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 festivals, mild climate, and friendly atmosphere, this seaside resort is a must-visit destination.
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 scenery, its beaches), fascinating history (its architecture, its monuments), and vibrant culture (its museums, its galleries).
It offers many attractions and , in our opinion, is one of the most beautiful cities on the French Riviera.
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.
Reason 1 – 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.
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 2 – Jean Cocteau’s Legacy
Cocteau fell in love with Menton at first sight, where he attended the Music Festival in the 50s. He decorated the wedding hall at City Hall, where he pioneered 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.
Reason 3 – Day trips in the surrounding area
The area around Menton is full offascinating excursions to satisfy our every curiosity. We recommend renting a car. You’ll have more freedom to explore the hilltop villages and visit the castles and villas of the French Riviera.
The villages closest to Menton are Roquebrune and Sainte-Agnès.
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).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Reason 4 – The Lush Gardens
Menton is famous for its beautifully maintained botanical gardens. They offer impressive botanical diversity and breathtaking panoramas. We really enjoyed the freshness, tranquility, and exotic atmosphere of the Serre de la Madone Garden and the Val Rahmeh Garden (see our dedicated article here).
Voir tous les plus beaux jardins de menton.
Reason 5 – Beaches with crystal-clear waters
With their smooth pebbles and crystal-clear waters, Menton’s beaches invite you to swim and contemplate the coastal landscape. The beaches in the city center and to the west are public; those in Menton Garavan are private.
We recommend that you check in advance before heading there to learn more about the facilities and the water activities available. See our article on the best beaches in Menton.
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!
Reason 6 – Menton’s Cuisine
Menton cuisine is known for its freshness and simplicity. It reflects the products of its terroir. We loved its sun-kissed vegetables, its flavorful Mediterranean fish, its local olive oil, its mountain cheeses, and, of course, its fruits—including the famous Menton lemon!
The lemon tart in Menton is a must-try, and Menton’s chefs know how to use citrus fruits in very creative ways. See our list of the best restaurants in Menton.
Why not treat yourself to a unique culinary and wine experience where every bite is a delight? See prices, photos and availability.
Reason 7 – 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.
Reason 8 – Its 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 location. It guarantees a unique cultural and tourist diversity. We really enjoyed being so close to two iconic 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 9 – The Festivals of Menton
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 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.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
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
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
How to Make the Most of Your Trip to the French Riviera
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
