Menton is one of our favourite places in the south of France - our travel guide will help you plan the perfect visit, with advice on the best things to do and where to stay.

The story goes that here in the town painted lemon, there is a piece of paradise buried.

Eve, cast out with Adam for eating God's forbidden fruit, had secretly kept some with her. As they roamed the earth in exile, no land compared to what they had just lost until they arrived in the lush Bay of Garavan.

Whether planted or from a single discarded pip, her stolen golden fruit and its trees would thrive here in their reimagined Garden of Eden between the sea and the sun-kissed hills.

It would be easy to dismiss this folklore because, well, isn't the whole story of temptation and Original Sin meant to involve an apple and not a bloody lemon? Turns out, contrary to popular belief, that the forbidden fruit is never actually specified in the Bible: it could've just as easily been a pineapple, an orange, a pomegranate, a cherry, a kumquat, or a purple prickly pear.

Yet, this is the land where lemons grow, and it does feel like some sort of paradise found.

Famed for its sunshine and microclimate, Menton is the last stop before France turns into Italy. A painted old town of pinks, oranges and every shade of lemon yellow that rises up from the bay, it has a menu borrowed from Italy and an unpretentious air of quiet authenticity that can feel lacking elsewhere along the Riviera.

The fact that it’s got several decent beaches as well makes it pretty much perfect.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of France’ - even though it only became French in 1860 - it has sun for the vast majority of the year and grew famous in the 19th and 20th centuries due to the many English aristocrats and artists drawn in by the rumoured restorative properties of its weather and fresh air on all manner of respiratory illnesses.

In this guide we’ve covered absolutely everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Menton, including our favourite things to do, where to stay, the viewpoints you can’t miss and where to find, quite possibly, the best pizza we’ve had outside of Napoli.

This is our guide to Menton, France.

the menton essentials

Arrive / Just 45-minutes by train from Nice
Wander / Explore the beautiful old town
Vistas / Seek out Menton’s most beautiful viewpoints
Relax / Chill at one of Menton’s great city beaches
Eat / Don’t miss the best pizza at Pizzeria 430gradi
Lemons / Embrace the local fruit with a tasting or time your visit for the Fête du Citron
Trip / Menton is an ideal day trip from Nice, either with the train or on a popular tour
Stay / Our gorgeous little airbnb or Hôtel De Londres

Our Favourite Things to Do in Menton

Get Lost in the Historic Quarter

As with Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and many other highlights of the south of France, it's the beauty, charms, and colour palette of the old neighbourhoods and buildings which are most beguiling.

Filmset-pretty but a little abandoned in parts, exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of old Menton does require a bit of perspiration, with several staircases and steep slopes to negotiate but, to feel like you've stepped back in time is absolutely worth it.

Set upon a hill overlooking the sea, Menton’s historic centre is relatively small, and on a morning’s stroll you’ll naturally encounter of its most important and beautiful landmarks by chance. We encourage you to get lost and follow your nose to find your own favourite nook, corner, or facade, but with that said, we’d recommend adding the following to your map (click the link for Google Maps pins).

Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton | Once you've made it to the top, take the time to admire the main eccleseastical building in town. Baroque in design, it was elevated to the rank of a basilica by Pope John Paul in 1999, the interiors are correspondingly gilded. Over 250,000 pebbles were used to repavee the square outside it.

It has limited hours for visits - 3pm to 5pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - and you should adopt the respectful, quiet etiquette necessary for visiting this active place of worship.

Les Rampes Saint-Michel | Often referred to as les escaliers, these lemon-coloured, geometric stairs are so fantastically photogenic and unique, that they feel more like set dressing. Built in 1753 to bring citizens from the shore to Saint-Michel Basilica, a pilgrimage and photo-stop on these is obligatory as well as a practical way to navigate the two main up-down parts of new and old Menton.

Rue Longue | As the name suggests, this narrow street weaves through a lot of the old town and has the signature colour palette of Menton and the Ligurian Coast.

Rue Saint Michel | The long main street, it's got various restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. It’s quite touristic, but you’ll walk along it several times during your stay. Tutti Frutti (maps) is our recommendation for excellent gelato, and Vinum Veritas is a decent wine bar stop. At the end, Place du Cap (maps) is a small square with several bars and restaurants that gets a lot of footfall day and night, and is a good spot for a drink and some people watching.

