Menton: The Colorful Gem of the Riviera

"In Menton, I found the light I had been looking for. It is the only place in the world where I feel completely at home."— *Jean Cocteau,* French artist

Sunrise in Menton

If you’re seeking a destination that combines Mediterranean charm, Italian flair, and French elegance, look no further than Menton. Nestled on the border between France and Italy, this vibrant coastal town is often dubbed the “Pearl of the Riviera” or the “City of Lemons”. With its vibrantly colored buildings, fragrant lemon groves, and a rich tapestry of history, Menton offers an unforgettable escape.

A Town Between Nations: A Bit of Menton’s History

What makes Menton so special isn’t just its citrus-scented breezes or sun-washed facades and pebble beaches: the city has a fascinating history. Nestled on the border of France and Italy, Menton has balanced between both worlds over the centuries. The city was once part of the Republic of Genoa and later found itself under the rule of the Grimaldi family of Monaco. Menton declared independence from Monaco in 1848 during a wave of revolutionary spirit that had swept Europe. Alongside its neighbor Roquebrune, it formed the "Free Cities," rejecting Monaco’s authority and briefly aligning with the Kingdom of Sardinia.

In 1860, following the Treaty of Turin and growing momentum behind Italian unification, the people of Menton were asked to vote on whether they would become part of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy or belong to France. The town overwhelmingly chose France, and by 1861, it had officially become part of the French Republic. You can feel that vote still echoing today in the town’s character: undeniably French, with a hint of Italian spirit.

Sources: Wikipedia – Menton, Free Cities of Menton and Roquebrune, Franco-Monégasque Treaties

Getting to Menton

From Nice to Menton

By Train: The most scenic and convenient way to reach Menton from Nice is by train. From Nice Ville station, take a local TER (regional) train along the coast to Menton. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and the trip typically takes about 40 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it an easy and stress-free option. At the station in Nice, you can purchase your Lines d’Azur pass or ticket at a kiosk, and this will take you to Menton (and beyond). With the Lines d’Azur pass, you can pay in advance for a set number of trips or a set number of days, with unlimited rail and bus travel each day. I opted for the pass that covered a set number of days, and I would recommend this if you plan to make day trips!
By Car: Driving from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to Menton takes approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is straightforward, following the A8 highway eastward along the coast. Be prepared for some winding roads as you approach Menton.
By Train from Paris: For travelers coming from Paris, high-speed TGV trains connect Paris Gare de Lyon to Nice Ville. From Nice, transfer to the local TER train to Menton. The entire journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on connections. This is exactly how I arrived in Menton, and it is by far my favorite mode of transport. Although the journey is long, it is comfortable and easy. I enjoy the freedom to read, work on my laptop (there is free wifi!), or watch a movie, none of which I can do if I am driving!
By Train from Italy: Coming from Milan, take a direct train to Ventimiglia, Italy, and then transfer to a local train heading to Menton. The total travel time is approximately 3 to 4 hours. From Genoa, the journey is only 2.5 hours. Take a direct train to Ventimiglia and then the same regional train to Menton.

Getting Around Menton

Upon arriving at Menton’s train station, the Old Town (Vieux Menton) is just a 20-minute walk away, while the town center of Menton (the newer part of town) is about 10 minutes walking. Alternatively, local buses are available for those preferring a quicker route. These buses will be included in a Lines d’Azur pass!

Where to Stay: Neighborhoods to Consider

Old Town (Vieux Menton): Ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in history and culture. Stay close to landmarks like the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange and the Jean Cocteau Museum while still being minutes from the sea.
Menton Town Center: Perfect for travelers who enjoy shopping and restaurants, as there are plenty of shops along Avenue Félix Faure for everything from artisan ingredients, clothes, and home goods.
Garavan: A quieter area with beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere, on the opposite side of Old Town from Menton’s city center. Check out Plage des Sablettes Est and Hawaiistrand for beaches.

For accommodations, consider checking out Booking.com and Vrbo, or Plum Guide for a range of options, from charming hotels to private rentals in whichever neighborhood speaks to you most!

