In this article, we give you our 10 reasons<\/strong> to visit Menton, and a few points to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Yes, Menton is well worth a visit. Located at the very end of the French C\u00f4te d’Azur, after the Principality of Monaco, it is the last port of call before the Italian border<\/strong>. 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). From its fertile gardens<\/a> and translucent beaches to its medieval streets and culinary delights, Menton’s authentic charm<\/strong> had us spellbound. Whether strolling through the old town, soaking up the atmosphere of the F\u00eate du Citron, discovering the work of Jean Cocteau or exploring the other gems of the region.<\/p>\n\n We were delighted to taste the Mediterranean<\/strong> lifestyle that unfolds in the meandering streets, right down to the food. The narrow streets of Menton’s old town enchanted us with their warm colors, so characteristic of the Mediterranean style<\/strong> 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 caf\u00e9s and secret gardens.<\/p>\n\n We enjoyed strolling through its enchanting atmosphere, blown away by the treasures of its Baroque architecture<\/strong>. Don’t hesitate to plan an unusual visit to discover the treasures of Menton – see prices, photos and availability<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Option 1: Downtown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants. Option 2: Port side<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Easy access to the center and beautiful views of the old town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Option 3: Beachside<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 15 to 30 minutes’ walk from the center between Roquebrune and downtown, to enjoy the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See our reviews of the best hotels in Menton<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong>, where he pioneered the famous\u201cMenton style<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n\n There’s also his museum, Le Bastion<\/strong>, where temporary exhibitions<\/strong> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n The area around Menton is full offascinating excursions<\/strong> to satisfy our every curiosity. We recommend renting a car. You’ll have more freedom to explore the hilltop villages<\/a> and visit the castles and villas of the French Riviera<\/a>. See our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Menton is famous for its beautifully maintained botanical gardens<\/strong>. They offer impressive botanical diversity and breathtaking panoramas. We really enjoyed the freshness, tranquility, and exotic atmosphere of the Serre de la Madone Garden<\/strong> and the Val Rahmeh Garden<\/strong> (see our dedicated article here<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n <\/p> With their smooth pebbles and crystal-clear waters, Menton’s beaches<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n We recommend that you check in advance before heading there to learn more about the facilities and the water activities<\/strong> available. See our article on the best beaches in Menton.<\/a><\/p>\n\n All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence<\/strong> a success, will soon be gathered<\/strong> in a single ebook!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Menton cuisine is known for its freshness<\/strong> and simplicity<\/strong>. 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\u2014including the famous Menton lemon! <\/p>\n\n The lemon tart<\/strong> 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<\/a>. Outdoor activities abound in Menton. The hiking trails<\/strong> offered spectacular views of the sea and mountains. We also loved Menton’s magnificent gardens<\/strong>, which invite contemplation. But you can just as easily enjoy swimming<\/strong> and lounging<\/strong> on its splendid beaches, or venture into water sports<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n Halfway between the Principality of Monaco<\/a> to the west and the Italian Riviera to the east, Menton enjoysa privileged geographical location<\/strong>. It guarantees a unique cultural and tourist diversity. We really enjoyed being so close to two iconic destinations on the Mediterranean coast. <\/p>\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Menton is famous for 3 festivals<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n This is obviously the major asset<\/strong> of Menton and the entire C\u00f4te d’Azur! Summer temperatures generally oscillate between 25\u00b0C and 30\u00b0C, while winters remain mild with average temperatures between 10\u00b0C and 15\u00b0C. Menton is also known for its abundant sunshine, with over 300 days of sunshine a year<\/strong>. A mild climate that favors the cultivation of citrus fruits, especially the famous Menton lemons!<\/p>\n\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Menton is generally considered a more affordable<\/strong> tourist destination than other C\u00f4te d’Azur cities, such as Nice<\/a> or Monaco<\/a>. 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<\/a>. See also our selection of the best places to stay in Menton<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n The climate in Menton is mild in winter and very hot in summer<\/strong>. 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n There are several options for getting to Menton: <\/p>\n\n It’s time to book!![\"Discover](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/visiter-menton-vaut-la-peine-2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nIs Menton worth a visit?<\/h2>\n\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Best-of\/n-PbwqvZ\/Paysages\/i-BNW8rZk\/0\/wMZ4Fb4hrcCpKcWX3Gv3XQ8qCZGrzBZ8csPJJS5r\/L\/menton-vue-garavan-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Avenue](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Ville\/i-xNBkQrG\/0\/DFpwt5DrrNXtjzK8Mz4S8fg2RGVL27GFLW63D55HP\/L\/jardins%20bioves%20menton%20Jardins%20Biovès%20jardins%20bioves%20menton-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nReason 1 – The Colors of the Old Town<\/h2>\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Ville\/i-SNtWHWm\/0\/mcQf6MxcHHhKS7t7nbxqLJ7z33n94gQDGjRfRC28\/L\/Menton_escaliers-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWHERE TO STAY IN Menton<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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![\"London](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/Hotels\/n-bXHV2C\/Hotel-de-Londres\/i-Z6FkzRs\/0\/d5827fbe\/S\/menton_Hotel_londres-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
