COMPLETE GUIDE TO ONE OF EUROPE'S BEST SUMMER DESTINATIONS
Menton is a French city located almost on the Italian border, a few kilometers from Monaco. It was precisely after visiting the principality that we discovered Menton, an ideal option to stop and rest on your route along the Côte d'Azur. Without a doubt, it was one of the places we liked the most on our trip to the south of France. In fact, we love it so much that we have repeated this destination.
From 1346 to 1848 Menton belonged to the Principality of Monaco, with the only interruption being the French Revolution. After a brief period beginning in 1848 in which it belonged to Sardinia, in 1860 it became part of France following a referendum. During World War II it was occupied by Italy, from 1940 to 1943.
Known as the "City of Lemons", Menton has grown lemons for centuries thanks to its unique climate. The Menton lemon is famous for its intense flavor and fragrance, and its cultivation is so important that the Fête du Citron is celebrated every year. This fruit is present throughout Menton: in its streets, typical food, souvenirs...
The geographer Elisée Reclus gave it the name of "The Pearl of France". Its colorful architecture, its picturesque alleys and its crystalline waters will not leave you indifferent. I leave you below the most emblematic corners of Menton, although without a doubt, the best thing to do in Menton is to wander the streets and let yourself be surprised by its unique corners.
How to travel to Menton?
The quickest way to get to Menton is by flying to Nice Airport and taking the TER regional train (40 min). You can also travel to Menton by car if you are on a road trip.
Where to stay in Menton?
1. Plage des Sablettes y Vieux Port
The best beach for swimming in Menton: fine sand, crystal clear water and incredible views. This beach is so calm that it is like bathing in a pool of turquoise water.
Right next to it you will find the Vieux Port, a small marina. You can walk to the end of the pier to get an impressive view of the old town. You can also walk on top of the old wall which offers incredible views of the sea, as well as getting to the small Menton lighthouse.
Along the promenade that runs through Plage des Sablettes you will find various restaurants, bars and shops. Of all of them, I recommend the restaurant Pecora Negra, our favourite in Menton. We loved the pesto pizza and the pistachio salad!
2. Escaliers
The Escaliers are perhaps one of the most famous images of Menton. The impressive yellow stairs, located in the center of the old town, rise above the Plage des Sablettes to the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel.
3. Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel and Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of San Miguel, typical of the region's baroque style, was built in 1619 under the direction of the Genoese architect Laurent Lavagna. It stands out for its colorful bell tower, 53 meters high. The church was elevated to the rank of "basilica" by decree of Pope John Paul II in 1999. It is currently known for being the largest and most beautiful Baroque church on the Côte d'Azur. Every Sunday mass is celebrated at 11 a.m.
The chapel of the Immaculate Conception was built between 1680 and 1687. However, the earthquake that Menton suffered in 1887 caused very significant damage: the vault collapsed and large cracks appeared in the walls.
Every summer, the Menton Music Festival is organized, where emblematic places in the city host all kinds of concerts. During our trip, a piano concert was held in the square that joins both churches, under the light of the stars. I recommend you check if your travel dates coincide with the festival and, if you have the opportunity, organize your visit to enjoy this experience.
4. Place des Logettes y Place du Cap
These emblematic squares host various typical restaurants, with a family atmosphere. On the Place du Cap you can find our favorite breakfast place in Menton: Brasserie du Cap. Both the croissants, the pain au chocolat and the lemon pie are delicious and at a good price.
5. Marché des Halles
Traditional Provencal market, open every Tuesday and Wednesday.
6. Rue Saint-Michel
Rue Saint-Michel is a charming pedestrian and shopping street that runs through the old part of the city. Full of life, this historic rue is flanked by colorful Mediterranean buildings and a wide variety of shops, cafes and restaurants that reflect the essence of the French Riviera.
7. Baie du Soleil, Menton's main beach
Baie du Soleil is the largest beach in Menton. Unlike the Plage des Sablettes, it is wider and also more open, so it has greater waves and distance for swimming. On sunny summer days this beach impresses with its crystal clear waters.
8. Beyond Menton, the Côte d'Azur just a few train stops away
One of the best things about Menton is that, just a few train stops away, it allows you to get close to other fantastic places on the Côte d'Azur, so you can take day trips or spend an afternoon visiting other towns very easily.
Menton has two train stations: Menton and Menton Garavan. We recommend you to use the first one since it is better located, more modern and has more staff. You can buy the tickets right there, these are not very expensive and there is the possibility of purchasing group tickets (very cheap).
These are some of the places you can get to from Menton using the TER line:
Monaco: 10 minutes
Beaulieu-sur-Mer: 23 minutes
Villefranche-sur-Mer: 26 minutes
Nice (center): 34 minutes
Nice (airport): 42 minute
Antibes: 1h 3 minutes
Cannes: 1h 16 minutes
Saint-Raphaël: 1h 52 minutes
I hope you liked this post and found it useful. Here you can find a map of Menton with all its notable spots. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments :)
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