Rue du Vieux Château | A gorgeous little maze of streets and stairs, we were fortunate that our little attic Airbnb was up here. The legend goes that three bandits would often take advantage of its layout to escape those pursuing them!

Travel Tip // We share more on this in the 'Where To Stay in Menton' section at the end of this post, but the number of keydrop padlocks beside doors in the old town hint at how popular it is as a base for visitors. We recommend it as an area to stay - check out the apartment we booked here - but it may not be possible for travellers with limited mobility, lots of heavy suitcases, or pushchairs.

If you’ve got a rental car, the parking situation isn’t terribly convenient either; we’ve shared suggestions and tips later in the post.

Have a Beach Day

Not every city or town beach is created equal, and often what is nearest to your accommodation isn’t the sort of beach you’d necessarily want to spend the day at. Thankfully, this is not the case in Menton, and whilst the coastline is unable to offer up soft sand to sink your toes into, it’s definitely less pebbly than that you’d find in further west in Nice.

There are several different Menton beaches to chose from, all walking distance from the old town and spreading out along the more modern front, with each offering up a slightly different spin on seaside experiences. Whilst we wouldn’t necessarily make a priority of heading to them as a standalone beach day trip (Villefranche-Sur-Mer’s is better), they’re excellent for a few hours’ sunbathing or a lazy day if you’re based in Menton.

At each, the water is calm and ideal for swimming.

Plage de Fossan | A pleasant beach that’s quieter than others in this list, but lacks the stunning backdrop of the old town. You can lie on the medium to large-sized pebbles or find a spot on the modern wooden stepped platform next to Parc Plage de Fossan (maps). Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to sunbathe on the large rocks (a reminder which side of the Franco-Italian border you’re on). The beach extends along the Baie du Soleil and merges into Plage du Casino and Plage du Borrigo - this is the more modern side of Menton and not as appealing.

A little west of Fossan you’ll find a dog-friendly beach which should prove useful if you’re travelling with your little four-legged friend.

Plage des Sablettes Ouest | This is the beach that sits directly in front of the historic centre, and our personal favourite. All public beach, the water is calm, the gravel/sand mix is soft, and it’s got the old town as a backdrop. The newly developed boardwalk area runs parallel, so you have cafes, snacks, bathrooms, changing facilities, and bars a short walk away from your towel (we recommend the fried sardines in a cone from Parenthèse Dorée, which brought back happy memories of Cinque Terre).

Sabelttes Ouest is also easily accessible, with a lift down if you can’t take the short set of stairs.

Plage des Sablettes Est | If you’d prefer a sunbed and a parasol for your beach day, you’ll need to head to one of the restaurants / private beach clubs along this section of the beach. Just be aware that it’s not cheap, with some charging €35 per person for a regular sunbed (so €70 if you’re a couple), up to €200 for a cabana. The cheapest beds we spotted were at ‘Les Sablettes Beach Menton’ where you could get a front row bed for the day for €17 per person.

Note that it is forbidden to bring outside food and drinks to these beach clubs.

Find Your Favourite MENTON Viewpoint

Whilst the old town is a true delight to explore, it is at its most photogenic when viewed from one of several popular viewpoints in Menton.

The prettiest angles we found are below:

· The Lighthouse | The slender Phare du Menton can be found here on Google Maps.

· Port des Sablettes (maps) | Next to Plage des Sablettes Est, the home of Menton’s private beach clubs, is a small recreational port. Walk out on the concrete path that extends perpendicular from the beach (you’ll see lots of stacked up kayaks / SUPs), towards a small wave breaker and you’ll find Menton’s most famous view of the bay and the colourful buildings in the background.

· The Wavebreak Rocks | By Plage des Sablettes Ouest, walk along Quai Impératrice Eugénie and you’ll find several nice vantage points as you go to the St Michel Statue’ clamber over the wall on the left and go onto the large rocks for an even better one (maps).

· The Cemetery | We share more about the cemetery later, but you should also seek out the viewpoint near the entry/exit (maps). A nice spot for a break on the benches, it’s also got some info boards on Menton.

