Need some inspiration to plan your vacation? Is Menton worth a visit?
Nestled on the Côte d’Azur, Menton is appreciated for its cheerful charm and hidden treasures. This pearl of the French Riviera offers sparkling beaches, lush gardens and elegant, colorful architecture. Known for its festivities, mild climate and friendly atmosphere, this seaside resort is a must-see destination. If you’re looking for authentic experiences and breathtaking scenery, Menton promises a memorable getaway combining sun, sea and culture.
In this article, we give you our 10 reasons to visit Menton, and a few points to keep in mind.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Menton worth a visit?
Yes, Menton is well worth a visit. Located at the very end of the French Côte d’Azur, after the Principality of Monaco, it is the last port of call before the Italian border. It offers a unique combination of natural beauty (its site, its beaches), fascinating history (its architecture, its monuments) and brilliant culture (its museums, its galleries).
From its fertile gardens and translucent beaches to its medieval streets and culinary delights, Menton’s authentic charm had us spellbound. Whether strolling through the old town, soaking up the atmosphere of the Fête du Citron, discovering the work of Jean Cocteau or exploring the other gems of the region.
We were delighted to taste the Mediterranean lifestyle that unfolds in the meandering streets, right down to the food.
Don’t miss our upcoming articles with our best places to eat in Menton and our tips on what to do in Menton. They will soon be online.
It’s one of the most beautiful towns on the Côte d’Azur.
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
Reason 1 – Proximity to Monaco and Italy
Halfway between the Principality of Monaco to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east, Menton enjoysa privileged geographical position. It guarantees a unique cultural and tourist diversity. We really appreciated this proximity to two emblematic destinations on the Mediterranean coast. It enabled us to benefit from a variety of particularly enriching experiences. This is the perfect opportunity to experience la dolce vita on a private tour of the Italian Riviera – see prices, photos and availability.
Reason 2 – Local excursions
The area around Menton is full offascinating excursions to satisfy our every curiosity. We recommend renting a car. You’ll have more freedom of movement to tour the perched villages, visit the castles and villas of the Côte d’ Azur (and there are many), or enjoy the most beautiful beaches. You can also choose to embark on a day trip to discover the local markets – 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.
Reason 3 – Menton cuisine
Menton cuisine is known for its freshness and simplicity. It reflects the products of its terroir. We loved its sun-drenched vegetables, tasty Mediterranean fish, local olive oil, mountain cheeses and, of course, its fruit, including the famous Menton lemon! Menton’s lemon tart is a must. Why not enjoy a unique gastronomic and oenological experience where everything is delicious? See prices, photos and availability.
Reason 4 – Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities abound in Menton. The hiking trails offered spectacular views of the sea and mountains. We also loved Menton’s magnificent gardens, which invite contemplation. But you can just as easily enjoy swimming and lounging on its splendid beaches, or venture into water sports:
- take your first dive – see prices, photos and availability.
- glide through the waters of the Rio Barbaira canyon – see prices, photos and availability.
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Reason 5 – The colors of the old town
The narrow streets of Menton’s old town enchanted us with their warm colors, so characteristic of the Mediterranean style at the gateway to Italy. The ochre, pink and yellow facades sparkle against the azure sky, contrasting with the pastel hues of the shutters. The town is packed with craft stores, lively cafés and secret gardens. We enjoyed strolling through its enchanting atmosphere, blown away by the treasures of its Baroque architecture. Don’t hesitate to plan an unusual visit to discover the treasures of Menton – see prices, photos and availability.
Reason 6 – Jean Cocteau’s imprint
Cocteau fell in love with Menton at first sight, where he attended the Music Festival in the 50s. He decorated the marriage hall at the Hôtel de Ville, inventing the famous “Menton style“. There’s also his museum, Le Bastion, where temporary exhibitions showcase his work on themes close to his heart. We really enjoyed this little fort on the seafront, at the tip of the old town. Read more in our dedicated article.
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Reason 7 – Menton’s festivals
Menton is famous for 3 festivals:
- In summer, the Festival de Musique de Menton brings the music of the greatest classical performers to the parvis Saint-Michel. More details here.
- In February, the Lemon Festival is the heartbeat of Menton. Everywhere, monumental sculptures and parades showcase the region’s emblematic citrus fruit. Find out more here.
- finally, in spring, the Côte d’Azur Garden Festival also passes through Menton. For more information, click here.
Reason 8 – Lush gardens
Menton is famous for its beautifully maintained botanical gardens. They offer impressive botanical diversity and breathtaking panoramas. We really appreciated the freshness, tranquility and exoticism of the Serre de la Madone garden and the Val Rahmeh garden (see our dedicated article here). Perched high above the city, these gardens are veritable havens of peace and greenery. Together with the Citronneraie garden, they are classified as Remarkable Gardens.
Reason 9 – Translucent beaches
With their smooth pebbles and crystal-clear waters, Menton’s beaches invite you to swim and contemplate the coastal landscape. The beaches in the center of town and to the west are public, while those at Menton Garavan are private. We advise you to find out more before you go, to find out more about the conditions and water activities available. Our article on the best beaches in Menton will be available soon.
Reason 10 – The mild Mediterranean climate
This is obviously the major asset of Menton and the entire Côte d’Azur! Summer temperatures generally oscillate between 25°C and 30°C, while winters remain mild with average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. Menton is also known for its abundant sunshine, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. A mild climate that favors the cultivation of citrus fruits, especially the famous Menton lemons!
Some disadvantages of a trip to Menton
Tourists and traffic
Traffic levels vary according to season and event. In July and August, Menton attracts large numbers of visitors (over 70,000 by summer 2022), and traffic can be very heavy, especially as access routes to the city center are limited. If you can, we advise you to avoid this highlight of the year, or take advantage of the services provided by the town (bus, free shuttle, electric bike). Finally, getting around on foot is what best suits the steep streets of the old town. Find out more here.
Rate
Menton is generally considered a more affordable tourist destination than other Côte d’Azur cities, such as Nice or Monaco. Prices for accommodation, restaurants and activities naturally vary according to season and type of establishment. There’s a good range of options available to suit all budgets – see Menton’s top-rated accommodations. See also our selection of the best places to stay in Menton.
Weather
The climate in Menton is mild in winter and very hot in summer. Temperatures rise quickly and sharply in fine weather. This can make outdoor activities difficult. We recommend spring, autumn and even winter to visit the city and its surroundings.
How to get to Menton
There are several options for getting to Menton:
- by car: from the A8 freeway, take exit 59 (Sortie Menton), follow D22A then D2566 to Menton.
- by train: Menton is served by the railroad line linking Marseille to Ventimiglia in Italy. Menton station is located in the city center, close to the main tourist attractions. Book your tickets today on the SNCF website.
- by plane: the nearest airport to Menton is Nice-Côte d’Azur, around 40 kilometers away. From here, you can take a cab, shuttle or hire a car to Menton. Bus connections are also available between Nice airport and Menton.
- by bus: regular bus services link Menton to other towns on the Côte d’Azur. Find out more here.
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