Culinary Delights: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Boulangeries for a Morning Treat

Start your day with a visit to one of Menton’s boulangeries:

AVé Pâtisserie: An aesthetically pleasing shop with equally beautiful and delicate pastries.
Atelier Boulanger: Offers a variety of artisanal breads and pastries, perfect for a picnic! I like to grab a San Pellegrino and one of their award-winning pain au chocolat.
Mitron Bakery: Known for their lemon tart, but you can grab anything from a croissant to a quiche or focaccia.

Grab your breakfast to go and enjoy it along the Promenade du Soleil or on the beach, soaking in the morning sun.

Lunch Spots

Cocotte Café: A sweet bistro on the promenade for delicious French cuisine.
La Mandragore: Beautiful setting for fresh seafood.
Zzambu: Pizza is the best lunch food, no matter where you are, but you can also grab a salad or even a burger.

Dinner Recommendations

Mirazur: Holding three Michelin stars, this restaurant is celebrated for its innovative cuisine and has a beautiful view of Menton’s Old Town. If you are interested in fine dining this is a restaurant you cannot miss in Menton.
L’Orangerie-restaurant Menton: Beautiful, tasty, and fresh dishes in a beautiful, old town setting.
Casarella: Nearby Menton in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, this restaurant has wonderful Italian dishes with service that makes you feel like family, and there are views of the medieval town’s clock tower from the terrace. Great vegetarian dishes and the best bruschetta I’ve ever had!

Exploring Menton: Old Town and Beyond

Old Town (Vieux Ville Menton)

Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange: The church was built in the 17th century, and you can enter to appreciate the interior Monday through Saturday, 3 pm - 5 pm. Even if the church is closed, when you are there, the view of the water and the stairs to the beach are worth the journey.
- Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs: Be sure to stop and appreciate this church a few steps away as well.
Jean Cocteau Museum: Dedicated to the French artist, this museum houses a vast collection of his works and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Le Marché des Halles de Menton: A vibrant market with fresh produce, local specialties, where you can taste Menton's culinary heritage. The market is open daily from 8 am to 1 pm, and you can grab flowers, fruits, vegetables, fish, cheese, and more.

Beaches

Plage des Sablettes: A family-friendly beach located just below Old Town. You can explore shops and the port nearby, and the water is calm for swimming.

Plage de Fossan: A quieter spot with a mix of sand and pebbles, ideal for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Just off the promenade and near the bastion.

Gardens

Jardin Exotique Val Rahmeh: A botanical garden showcasing exotic plants, including bamboo and a lily-pad pond. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee.
Jardin du Palais de Carnolès: Visit for a wonderful citrus grove and more. There is an entrance fee for this garden as well.
Menton Cemetery: While not quite a garden, the hilltop cemetery in Menton is a nice, peaceful, and emotional spot to enjoy the views.

Depending on what time of year you are visiting, I would recommend visiting a pharmacy and grabbing some bug spray!

Day Trips from Menton

Menton's strategic location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas:

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: Just a short train ride away, this town is home to a medieval castle and offers beautiful beaches. To access the beaches, you can easily walk from the train stop. The medieval part of town is on top of a hill, and you can walk to it (we did!), but it is steep and takes about 20-25 minutes. There is a bus line from Menton to the medieval village, or you can get a taxi or Uber from the train stop.
Ventimiglia, Italy: A quick train journey takes you to this Italian town known for its vibrant Friday morning market.
Eze: Perched high above the sea, this medieval village offers breathtaking views and charming streets to explore. Walk to the top of the hill to explore the cactus garden and get a stunning view.
Monaco: A short train ride brings you to this city-state, famous for its casinos, luxury yachts, and the Prince's Palace.
Gorges du Verdon: For nature enthusiasts, a day trip to this stunning canyon offers you opportunity for hiking, kayaking, and exploring awe-inspiring landscapes.

Thanks to Menton’s unique blend of French and Italian influences, visitors can experience an equally unique and enriching trip. Whether you're savoring a lemon-infused pastry, exploring historical sites, or lounging on a beach, Menton promises memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you plan to visit for a day or an entire weekend, I am certain the "Pearl of the Riviera" will enchant you.

Menton: The Colorful Gem of the Riviera

"In Menton, I found the light I had been looking for. It is the only place in the world where I feel completely at home."— Jean Cocteau, French artist

A Town Between Nations: A Bit of Menton’s History