· Our Airbnb | We booked our Menton accommodation somewhat last minute, so the choices were a little limited; we didn’t expect to find somewhere quite so fabulous! Whilst we loved the charming attic vibes in this hidden away apartment at the top of the old town, it was the views over the town below and out to the sea from not one, but two windows that really blew us away. Find it (and honestly, book it if you don’t mind stairs) here.

Step Back in Time at the Cemetery

Described by the French author Maupassant as “the world’s most aristocratic”, Le Cimetière du Vieux Château - the Old Castle Cemetery - is perched upon a hill overlooking the sea and the old town.

As a final resting place, one couldn’t really choose a better setting.

Those who rest here display Menton's popularity with artists and aristocrats in the 19th and 20th centuries, with a veritable league of nations found on the inscriptions and as many English names as French.

Most notably, the inventor of rugby - William Webb Ellis - is buried here, and the cemetery retains a special place in the sport's folklore. The Englishman relocated to Menton due to poor health and spent most of his life here working as a clergyman, passing away in 1872. His grave is maintained by the French Rugby Federation, and there are often ceremonies involving players and officials, with a delegation for the 2023 Rugby World Cup being the most recent (the competition is hosted by France).

This is a well-established place for tourists to visit, but it is still an active graveyard and used for this purpose: any visit should be conducted with the utmost respect and discretion. If there are any sort of ceremonies or family visits occurring, we suggest you leave and return later.

In no circumstances should you touch, walk, or mark any of the gravestones or mausoleums.

The Details | You can find the cemetery here on Google Maps, and its opening hours are 7am-7pm every day of the week in spring/summer season. It clsoes at 5pm from November to 1st April.

On the two levels, you'll find views out to the sea and Menton, but the best viewpoint is actually outside the entrance/exit gates - here on Google Maps. This area has a few benches and information boards at the observation deck, so it’s quite easy to find.

If you're a rugby fan, you may wish to stop by the memorial statue to William Webb Ellis (maps).

A note about the JEAN Cocteau Museum

After reading in countless other blogs about the unmissable nature of the Jean Cocteau Museum, and learning about the artist on our Villefranche-Sur-Mer day trip, we dutifully went to seek it out on our first full day in Menton.

You can imagine our surprise upon discovering that the museum - a Brutalist structure on the seafront, designed by Rudy Ricciotti (the same architect responsible for the excellent MUCEM in Marseille) - hasn’t actually been open since 2018 when a dreadful storm caused it to flood.

Speaking with locals, it seems that there are no plans to re-open in the forseeable future and a temporary, much smaller exhibition has been set up in the Bastion near the harbour (maps). This was unfortunately closed on the day we stopped by, but other visitors tend to note that the entry price is not worth the significantly reduced number of works on display.

If things change or the Cocteau Museum reopens, please let us know in the comments.

Eat Lemon-Flavoured Everything

Given how ubiquitous the citrus fruit is within the town, it was awfully tempting to begin this travel guide to with a lemon-based pun.

The locals' zest for life, squeezing out each moment you have here, not leaving with a sour or bitter taste in your mouth, something about pips or how following our suggestions will make your planning easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.

But you know we're better than that right?

The lemons of Menton are serious business though, and a true symbol of the town.

And, when life gives you lemons, you understandably make a shit ton of lemon-based products on the back of it.

Walk down Rue Saint Michel and you'll find them on tea towels, t-shirts, and magnets, whilst shops offer all sorts of lemon-infused products to taste and drink. A good place to stop by is Au Pays du Citron (maps), which has pestos, liqueurs, jams, beauty products, and just about anything else you can imagine putting lemon on or in. It also has a good approach to free samples, so you can make a decision on whether that souvenir or limoncello is actually going to be enjoyable or not! If you’re hot and sweaty, make a beeline for their freshly squeezed lemonade stand outside.

You also can't leave town without savoring Menton's famous lemon tarts; we suggest swinging by little Mitron Bakery, which was created by Mauro Colagreco, the Argentine chef behind the most in-demand restaurant in town (more on that later).

