Planning a trip to Provence? Whatever the season or length of your getaway, there’s plenty to do in Menton, and we highly recommend a stopover.
Nestled on the famous Côte d’Azur, between sea and mountains, Menton is known for its colorful alleyways, lush gardens and year-round mild climate. With its rich historical past, Menton boasts a remarkable architectural heritage. It’s also a cultural mecca, with its famous classical music festival and Jean Cocteau Museum. It’s also a corner of paradise at Italy’s gateway to the dolce vita.
In this article, you’ll find a list of 10 ideas for things to do in Menton, our opinions in pictures and suggestions for organizing your trip.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Relax on Plage des Sablettes overlooking the old town or… dive!
Why visit?
Located at the foot of Menton’s old town, right in the center, Plage des Sablettes is one of the most beautiful 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.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 3 hours to enjoy the beach and its services.
- Located in the heart of Menton, a 10-minute walk from downtown.
- Several pay parking lots nearby, including one right next to the beach: Parking Vieille-Ville-Sablettes.
- Several restaurants on the beach.
- Numerous nautical activities (sailing, kayaking, paddle…) and the possibility of taking your first dive at the Centre de Plongée de Menton, a little further along the port. See prices, photos and availability.
2. Discover the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel in its steep streets
Why visit?
The basilica is a jewel of Baroque architecture, with its sober, elegant facade, lofty campanile and caladé square (a mosaic of black and white pebbles). Not to mention the interior refinements, such as the ceiling decorations in the great nave, which were awe-inspiring. This marvel is nestled at the tip of the old town, among steep, brightly-colored alleyways. A feast for the eyes and a typical Mediterranean atmosphere.
See more photos of the basilica in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Allow 10 to 30 minutes for a tour of the basilica, depending on your interest.
- Located in the heart of Menton’s old town, above the Plage des Sablettes.
- Access via the Saint-Michel staircase or the steep streets of the old town: steps everywhere.
- Numerous restaurants nearby.
- To learn even more, why not take a guided walking tour? – see prices, pictures and availability.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 3pm to 5pm; Saturday, 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm; Sunday, mass at 11am. See the latest news on the official website here.
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
3. Visit the Musée Jean Cocteau at Le Bastion
Why visit?
Located at the end of Menton’s Promenade du Soleil, the Bastion is a historic site and a unique opportunity to discover the life and work of Jean Cocteau. It offers temporary exhibitions entirely dedicated to this French artist, so emblematic of the 20th century. A little further on, at the other end of the Parc de la Plage de Fossan, the Musée Jean Cocteau Collection Séverin Wunderman is also worth a visit (despite its closure). We were impressed by architect Rudi Ricciotti‘s bold contemporary design. To find out more about Jean Cocteau and Menton, don’t miss our article on his magnificent museum.
Practical advice
- Allow 10 to 40min depending on your interest.
- Located at the end of the Promenade du Soleil, near the old port, at the tip of the old town.
- The Bastion dates back to the 17th century, and is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Numerous restaurants nearby (Old Town and Plage des Sablettes)
- Full price: €5, more details on the official website here.
- Open daily from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm, except Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and December 25th.
4. Climbing the Saint-Michel ramps
Why visit?
The rampes-Saint-Michel are an emblematic feature of Menton. They link the Parvis Saint-Michel above to the Quai Bonaparte and the Plage des Sablettes below, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. They were built from 1753 and extended in 1941. They lend a theatrical dimension to the Baroque ensemble of the parvis, the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange and the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs. We photographed them from every angle, as most tourists do. Find out more here.
Practical advice
- Allow 10-15 minutes to enjoy the view from each landing and take photos.
- Located above Plage des Sablettes, in the old town.
- Ramps are staircases that extend over several levels, making access difficult for people with reduced mobility and strollers.
- Numerous restaurants nearby.
- And if you’re not very good at photography, or if you’d like to preserve some beautiful memories, why not have them taken by a local photographer? See prices, photos and availability.
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.
