Visiting Menton in winter is a delightful experience if you’re looking for authenticity and tranquility. Nestled on the french riviera, Menton reveals its charms in a whole new light during the winter season. Picturesque gardens, historic streets and local culinary delights invite exploration, while museums and cultural events offer unique opportunities to discover the region’s rich heritage.
Here are our tips for discovering this seaside resort in winter: activities, weather, temperatures…
And a few tips on where to spend Christmas and New Year.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Menton in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
Yes, visiting Menton in winter is absolutely worth it. This Côte d’Azur town is often associated with the summer season and its sunny beaches. And yet it’s very pleasant to enjoy its unique charm during the colder months of the year. Menton reveals itself in a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere. We enjoyed discovering its picturesque streets and rich cultural heritage without the influx of summer tourists.
In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful towns on the Côte d’Azur.
Especially as temperatures remain mild in the Mediterranean. Walks along the waterfront and in the gardens are still very pleasant. What’s more, Menton offers special events during the winter season. Christmas markets, concerts and illuminations add to the city’s festive atmosphere.
Benefits
- The climate is mild, even in winter.
- There are fewer crowds, so fewer queues and more space.
- Rates are reduced during the low season.
- The atmosphere is festive, all lights and decorations.
- Most museums, galleries and historic sites remain open.
- Strolls along the waterfront and through the gardens are still very pleasant.
- The region’s winter cuisine is full of happy discoveries.
Disadvantages
- Although mild, temperatures are still cooler.
- The risk of rain and wind, although lower, is very real.
- Reduced opening hours for tourist attractions.
- There are fewer special events than during the summer.
- The vegetation is less lush and flowery.
- The water is cool and swimming less tempting.
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
Weather, temperatures and conditions
Menton enjoys the mild climate of the Côte d’Azur. In winter, temperatures generally vary between 8° and 15° during the day and 5° to 8° at night. The water temperature does not fall below 13°. On some sunny days, however, it’s not unusual to be able to laze on the beach.
The days are shorter. You can enjoy the sunsets in the late afternoon. Winds are frequent, as is often the case in the Mediterranean. Well, it can snow, even if it’s rare, and that’s pretty magical!
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.
Things to do in Menton in winter
There’s plenty to do in Menton in winter. A bit like summer, without the swimming and water activities.
- Stroll along the waterfront,
- Stroll along the port,
- Stroll through the old town,
- Discover the Jean Cocteau museum and the wedding hall he decorated,
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel,
- Lazing on deserted beaches,
- Stroll through the gardens(Val Rameh, Serre de la Madone, Fontana Rosa…),
- Attend cultural events (the Lemon Festival takes place in February),
- Enjoy the illuminations during the festive season.
See our article on Menton’s top attractions.
We recommend you try the local gastronomy. Menton is full of great places to enjoy excellent local Mediterranean cuisine. If you’re in the mood for something a little more exotic, we recommend Restaurant Casa Fuego, which revisits Argentinian cuisine on the grill, with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea, the port and the old town.
Near Menton, you can:
- Pop over to Monaco,
- Pushing on to Nice,
- Visit the pretty village of Èze,
- Get lost in the steep streets of Sainte-Agnès,
- Enjoy the Villa Ephrussi in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- and Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer,
- Explore the hinterland of Provence… and why not take a day trip by train to the Vallée des Merveilles: see photos, photos and availability.
What you can’t do in Menton in winter:
- Swimming in the sea is difficult if you’re afraid of the cold,
- Tanning sessions on the beach are shorter and more covered,
- Summer festivals are of course not accessible, notably the famous Menton music festival,
- Most aquatic activities are not available in winter.
Our article on things to do in Menton will soon be available.
How to get to Menton
Although Menton is accessible by train, we recommend that you get there by car. Especially in winter! This means less traffic and easier parking. You’ll be able to enjoy the surrounding sites more freely. And there are lots of them!
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Christmas in Menton
Christmas in Menton is a celebration! The city is beautifully decorated during this period, with lights twinkling everywhere. There’s plenty to keep young and old alike entertained: shows, parades and festivals, as well as crèches, merry-go-rounds, an ice rink and trampolines… And don’t forget the Christmas market for gift ideas and the gourmet market for savoury delights and sweet treats. Find out more here.
New Year’s Eve in Menton
New Year’s Eve in Menton can be a memorable experience. The Christmas atmosphere is still there, and other festivities, such as the New Year’s concert, add to the festive atmosphere. It continues right up to the traditional New Year’s bath, when the most daring meet up at Plage des Sablettes to throw themselves into the water.
Why not spend New Year ‘s Eve at the Casino de Menton?
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
