Menton is the last seaside resort on the French Riviera before the Italian border. We loved the crystal-clear waters, the colorful facades of the nearby old town and the view of the foothills of the Alps plunging into the Mediterranean. All along the shore, 7 beaches await you, giving you the choice between public and private beaches.
Here’s our selection of the most beautiful beaches in and around Menton, with our helpful tips in pictures!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Menton’s best beaches – map
In this article, we present the best beaches in Menton. Whether public or private, they all benefit from the Côte d’Azur’s wonderful climate and coastline landscapes. You’re sure to have a great time.
But you can also choose to take advantage of your stay to discover all the wonders Menton has to offer. In any case, here’s a map of the beaches listed in this article, to help you get your bearings:
1. Plage des Sablettes
Why we love it
Plage des Sablettes is located at the foot of Menton’s old town, right in the center. In our opinion, it’s one of the best beaches on the Côte d’Azur. The Plage des Sablettes-Est joins the Port de Menton-Garavan. It offers magnificent views of the city on one side, and the Italian border on the other. We loved this relaxing, family-friendly beach between sea, town and mountains.
Access
- In the heart of Menton, at the foot of the old town
- A 10-minute walk from downtown.
- Several pay parking lots nearby, including one right next to the beach: Parking Vieille-Ville-Sablettes.
Practical information
- Gravel beach
- Gentle slope
- Supervised beach in season
- Showers
- Handiplage-certified beach. Find out more here.
- Nearby restaurants
- Private beaches
WHERE TO STAY IN Menton
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Hotel de Londres – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Riva Art – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Villa Genesis – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Port side
Easy access to the center and beautiful views of the old town.
- Hotel Napoleon with swimming pool – view prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: Beachside
15 to 30 minutes’ walk from the center between Roquebrune and downtown, to enjoy the sea.
- Best Western Premier Hotel Prince de Galles – view prices, pictures and availability
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Julia Augusta – see prices, photos and availability
2. Plage Rondelli – Sablettes Est
Why we love it
You’ll find Plage Rondelli to the east of the town, just before Port de Garavan, in the extension of Plage des Sablettes. It’s also known as Plage Sablettes-Est. It offers some of the finest views on the site: over the old town of Menton to the west and the foothills of the Alps to the east. We have devoted an entire article to this beach, which is particularly popular with families.
Access
- Between Vieux Port and Port du Garavan
- In the extension of Plage des Sablettes
- Parking at the end of the beach, next to Stade Rondelli
Practical information
- Sand on the public part, the rest is gravel.
- Gentle slope
- Supervised in July and August
- Toilets and showers on the beach
- Numerous restaurants nearby
- Private beaches
- Pedestrian environment
3. Fossan Beach
Why we love it
Plage de Fossan is a small beach facing west. It is located behind the Vieux Port de Menton, at the foot of the new Musée Jean Cocteau. On the seafront, it is protected by the Parc de la Plage de Fossan. We liked its access via a wide, stepped wooden esplanade on the edge of the park, from where you can sunbathe or watch the sun set behind Cap-Martin.
Access
- Near downtown, in front of the new Musée Jean Cocteau
- On the Esplanade Francis Palméra
- 3min walk from Halles de Menton
- Numerous pay parking lots nearby
Practical information
- Pebble beach and wooden terrace
- Gentle slope
- Supervised beach in season
- Showers, toilets and lockers on site.
- Smoke-free beach
- Numerous restaurants nearby
- Kindergarten
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Market Beach
Why we love it
Plage du Marché is a very long beach stretching from the new Musée Jean Cocteau to the Casino de Menton. The pebbles are finer in the easternmost part of the beach (towards the museum), which we appreciated. As its name suggests, this beach is close to Les Halles, and therefore to the city center, which is very convenient if you want to cool off between two visits.
Access
- Opposite Les Halles de Menton
- 2min walk from downtown
- paid parking nearby
Practical information
- Pebble beach
- Gentle slope
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets, showers and lockers on site
- Two wheelchair-accessible entrances: opposite the Royal Westminster Hotel and at 1400 Promenade du Soleil.
- Numerous restaurants nearby
5. Casino Beach
Why we love it
In the direction of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Plage du Casino succeeds Plage du Marché. As on the other beaches of Menton, the waters are crystal-clear and pleasant to swim in. We particularly liked it because it’s the only beach in Menton close to the town center where dogs are allowed. It is mainly composed of pebbles.
Access
- Downtown, in front of the Casino de Menton
- 5min walk from Menton Tourist Office
- A few parking spaces along the beach
Practical information
- Pebble beaches
- Gentle slope
- Supervised beach in season
- Toilets and showers on site
- Access ramp for people with reduced mobility
- Numerous restaurants along the beach
- Dog zone
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on Provence, subscribe:
6. Borrigo Beaches
Why we love it
Following on from Plage du Casino, we liked Plage du Borrigo, named after a small coastal river. In fact, the Borrigo flows into the eastern end of the beach. Beyond the mouth of the river, you’ll find a narrow strip of rocky outcrops stretching down to the small Plage du Gorbio below the Les Bains du Cap aquatic center.
Access
- At the end of Promenade du Soleil, opposite Jardin Elisée Reclus
- Towards Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, on the outskirts of town
- Small parking lot after the mouth of the Borrigo river
Practical information
- Pebble beach
- Gentle slope
- No surveillance mentioned
- Nearby toilets and on-site showers
- Restaurants overlooking the beach
7. Gorbio Beach
Why we love it
It’s a tiny beach on the edge of town, at the level of the Union Bridge. It is named after a small village perched above Menton. It’s a public beach, barely developed and devoid of the usual services and facilities, but we loved going there in the early morning to watch the sun rise over Menton.
Access
- East end of Menton, on the border with Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
- Below the Centre Aquatique de Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Les Bains du Cap
- Parking spaces along the beach and near the aquatic center
Practical information
- Pebble beach
- Gentle slope
- Unattended
- Access ramp for people with reduced mobility
- Dog zone
Other beaches around Menton
Carnolès beach in Roquebrune Cap-Martin
The beach stretches for almost 900m, in 4 coves where it’s very pleasant to swim. The slope is gentle but the pebbles are large enough to warrant beach shoes if you have sensitive feet. Carnolès Beach is very popular in summer. This is due to its proximity to the city center. We advise you to come early in the morning, or in the off-season. The water is clear and turquoise, and you can admire Menton and the Italian coastline in the distance.
Ēze beach
This little beach is less famous than its eponymous village, recognized asone of the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur. The sumptuous landscapes and translucent waters were truly enchanting. The spectacle is everywhere, even underwater, where pebbles and rocks lend themselves easily to snorkeling. A moment of such serenity that we have dedicated an article to it.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
Frequently asked questions
When to swim in Menton
You can swim in Menton at any time of day. However, during the summer months, the beaches are very busy, so we suggest you get up early to enjoy them in peace and quiet. Picnicking in front of the sunset is also a delight. The Côte d’Azur’s mild climate means that even the most courageous can enjoy swimming all year round.
What are the best beach restaurants in Menton?
There are plenty of beachside restaurants in Menton. You can choose to take advantage of private beach offers, mainly on the Sablettes and Rondelli beaches. Find out more here.
You may also prefer to move closer to the Vieux Port or Port du Garavan and enjoy lunch on the terrace overlooking the boats. Our article dedicated to the best restaurants in Menton shares our best addresses with you.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