5. Stroll through the Val Rahmeh Botanical Gardens
Why visit?
On the heights of the town of Menton, the Jardin Botanique du Val Rahmeh is a haven of freshness and biodiversity. It’s an immersive botanical discovery experience. Along its winding paths, we discovered exotic and rare tropical plants. We also took advantage of its peaceful spaces in the heart of Mediterranean nature. Read about our visit to this wonderful garden in our article.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h and 1h30 for the tour.
- Located above Stade Rondelli, near Port de Menton Garavan.
- We recommend you wear walking shoes (stairs and gravel) and watch out for mosquitoes!
- Although a little out of the way, there are restaurants nearby.
- You can also include a visit to the Jardin du Val Rahmeh in a day-long tour of Menton’s citrus groves, old town and lush landscapes, ending with a boat cruise. See prices, photos and availability.
- Full price: €7. More details here
- Open November 1 to March 31, 9:30am to 5pm and April 1 to October 31, 9:30am to 6pm. Closed on Tuesdays, May1st and December 25th.
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6. Stroll through the Serre de la Madone garden
Why visit?
The Jardin Serre de la Madone, in the hills above Menton, is a botanical oasis of exceptional beauty. A wide variety of exotic and Mediterranean plants can be found here. Designed by English landscape architect Lawrence Johnston between 1924 and 1939, we loved its winding paths and panoramic mountain views. A visit to this garden is an enriching experience for all nature and gardening enthusiasts, but not only. The garden is also an absolutely essential haven of peace and serenity. It celebrates its centenary in 2024!
See more in our article.
Jardin Serre de la Madone is, in our opinion, one of the 10 most beautiful gardens on the Côte d’Azur.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h and 1h30 for a tour of the garden.
- Located in the hills above Menton, in the Madone district, on the road to Gorbio.
- It’s best to wear walking shoes (gravel, stairs and steep slopes) and protect yourself from mosquitoes!
- The garden has a shaded parking area (come in the morning to find a space, especially in summer). It is served by the “Serre de la Madone” bus stop, line 7, which takes 20 minutes from the bus station. Find out more here. Alternatively, it’s a 40-minute walk from the center of Menton.
- We didn’t see any restaurants nearby.
- Full price: €10
- Open every day except Monday and May 1st, summer from 10am to 6pm, winter from 10am to 5pm. Find out more here.
7. Hiking in the village of Sainte-Agnès
Why visit?
Perched at an altitude of 800m, Sainte-Agnès is an unspoilt medieval village . It is the highest coastal village in Europe. With sea views and splendid panoramas! Its strategic location has given it a long military history. In addition to its narrow streets and stone houses, you’ll find the ruins of a castle (at the very top) and the Fort de Sainte-Agnès (Maginot Line) built before the Second World War. It’s also the starting point for many hiking trails with breathtaking scenery.
Sainte-Agnès has been awarded the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France “ label. It’s also one of our favorite villages around Nice and one of the hidden gems of the Côte d’Azur.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to explore the village and viewpoints, 2h to 3h if you climb to the castle and/or visit the fort.
- A few steps in the village lanes. Bring good shoes and water to climb up to the castle ruins. The climb is steep.
- Free access to the village.
- Located 25min drive from Menton. A bus leaves from the Menton bus station.
- 2 restaurants in the village.
Find out more in our article on this pretty village and its surroundings.
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8. To Roquebrune
Why visit?
Also perched on a rocky outcrop, Roquebrune offers another unforgettable experience, full of history and Mediterranean charm. It’s also a medieval village with narrow streets, passageways and breathtaking views of the coast, Cap Martin and Monaco, and at the very top, above the rooftops, don’t miss a visit to the château, for even more history and exceptional views.
We loved wandering through the narrow streets and climbing up to the castle. The views are splendid! Roquebrune is also one of our favorite Côte d’Azur villages.
Practical advice
- Allow 2 hours to tour the village and visit the castle.
- Roquebrune is located between Menton and Monaco, above Cap-Martin.
