Visit Menton A Hidden Seaside Treasure on the French Riviera

Menton is a commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. It’s the last major town before leaving the French Riviera, wedged in-between the French-Italian border. It’s a place where you can tickle the turquoise sea, or enjoy the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Whether you call it the Côte d’Azur or the French Riviera, this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and sophisticated regions in the world.

Some call this place “the Pearl of France”. It’s a storybook setting, a hidden seaside treasure, that is just far enough away from the playground of the rich and famous – to enjoy this Franco-Italian Riviera destination.

Menton boasts 316 days of endless sunshine, “but who’s counting?” all producing a microclimate favorable for growing the town’s trademark aromatic and sweet Menton lemons. It’s no wonder, this is where the Fête du citron is held every February, where Menton welcomes thousands for a grand festival of fireworks, performances and parades in celebration.

There’s nothing like sitting on the Promenade du Soleil watching the sparkling sea in the intense sunshine, cascading shadows off the ochre and pink facades. Or, simply watching a magnificent sinking orange sunset in the distance. If the breathtaking landscape wasn’t enough, there’s so much history and culture to explore in this enchanting seascape, with its confluence of French and Italian cultures.

A must see is The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, from 1619, a minor basilica since 1999. Lying at its feet is the Grimaldi coat of arms, all inlaid with white and grey pebbles from Menton’s beaches. And, for a final hurrah, climb the majestic multi-level yellow stone staircase, up and past St. Michael, for a magnificent view over Menton-with storybook pastel houses, and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.

For more astonishing Baroque architecture, stop in at the Chapel of the Conception, which once belonged to the Order of the White Penitent. While down by the sea, explore the Musée Jean Cocteau, exhibiting the world’s largest collection of works, by the most multifaceted artist of the 20th century. Squeezed between St. Michael and the seafront, shop the historic 1898, Belle Époque covered Marché, that sells local and specialty items of the region.

Discover the renowned gardens, some public, others private, where the Alpes-Maritimes climate generates a variety of exotic flora, not grown in other regions of Europe. Enjoy the historic gardens, e.g. the Jardin de La Serre Madone, with plants from exotic lands, or the Jardins du Palais Carnolès, containing the largest citrus collection in Europe. Or, saunter and explore the many gardens that are hidden gems, growing betwixt and between the sloping terraces of citrus groves.

In the heart of quaint Menton, pause for a moment in the Place aux Herbes, where Menton commemorates American and Canadian forces for liberating the town from German occupation in 1944, during World War II.  Taking nearly ten years of perseverance and dedication – Menton rebuilt and repaired the damage in this idyllic seaside town, for all to enjoy.

The commune of Menton is just waiting for you to amble through the winding side-streets, duck into passageways, climb the curlicue hillsides, and discover hidden treasures that will leave an indelible impression on your heart.

Transportation and Tourist Information

Transportation: bus #100-1.50€.

Train: Nice to Menton

Menton Tourism

Head to the hills from Menton

Sainte-Agnès: A Hidden Treasure in the Alpes-Maritimes, France

3 of the Most Scenic Drives Close to Monaco