In terms of visiting a lemon orchard or producer, the best option we've found for you is a tour + tasting at Maison Gannac. It's €8.5 per person, and the easiest way to book is via the tourism office's website here. Maison Gannac also has a boutique on Rue Saint Michel for their products.

If you learn of any others available, then let us know in the comments!

The Fête du Citron // Such is the love of lemons in Menton that there’s an annual festival celebrating all things citrus held every year. Started in 1934, this is a huge event where more than 200,000 people descend upon the town to enjoy themed parades, sculptures, and artistic displays where - you guessed it - oranges and lemons take centre stage.

The festival usually takes place in February and lasts for a fortnight. The exact dates vary from year to year, so it's best to visit the official Fête du Citron website for further information and tickets.

If you’d like to attend, we’d highly recommend getting your accommodation sorted as soon as possible as demand often outstrips supply.

Get Your Pizza Fix

Besides the distinctly Ligurian architecture, the singular most obvious indication that you are but a few kilometres away from the border are the abundance of Italian restaurants scattered across the town.

This was a very good thing for us as, when it comes to food, there’s no doubt that Italy > France.

As we travel so much in Italy, we also aren’t basic when it comes to recommending something just because it’s an Italian blend of carbs, tomotoes, olive oil, and cheese; there are good and bad versions of everything.

Therefore, when we tell you that Pizzeria 430gradi serves some of the best pizza we’ve ever eaten as well as a parmigiana di melanzane which we’d kick a granny for, please know that it’s not an exaggeration.

We have no shame in telling you that we ate the exact same order there two nights in a row, and cried a little inside when we saw visitors bargaining with the very mediocre looking pizzas served in busier parts of the old town and the waterfront.

You can find Pizzeria 430gradi here on Google Maps. Open from 7pm, closed on Tuesdays.

Top Tip // If you’re a visiting foodie or indeed just looking for a more foodie restaurant, you’ll be delighted to learn that Menton is home to a 3* Michelin restaurant, Le Mirazur. Located in an idyllic location a stone’s throw from the Italian border, it is headed up by Mauro Colagreco’s who the Michelin Guide describes as “at the top of his game. In tune with lunar cycles, transcending the seasons and the region, his cuisine is a daily ode to aromatic plants, flowers, vegetables and citrus fruits".

Having dinner here would be an unforgettable experience - just be sure to book with plenty of time to spare.

A couple of other restaurants in the old town that caught our eye for their setting and popularity in the evening were Tony Restaurant (maps) and nearby Côté Bistrot (maps), and both have good reviews.

Shop at Marché des Halles

Perhaps the most striking architectural sight in Menton, the lemon-yellow Marché des Halles is situated between the sea and the streets of the old town.

Home to a small but thriving, quintessential French market inside - all cheeses, flowers, fruit, breads, meats, and wines - it’s worth savouring the details on all sides before you enter. The blending of red brick, terracotta tiles, arches, green wrought-iron, and ornate ceramic adornments by Jospeh Saïssi is quite a unique colour palette and mish-mashes both Belle Époque and Mediterranean influences with a hint of Victorian Industrial.

This is primarily a market to come and buy fresh local produce, rather one which also has places to eat inside, but absolutely worth a browse around and spending a few euro; if you’ve got a beach day planned, then come here first to get your picnic ingredients!

Where + When | You can find Marché des Halles here on Google Maps. It’s open until until around 1pm, but as with all good markets, we’d recommend visiting in the morning for a more authentic experience (and more produce on show). Fewer stalls or completely closed on Mondays.

Top Tip // If you’re peckish after your early morning wanderings, grab one of several outdoor seats at Sini, order a glass of local wine and indulge in a few slices of their indulgent focaccia. Exquisitely fresh, they offer a variety of vegan, vegetarian and meaty options, still warm from the oven. Our favourite was the simple tomato one - fruit turned sweet by the sun, garlic and good olive oil.

It was so good we simply had to order another couple - find it here on Google Maps, opposite the market.

Visit The Botanical Gardens

It’s not just the lemons that love to grow here.

With its Mediterranean microclimate and fine, year-round weather, Menton garnered a reputation as a true gardener's paradise. The average annual temperature is 16°C-17°C, there are about 316 days of sunshine per year, and its humidity levels are ideal for tropical and suptropical plants to thrive.