- A 25-minute drive from Menton.
- We recommend you come by car – there’s a good-sized parking lot under the village, but you’ll need to be early if you want to find a space.
- Lots of steps, slopes and cobbled floors.
- There are a few restaurants in and around the village.
- Château tour, full price: €5. Further prices and details here.
Find out more in our article on this village.
9. Climb to Vieux-Château Cemetery
Why visit?
If you’re spending a few days in Menton, a stroll through the Cimetière du Vieux-Château is a must: its gravel paths wind between tombs and cypress groves, opening out onto the Mediterranean. Wherever you turn, the view is superb: the bay of Garavan to the left, the deep blue sea in front, Cap-Martin to the right and the mountains just behind. The architecture of the tombs is particularly rich. It reflects the history of the region and its inhabitants, and testifies to the mix of cultures on the Côte d’Azur. We loved the cemetery so much that we devoted an article to it.
Practical advice
- Located above the old town, at the start of Boulevard du Garavan.
- Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for your visit
- A 5-minute walk from the Basilique Saint-Michel forecourt.
- Parking is difficult (especially in summer) but the bus (line 8) leaves you just opposite, at the “Trabuquet” stop. Find out morehere.
- Staircases and gravel driveways.
- Nearby restaurants in the old town.
- Access free of charge.
- Open from 7am to 7pm from April 1st to October 31st and from 8am to 5pm from November 1st to March 31st. More info here.
10. Shopping at Les Halles de Menton
Why visit?
Les Halles de Menton is housed in a magnificent building in the colors of the South, facing the sea. It gloriously bears its age above the entrance portal: 1898. We loved the polychrome ceramics on the façade. They come from the Saïssi factory in Menton. The market was closed at the time of our visit. We couldn’t let ourselves be overwhelmed by the local flavors and scents of its stalls. We could only imagine the famous hustle and bustle of the market, between the colorful walls of this elegant building. Maybe you’ll have better luck?
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h depending on your appetite and curiosity.
- Located at the bottom of the old town, behind the Esplanade Francis Palméro on the seafront.
- There’s plenty of parking around the market, which gets very crowded during opening hours.
- Numerous restaurants nearby.
- Why not take a culinary tour that includes a visit to the market and tastings of local produce? See prices, photos and availability.
- Open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Find out more here.
11. Enjoy citrus cuisine and the Lemon Festival
Why visit?
If you love citrus fruit, you’ll love Menton. Eating citrus fruits in Menton is a unique experience. The quality of those grown in this region is exceptional. Menton’s microclimate is ideal for growing them. Menton oranges, lemons and mandarins are renowned for their intense flavor, delicate fragrance and juicy texture. Don’t deprive yourself of this pleasure. We literally melted for a citrus tart at Restaurant L’Orangerie in the old town.
And if you’re really a fan, you’ll have to come at the end of February to celebrate the Lemon Festival ! For 15 days, the city is alive with the celebrations of this unique festival. Exhibitions, corsos (parades), tours, workshops, tastings… And Menton becomes a lemon.
Practical advice
Lemon festival:
- For 15 days in February.
- Corsos are not free. Adults €29 for a seat. Find out more here. On Sundays, we recommend arriving before 11am.
- Numerous restaurants nearby, many at lemon time.
If you come at any other time of year, a gastronomic tour of the town is sure to introduce you to Menton lemon. See prices, photos and availability.
12. Discover the Museum of Regional Prehistory
Why visit?
We really enjoyed this museum. Ideal on a rainy or hot day. It presents the region’s extremely rich prehistoric collections, and shows how local populations lived in prehistoric times and (already!) faced challenges such as climate change and biodiversity evolution. We particularly loved the permanent exhibition devoted to the wreck treasures of the Mediterranean.
See more information and photos in our dedicated article.
Practical advice
- Allow about 1 hour to visit the museum
- Centrally located.
- The Hôtel de Ville parking lot is a 2-minute walk away; “Musée” bus stop (lines 1, 2, 3, 6, 8) then a 2-minute walk, more details here.