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![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/Hotels\/n-bXHV2C\/Facades\/i-wkjtTrP\/0\/ec12e6a6\/S\/menton_Hotel_napoleon-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
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![\"Best](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/Hotels\/n-bXHV2C\/Facades\/i-KTjTW6M\/0\/82b28aa5\/S\/menton_Hotel_Best_Western_Premier_Hotel_Prince_Galles%20-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\")
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nReason 2 – Jean Cocteau’s Legacy<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Le](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Musee-Jean-Cocteau\/i-zG2tZvx\/0\/D9z9zWQ8xJGwPLSdd8TWQSPTt8XkzQq3QCzjBH856\/L\/musee%20jean%20cocteau%20menton%20by%20night-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nReason 3 – Day trips in the surrounding area<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Village](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Best-of\/n-PbwqvZ\/Villages\/i-Dm6H9jx\/0\/DWKCR5ZzP4kdStfdZLWP98FhjqPKtTMDHknCzVkXD\/L\/Sainte_Agnes_village_Vue-L.jpg\")
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN \nProvence<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Vieux-Nice-ruelle-L.png\" "\\"\\"")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nReason 4 – The Lush Gardens<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Val](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Jardin-Botanique-du-Val-Rahmeh\/i-cRchnwW\/1\/D5VvCqX4WmTgPbFzZVH8CMF4HHVXxdXm9gSNHRKrZ\/L\/bassin-jardin-botanique-val-rahmeh-menton.jpg-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nReason 5 – Beaches with crystal-clear waters<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Plage](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/Plages\/n-ZSHQp4\/Plage-Sablette\/i-z2FHnmV\/0\/DsqTQ8x9kTMjB4SSnKC65WQcZ5F2q4KMWJXXqV9F\/L\/menton-plage-sablettes-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nA LITTLE MORE patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Box](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ebooks_CorseNormandie_FR.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nReason 6 – Menton’s Cuisine<\/h2>\n\n
![\"tart](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/Restaurants\/n-PjSJKd\/Restaurant-L-Orangerie\/i-L9GKjQ2\/0\/CjnztZMpDPfhNj7vT3dvN4kkCbJWV9Wgc43vs3rVn\/L\/tarte-orangerie-Menton-L.jpg\")
Reason 7 – Outdoor Activities<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"Panorama,](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Village-Sainte-Agnes\/i-bKXvPfB\/1\/FH5CmDcpK7CKqXkWMSDfxf49Gk6DKmbgngbtcJqpH\/L\/village_sainte_agnes_panorama_montagne-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nReason 8 – Its proximity to Monaco and Italy<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Monaco](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Best-of\/n-PbwqvZ\/Paysages\/i-3SjrdJf\/0\/FCx2MCQkn2xnzJkTMx8F3K2vSvZkdQP7w2zD3PHn3\/L\/La-turbie-vue-monaco-L.jpg\")
Reason 9 – The Festivals of Menton<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"Parvis](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Ville\/i-M75gtfH\/0\/CRvXPjC2fm4pMNWH5XRBL649qq9CH2fV4LVq2rCbD\/L\/parvis-saint-michel-Menton-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nReason 10 – The mild Mediterranean climate<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Plage](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Ville\/i-Kkv6HWG\/0\/CdFtWs7vLMH3f9KQm9PFmqggxvxJwcRTT8cZ9hfcg\/L\/promenade%20bord%20mer%20menton-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPLAN YOUR STAY IN Menton\n<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Menton\"](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Best-of\/n-PbwqvZ\/Paysages\/i-BNW8rZk\/0\/7066ecf3\/S\/menton-vue-garavan-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\nSome disadvantages of a trip to Menton<\/h2>\n\n
Tourists and traffic<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Shuttle](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Musee-Jean-Cocteau\/i-ws9Rcht\/0\/DSxPLZFh8K9dKQ5zgBzDvK2Fn6fCWd6B7wF7ZmqsT\/L\/navette_electriquue_ville_menton-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nRate<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Ville\/i-jcPC9cR\/0\/jw8XMwvRLXCLQBVxgWHpRdnrcJdZbHW8FPJXbsNF\/L\/hotel%20the%20maybourne%20riviera%20roquebrune%20cap%20martin-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nWeather<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Promenade](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Provence-Lovers\/Menton\/n-xMNvcG\/Ville\/i-v9bqxvQ\/0\/qpqBCWtdBbbxbSKKBfJTrHRDC8LcF9TC5VnTNrXd\/L\/promenade-bord-mer-Menton-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nHow to get to Menton?<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"provence](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/provence-plane.png\")
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