Many of the convalescing upper-class English community created and sculpted grand, beautiful gardens between the sea and the mountains, and Menton remains a popular destination for green-fingered travellers seeking inspiration or to lose themselves amongst the lush vegetation.

Covering 1.5 hectare around an Italian-Provencal-style villa, the Val Rahmeh - Menton Botanical Gardens are the best place to better appreciate this. The gardens were principally developed under the ownership of Lord Percy Radcliffe and his wife Rahmeh Theodora Swinburne, and added to by Miss May Bud Campbell in the 1950s. Facing baknruptcy, she sold it to the government, who developed it into an exotic botanical garden open to the public.

Where + When | It's open year-round, from 9.30am to 6pm in spring/summer (1st April-31st October) but closes at 5pm in the winter season.

Entry is €7 for adults, €5 for concessions, and free for some visitors - check out the official website for more details.

Set above the eastern section of town, it's a 20-minute walk along the seafront from the centre of Menton to the Val Rahmeh - Menton Botanical Gardens (maps). If arriving by car, there is free parking outside but it's a narrow street.

Travel Tip // If you can't make it to the Botanical Gardens, then consider stopping by the Les Jardins Biovès where there are orange and lemon trees, and it's a pleasant public park for a rest in the shade. These gardens are at the epicentre of the Lemon Festival, housing grand citrus fruit sculptures and displays.

Another option for horticulturalists are the lesser-visited Serre de la Madone gardens (maps), but they're a short drive or a bus ride away from Menton - find out visitor information here.

HAPPY HOUR On THE WATERFRONT

When the sun is shining on the French Riviera and you’re in holiday mode, then take yourself down for some happy hour drinks on the Vieux Port de Menton.

The ‘old port’ name is a bit of misnomer though, as this promenade area by Plage de Sablettes Ouest and the marina has had quite the overhaul, and offers a clean, modern, and open public space by the sea. It’s also home to a cluster of cookie-cutter new bars and restaurants, which offer a convenient setting for lunch or dinner, and the perfect spot for a sundowner near the sea.

Les Incompris (maps) is our pick for a happy hour cocktail from 5-8pm.

We wouldn’t recommend here if you’re looking for a very good or romantic meal in the evening; it actually feels at times a bit more like a ‘holiday’ strip rather than a trendy French Riviera enclave.

Travel Tip // For a more salubrious activity, a follower let us know about the Sentier Le Corbusier. Starting in Menton, the 6km coastal walk takes you to the exlcusive enclave of Cap Martin and is suitable for all ages. It’s an out-and-back trail, so you could easily take the train for the return if you prefer.

You can find more details and a route map here on AllTrails.

A French Riviera Day Trip

If you’re using Menton as a base for in the French Riviera, then it makes sense to add in a day trip or two along the coast.

Nice, Monaco, Antibes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer are all easily accessible by train in under 45-minutes, whilst exploring the Côte d’Azur by boat would be a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon (Balades en Mer are based on the Vieux Port and offer boat trips starting at €25 for 75 minutes)

If you’ve got a rental car (we recommend looking + booking via RentalCars or AutoEurope), then you could head high up into the hills and go hiking in the the Vallée des Merveilles or Mercantour National Park. Menton is actually the end point for the 17-stage, 220km La Grande Traversée du Mercantour-GR

We’ve shared more details on the most popular French Riviera day trips in this post (published soon).

Where to Stay in Menton

First up, Menton’s train station is in the modern section of town (here on Google Maps), and anyone planning to stay in the pretty old town or by the sea faces a 15-20 minute walk on arrival; depending on your accommodation’s location, this may be flat or involve a lot of stairs and steep cobbled streets, which will cause problems if you have mobility issues, poor physical health, pushchairs or heavy luggage.

Our old town Airbnb was absolutely worth the effort, with Andrew hoisting suitcases on his head and both of us pishing sweat in the streets, but some may prefer or require more accessible options, so do check reviews before booking.

The main choice therefore is whether you wish to be based in the old town, on the beachfront, or prefer to save some money by staying in the newer part of Menton.

To help you get started, we’ve handpicked the best options for all travel styles and budgets.