- Numerous restaurants nearby.
- Price: €3 (free on the 1st Sunday of the month). More details here.
- Open daily except Tuesdays and public holidays, from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm.
Things to do in Menton: other ideas
Want to see and do even more? Here are some additional activities:
Other museums and cultural events in Menton
- Salle des Mariages de l’Hôtel de Ville: decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1955. It was here that he invented the famous “Style de Menton”, all meanders and spirals. You’ll see Les amoureux de Menton, emblematic of Cocteau’s work and his connection with the town.
- Festival de Musique: for over 70 years, in the heart of summer, the great names of the classical music scene have graced the forecourt of Saint-Michel Basilica for exceptional concerts.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: a superb building inspired by the Grand Trianon at Versailles. It is currently closed for renovation, but will house rich collections ranging from Italian Primitives to contemporary art, as well as Japanese prints. Check the latest reopening date here.
- Galerie des Musées: located in the Palais de l’Europe, once the largest casino on the Côte d’Azur. It is dedicated to modern art and contemporary creation.
Other places of worship in Menton
While the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange is a must-see in Menton, there are many other places worth visiting:
- Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs: on the Saint-Michel square, facing the sea, this is a spectacular jewel of Baroque art (1680), listed as a historic monument in 1947.
- Russian Orthodox Church: no longer open to the public, this church is well worth a visit for its architecture. It’s not pure Russian-Oriental, but rather an elegant blend of Western and Oriental styles.
- Monastère de l’Annonciade: perched on a hill 225 metres above the sea, it offers exceptional panoramic views. And you can get there on foot! 1.5km round trip from Menton Tourist Office. Find out more here.
Other beaches in Menton
We loved Plage des Sablettes, but there are other beaches in Menton where you can enjoy the sea right on the edge of town:
- Plage du Flossan: in front of the Francis Palmero esplanade and the Musée Jean Cocteau. We liked the wooden esplanade so we could enjoy the sunshine without having to go out on the pebbles. Non-smoking, supervised in summer, kindergarten.
- Casino beach: large pebbles. It is equipped for people with reduced mobility, supervised in summer and dog-friendly.
- Gorbio and Borrigo beaches: the last 2 beaches before Roquebrune Cap-Martin.
Things to do in Menton with children
Not sure what to do with your children in Menton? Here is our selection:
- Mini-Golf du Pian: 18-hole course in the Parc du Pian, above the Port of Menton-Garavan. Find out more here.
- Parc Koaland: a wooded site close to the sea and the town center, with numerous attractions (18-hole mini-golf course, merry-go-rounds, inflatables, trampolines, duck fishing, caterpillar…).
Things to do in Menton when it rains
If the sun isn’t shining, we suggest you take the opportunity to visit Menton’s museums, especially the Musée Jean Cocteau at Le Bastion. You can also take refuge at Cinéma Eden.
You can also decide to treat yourself to a good meal and savour the local cuisine, or, why not, choose to pamper yourself with the top-of-the-range services of certain hotels. In particular, we recommend you try the Prâna Spa at the Riva Art Hotel – see prices, photos and availability.
Excursions around Menton
Why not take advantage of your stay in Menton to visit the surrounding area? French or Italian Riviera, sea or mountains, the choice is yours. Nice, Èze and Monaco are around 30 minutes away by car, while Ventimiglia is 15 minutes away.
A getaway in the Valley of Wonders
And why not take the train? And what a train! A panoramic train, the Train des Merveilles. Departing from Nice, it will take you on a full-day tour of the Alps, all the way to the Mercantour National Park. You’ll visit the region’s picturesque villages and cross the breathtaking landscapes of the Roya Valley. See prices, photos and availability.
A trip to Monaco
Monaco is just 2 steps away. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover its sumptuous palaces, legendary casinos and spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean. We recommend you take a stroll through the area, accompanied by a local guide who will introduce you to the 1001 treasures of this small sovereign state on the Côte d’Azur. See prices, photos and availability.
