton. place of herbs , living, friendly and full of charm allows to enjoy the atmosphere of a warm southern city.

The walk can go to the market of halls , not to forget to go to contemplate her chapel Pénitents Noirs Miséricorde and Chapel of the Immaculate Conception . For a longer walk, continue to the Bioves garden.

2. The gardens

Menton is famous for its beautiful gardens. The famous botanical garden Val Rahmeh is one of the must-see in Menton, to admire tropical plants. The garden Serre de la Madone is a beautiful exotic garden that dates back to 1924. As for the citrus garden of Palais de Carnolès , it presents a unique collection in the hexagon of more than 130 varieties of citrus.

Also, the Jardin des Colombières is very pleasant for the view of the sea and the city. Without forgetting the garden Fontana Rosa in the heart of Garavan, with basins, pergolas, ceramics. If you love beautiful gardens you know what to do in Menton!

3. The lemon party

This is a unique event in the world, not to miss! This is one of the must-see events in Menton! Every year in February and for two weeks, Menton pays tribute to this agrarian, which is the symbol of the city. We can contemplate the impressive corsos of golden fruits and night corsos, the tanks decorated with lemons, animations, shows... The lemon festival is really to be done in Menton.

And for the little anecdote, the legend says that when Adam and Eve were driven out of Paradise, Eve would have taken a lemon. After wandering, they arrived in Garavan Bay. Eve, under the charm of the place would have buried his lemon, which gave birth to Menton "The City of Lemons".

4. Basilica Saint-Michel Archange

This very beautiful basilica is one of the emblems of the city and real jewel of baroque art. She's one of the must-sees in Menton. It was opened to the faithful in 1653. As for its beautiful façade, it was completed in 1819.

Stair ramps allow you to access it, to admire this basilica with three naves, its magnificent pebble frame and its baroque façade with all beauty. As for the interior, it is sumptuous, in the Italian style, inspired by the church Annunziata de Genoa.

In August, his courtroom hosted the Menton Music Festival, one of the most prestigious and ancient in Europe. This basilica is part of the tourist itinerary of the Baroque Nisso-Ligure.

5. A boat ride

If you would like to spend an original holiday on the French Riviera, boat rental in Menton is a great idea! Whether for a few hours, a day, a week or even more, taking the sea off the coast guarantees an exceptional stay.

For example, you can navigate east to the Italian Riviera. You will discover a wild part with very few dwellings and picturesque villages on the other side of the border.

6. Museums dedicated to Jean Cocteau

An exciting cultural step to do in Menton! This is the visit of two museums dedicated to Jean Cocteau . First, the Musée Jean Cocteau & Collection Séverin Wunderman . A contemporary building with a dazzling design that contains more than 2,000 rooms, as well as temporary exhibitions.

But also, close to and facing the sea, proudly erected between the port and the Promenade du Soleil, we discover with wonder the beauty of the Fort of the Bastion . It is a former military building dating from the 17th century. It now houses a museum dedicated to Jean Cocteau, “the prince of poets” who had designed the building itself.

7. The cemetery of the Old Castle

A somewhat special and unusual visit, but which will leave no one indifferent. If you're looking for what to do in Menton, then take the direction of the Old Castle Cemetery. This is the oldest cemetery in the city, perched in height on a hill.

It is on the ruins of a castle, which gave it this name. Its dominant position makes it a first choice lookout. Moreover, offers a magnificent view of the city, Garavan Bay and the port. The famous writers Flaubert and Maupassant had contemplated this cemetery, which is among the most beautiful in France.

8. The palaces of the Belle Époque

The city of Menton has many palaces dating from the late 19th century and early 20th century, which at the time hosted a rich international clientele, attracted by Menton, for its climate and beauty.

An association “The circle of restored palaces” preserves this exceptional heritage. You can therefore visit Menton on the theme of palaces, to admire these majestic facades Belle Époque. There are 17. Among the most famous is the Grand Hotel of Venice or Orangerie, which dates from the late nineteenth century. But also Riviera Palace , Royal Westminster or Winter Palace .

Some are decorated with lush gardens of all beauty.

9. The beaches

Beautiful public or private beaches, with fine sand or pebbles, allow you to enjoy the Mediterranean. Whether in summer or off season, a few hours spent by the sea will be a pure happiness. If you’re looking for what to do in Menton to rejuvenate you, don’t hesitate to put your towel on one of the Lyon beaches.

You can install on the beautiful beaches of Sablettes , Fossan , beaches Menton Garavan , Rondelli or Hawaii ... Some are accessible to animals and others are non-smoking. Menton beaches are very well maintained and monitored in the summer. In addition, it is also an opportunity to practice nautical activities.

Other sightseeing ideas in Menton

Are you visiting Menton for a long time and looking for further visits and activities? Here's what you're looking for:

• Visit the gallery d’Art contemporain ;
• Discover the Monastery of the Annonciade, historic monument of the 11th century;
• Get on the hill Plateau Saint Michel, view on Menton and surrounding area;
• Spend a few hours at Musée des Beaux-Arts / Palais de Carnolès ;
• Doing guided theme tours with lecture guides (information office of tourism or town hall);
• To cultivate Museum of Regional Prehistory ;
• Taste the gastronomy (fougasse mentonnaise, barbajuans, lemon palets, orange cake...) ;
• Rent bikes with electric assistance to visit the city and surrounding area;
• Visit the Herbin jam ;
• Making an extension Monaco or Italy.

How to go to Menton?

By plane

The nearest airport is Nice Côte d’Azur, about 40 kilometers away. From there you can easily reach the city of lemon, by public transport or by renting a car. Do not hesitate to use a flight comparison such as Skyscanner to find the best flight available on your dates.

Remember to book as soon as possible to have choice and good rates.

By road

By car you can easily reach Menton by theA8 motorway, take Exit 59 which allows to reach the city center quickly.

By train

Menton Centre Train Station is located in the city centre, close to the seaside, shops and hotels. The TER Nice-Menton line also allows you to reach the city in TGV or LGV.

Bus

bus line 100 allows to connect Menton to Nice Centre and offers stops on all major cities of the course. line 110 connects Menton bus station to Nice airport.

Where to stay in Menton?

Regarding accommodation in Menton, you have a choice at the level of hotels of different standing, according to the needs of each. It is also possible to select a Airbnb or a location in a camping.

The ideal is to stay in the historical heart or on the seafront, to enjoy the view of the Great Blue and give a more romantic side to the stay. You will also be on site to taste local gastronomy in the restaurants of downtown. You can consult our website Compare hotels, which will tell you the best hotel offers, according to your dates of stay.

Remember to book as soon as possible, for more choices and a better quality price ratio.

Now that you know how to visit Menton, it’s time to pack!