Guest Houses & Hotels in Menton

Hotel Lemon | We really like the colourful and contemporary vibe at Hotel Lemon. Ideally located between the old town, sea and train station their comfortable rooms make a fantastic base in Menton and offer good value to boot. Find out more here.

Hôtel De Londres | Another one of our favourites, this hotel offers really great modern and stylish rooms just 25 metres from the sea. In addition to the really excellent reviews, the hotel’s other selling point is its huge flower garden - an ideal place for an early evening aperitivo. Find out more here.

Hôtel Richelieu | Whilst it’s not the most luxurious hotel in Menton, it is exceptionally good value with some of the cheapest rooms in town. It also has excellent reviews - thousands of them! Find out more here.

If you’re looking for more of a resort vibe for your French Riviera holiday, take a look at Hôtel Riva Art & Spa and Hotel Napoléon.

Apartments & Airbnbs in Menton

Spectacular Blue Look | This charming little attic apartment is where we stayed for our time in Menton, and we have nothing but good things to say about it! Located at the top of the old town, it offers incredible views from both windows and has everything you could need for a short stay. Just make sure you don’t mind stairs to reach it! Find out more here.

If you’re a couple or a single traveller simply looking for somewhere to lay your head in Menton’s historic centre, this studio is small but excellently located, has great reviews and is very budget friendly. Alternatively, this one-bedroom’s location in the newer section of town really keeps the price down - it’s modern, contemporarily furnished and can be snapped up for just £75 during the peak summer months (it books up fast though!).

Holiday in a Palace | This gorgeous one-bed apartment located in a historic heritage building immediately impresses with its stunning Belle Époque architecture, bright and light-filled rooms and modern renovation but also offers a fantastic location just 30 metres from the beach. Find out more here.

Bellavista Vieux Menton | This apartment has an excellent old town location, is well-equipped and tastefully furnished but its real selling point is the five metre wide bay window facing the sea - view don’t get much better than this! Find out more here.

Au son du Campanin | Really love the aesthetic and light of this old town apartment that has undergone a modern renovation but maintains many original features. We particularly like this lovely little private terrace with views out over the roofs of Menton, towards the sea. Find out more here.

For those that need a little space, we love this large, light and airy three-bedroom (partly because of the mid-century furniture), or alternatively - for larger groups - this three floor villa with six bedrooms is just stunning and offers a private garden.

How to Get to Menton

We’ll assume that most of you will be arriving into Menton from Nice, in which case by far the most popular way to travel between the two popular destinations is the regular train service.

From Nice journey time is less than 40 minutes and costs just €4.10 each way; this is the same trainline that will bring you along the Riviera and from Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, and Villefranche-sur-Mer to Menton.

You can check departure times here - note that the station you want is Menton, not ‘Menton Garavan’ which is the next one along. As mentioned earlier, it’s a 15-20 minute walk from there to the old town and the beaches.

If you’re arriving into Nice Airport, you’ll first need jump to make your way to Nice St Agustin (the train stop nearest the airport) and then join the same train line as above to Menton. You can either walk the 15 - 20 minutes to Nice St Agustin or jump in a taxi.

For those arriving into Nice for a longer trip in the south of France, you may choose to pick up a rental car and drive across to Menton. You can find car rental companies in the city centre, but the best rates and availability can usually be found at the airport; we recommend taking a look at AutoEurope and Rentalcars, two aggregators that allow you to compare prices and book. We rent exclusively via these two companies and recommend them highly.

Check out 9 Essential Car Rental Tips for Travellers for more tips.

Although we’d suggest the train as the best public transport option, the Lignes d'Azur buses also bring travellers along the Riviera.

If you’d prefer to not have to worry about negotiating public transport or renting a vehicle, you can grab a private taxi (expect to pay around €90 - €100).

Parking isn’t the easiest in Menton, and so we recommend the large, modern underground ‘Parking Old Town - Sablettes’ if you’re arriving on a day trip. It’s a paid car park, but conveniently located for both the old town and the beaches - find it here on Google Maps.

In terms of free overnight parking if you’re staying in Menton, particularly in the old town, we suggest contacting your host in advance for their advice. If you find a good place, then please do share in the comments!