A walk in Èze
We warmly invite you to discover the charming village of Èze, a real jewel on the Côte d’Azur, which amazed us. Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this village offers a medieval ambience, cobbled streets, lush gardens and breathtaking panoramic views. We’ve devoted an entire article to it.
You can also combine a visit to Èze with one to Menton in a single day, with the accompaniment of a guide. See prices, photos and availability.
A visit to Nice
Discovering Nice will enrich your stay considerably. There’s so much to see in Nice! Elegant buildings, the Promenade des Anglais, the narrow streets of Vieux Nice, museums… You can:
- Follow our tips to visit Nice in 1 day.
- Accompany a guide – see prices, photos and availability.
If you’re looking for a more playful experience, there are 2 options:
- by electric bike – see prices, photos and availability.
- by Segway – see prices, photos and availability.
An escape at the Villa Ephrussi in Cap-Ferrat
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a little further from Menton, but well worth a visit. It is famous for its architectural beauty and multiple influences. Built in the early 20th century, it brilliantly blends different styles: Italian Renaissance, Baroque and French Classicism. Not to mention 9 extraordinary gardens with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. You’ll understand our enthusiasm better if you read the article we devoted to it.
You can combine its visit with those of Èze and Monaco as part of a private tour departing from Nice with a guide – see prices, photos and availability.
Useful tips for visiting Menton
Where is Menton?
Menton is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
- Driving time to Nice: 35min by freeway, 1h10 by seaside.
- Driving time to Monaco: 30min.
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How to get to Menton
We advise you to travel by car, especially if you’re coming out of season. You’ll have more freedom during your stay. During the summer months, on the other hand, you’re likely to spend a lot of time in traffic jams. Then opt for the train. Gare de Menton is on the line from Marseille-Saint-Charles to Ventimiglia, via Nice (airport).
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
Parking in Menton
Parking in Menton can be difficult, especially during the summer season. The city offers several public pay parking lots. We recommend Parking Vieille Ville – Sablettes. It’s underground and open 24 hours a day. You can also park outside at the partially shaded Parking Pinède du Bastion, near the Musée Jean Cocteau, or at the Parking Fornari, just opposite, on the old town side.
Getting around Menton
- By car: access to Menton is difficult and traffic jams are frequent, especially during the summer season. The narrow streets of Menton’s old town, many of which are pedestrianized, are also difficult to navigate.
- On foot: this is the option we recommend for strolling through the old town and enjoying the promenades along the sea.
- By bus: Menton’s bus network is extensive. We invite you to plan your itinerary on the official website of the agglomeration’s transport networkhere.
- Electric shuttle: makes it easy to get around downtown Menton. Green in color, “La Navette” has around 20 seats and runs every day. No subscription required, it’s free. Read more about his careerhere.
- By bike: you can also rent a bike to explore the city. Self-service electric bicycles are available. Find out more about the servicehere.
Where to eat in Menton
In Menton, the senses are constantly on alert, and the delights of the local cuisine are known to sharpen them… A small selection of our favorite addresses:
- Restaurant L’Orangerie: in the old town, a culinary journey between the Mediterranean and Japan that seduced us. Local, seasonal and short-distance products.
- Restaurant Le Petit Prince: above the Plage du Gorbio, we really enjoyed the refined Mediterranean cuisine and tree-lined terrace of this seaside bistronomic restaurant.
- Restaurant Casa Fuego: at the gateway to Italy, this restaurant revisits Argentinian cuisine on the grill, with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea, the port and the old town.
See our article on the city’s best restaurants.
Visiting Menton in winter
Why not come to Menton in winter? If you’re looking for authenticity and tranquility, this small seaside town will reveal its charms from a whole new angle. The weather may be a little cooler, but it’s still mild on the Côte d’Azur, and the low season is very pleasant. Why not spend the festive season there? Take a look at our full article on Menton in winter to get an idea of what you’ll find.
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
