If you’re passing through Menton, don’t miss the Basilica Saint-Michel-Archange. It’s a jewel of Baroque architecture nestled at the tip of the old town. Access from the sea is via the famous Saint-Michel ramps.
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange in Menton.
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 a visit to the Basilica of St Michael the Archangel worthwhile?
Yes, the basilica is well worth a visit. In fact, it’s one of our top things to do in Menton (article to come). Its Baroque architecture and rich decorations bear witness to both the region’s religious history and the devotion of its artists and faithful. We were captivated by the refinement of the ceiling in the great nave, and dazzled by the golds reflecting the soft light from the high dormer windows. The subdued atmosphere is particularly conducive to spirituality and contemplation. The basilica and its square have been listed as a Monument Historique since 1947.
This is one of Menton’s must-see places.
What you can see
Saint-Michel square
On the parterre caladé (mosaic of white and black pebbles) of the forecourt, the lozenges represent the arms of the Grimaldi family. One side opens onto the sea. This is where the Menton Music Festival concerts are held in summer. Find out more here.
The Baroque façade
The facade dates from the 19th century. It features the archangel Saint-Michel, patron saint of Menton, at its center. On the left, the clock tower, on the right the campanile and at the top of the steps the bare façade of the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs.
The bell tower
53m high, it dates from the 18th century. The first levels of square sections are topped by elegant spinning tops. The dome is covered with fish-scale tiles.
The ceiling impressed us with its refinement and the subtlety of its colors. It is a masterpiece, towering above a nave over 20m long and 10m wide.
High windows
High dormer windows at the base of the vaults highlight the ceiling of the great nave. They seem to illuminate only him, inviting visitors to look up to the sky.
The representation of Saint-Michel
The ceiling decoration dates from the late 19th century. It features a representation of the archangel Saint-Michel striking down the devil. This representation is a copy by Raphael.
The 10 chapels
The basilica comprises 10 chapels. Most of them are the funeral chapels of Menton’s leading families. The ceiling decorations, often from the 19th century, feature absolutely sumptuous trompe-l’œil paintings.
The sanctuary
All that remains of the original organ is the Italian-style case. The instrumental part was rebuilt in the early 20th century. Above the richly decorated altar stands a painted and gilded wooden statue of St. Michael the Archangel trampling the Devil.
The golds of the chair
The pulpit shines brightly. It stands on a Tuscan column and was made possible by the generosity of a large family from Menton.
The ceiling of the baptistery
It’s a magnificent trompe-l’oeil dating from the 19th century, like most of those in the basilica’s chapels. Don’t forget to look up during your visit: the ceilings are real gems.
Saint-Michel-Archange Basilica in Menton: how to get there
Where is the basilica?
- In the heart of Menton
- In the old town
- From Menton’s old port, it’s just a 5-minute walk up the stairs of the famous Saint-Michel ramps.
Access by car and parking
We recommend that you leave your car in the Vieille-Ville-Sablettes parking lot, a 4-minute walk from the Basilica forecourt.
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- 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.
Public transport access
- The nearest bus stop is “Sablettes” (lines 1, 8 and 18), then a 3-minute walk. Find out more here.
- The free shuttle bus leaves you at the market, a 4-minute walk away. Find out more here.
Access on organized tours
You can also decide to visit Menton on an organized tour and spend a day discovering its treasures. The itinerary includes a guided tour of the basilica. See prices, photos and availability.
Visiting difficulties
The streets of the old town are steep. Together with the Saint-Michel ramps, they make the basilica difficult to access for people with reduced mobility.
Visit the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Admission to the basilica is free.
It’s open:
- Monday to Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, mass at 11 a.m.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
Allow 10 to 30 minutes for a tour of the basilica, depending on your level of interest.
Best moment
Try to visit the basilica on a clear day (Menton has 300 clear days a year) to see the light streaming through the high skylights and illuminating the magnificent ceiling of the great nave.
Direction of visit
There’s no real sense of direction. We started on the left wing and came back on the right.
Eating out
The basilica is located in the heart of the old town. You’ll find plenty of restaurants here. We particularly recommend the L’Orangerie restaurant, a 7-minute walk away.
You’ll soon be able to discover our selection of the best restaurants in Menton.
Hotels
You’re in the heart of downtown. Discover our article with our best places to stay in Menton.
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
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
Our articles are coming!
- Most beautiful cities in Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful beaches of Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful villages of Provence (to come)
- Most beautiful destinations in Provence (coming soon)
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