Updated on August 27, 2025
The last town on the Côte d’Azur before Italy, Menton is a wonderful seaside town. This pearl of the Riviera stretches out, open to the sea, in a magnificent tangle of colourful houses dominated by sumptuous villas. A visit to Menton promises a life of intoxicating sweetness with its narrow streets, charming baroque squares, and exceptional lemon-scented gardens. This is our guide to prepare your next visit to Menton.
Contents
1. A day in Menton: strolling and exploring by the sea
2. Unmissable treasures for a day out in Menton
3. Our recommended itinerary in Menton
4. Best restaurants and cafés for a great evening in Menton
5. What can you do in Menton over a weekend?
6. Between history and culture: things to do in Menton
7. Walks and gardens : Menton outdoors
8. Shows and events: when Menton comes alive
10. Sports and wellness activities in Menton
A day in Menton: strolling and exploring by the sea
What to see and do in Menton in a day? Situated in the south of France at the gateway to Monaco, Menton boasts many must-see attractions: from strolling along the beach and through the heart of town to panoramic sea views.
Must-see attractions in Menton in one day
A day in Menton is incomplete without experiencing the gentle Provençal atmosphere of the old town. Stroll through the light and shade of a maze of medieval streets lined with authentic southern houses and shimmering facades. An entire palette of yellow ochre, orange and red, with splashes of green from lush vegetation providing contrast here and there.
Along the way, amongst many architectural treasures, you won't want to miss the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, one of the most impressive sacred buildings on the Côte d'Azur. Which, with the fascinating Chapel of the White Penitents, constitute one of the jewels of Baroque architecture.
And below them, the Sablettes beach is a favourite place for the people of Menton to hang out. A few steps away is the Bastion. Standing at the end of the Menton seawall, this 17th-century military building now houses the Musée Jean Cocteau. If you don't have time to visit it during your day in Menton, we still recommend that you walk past the building to admire its architecture.
From Menton to Monaco...
Menton is only 10 km from the Principality, less than 30 minutes' drive. During your stay on the Côte d'Azur, you will be able to book a hotel in Monaco while planning a visit to Menton from the Principality. It’s your opportunity to experience the opulence of our star-rated hotels near the Place du Casino – iconic establishments such as Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo – or to discover our venues perched on the shores of the Mediterranean – between the chic Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and the glamorous Monte-Carlo Beach. And to complete your Monegasque experience, don't hesitate to reserve a table in one of our gourmet restaurants or treat yourself to a gala evening at the Salle des Étoiles or at the Monte-Carlo Opera.
Our recommended itinerary in Menton
During your day trip to Menton, you can choose to go wherever your whims take you. Alternatively, here’s our suggested walking itinerary.
1- In the morning, start your visit in the city centre. As you walk along Rue de la République, a façade with large white columns catches your eye. It's the Éden cinema, a historic monument built in 1917 and still in operation!
2- Continue as far as Menton town hall before plunging into the pedestrianised Rue Saint-Michel, one of the liveliest and most animated streets in the city. Perfect for a lunch break.
3- Then, in the afternoon, off to the old town. Pass through the charming Place aux Herbes before joining Rue Longue, the backbone of Vieux Menton. Then climb up to the forecourt of the Saint-Michel-Archange basilica and enjoy the view of Menton below.
4- A few more steps will take you to the Vieux Château cemetery, where once again, the view of the Mediterranean is breathtaking.
5- Your day is drawing to a close. It’s time to head for the seafront and the pleasant Sablettes beach, which extends the length of the Quai Bonaparte and the old town. A gentle stroll to the end of the Quai Impératrice Eugénie gives you the chance to watch the sun set over the city.
Restaurants and cafés to discover in Menton
The art of Menton cuisine is, of course, firmly rooted in the purest tradition of Mediterranean gastronomy. Menton prides itself on its distinctive culinary identity and generous gourmet local cuisine. It’s a cuisine that combines land and sea, mountains and coastline, with flavours to delight the taste buds of even the most discerning gourmets.
Head for Rue Saint-Michel or the heart of the old town, both of which are packed with typical restaurants and lively café terraces. Ideal for a terrace lunch, where you can explore the delicious local specialities at your leisure. Fougasse mentonnaise, barbajuans, pichade, poutine and sugelli, to name but a few... But you can also enjoy socca and farcis – specialities shared by Menton and its neighbours, Nice and Monaco.
What to do in Menton in a weekend?
Spend a whole week-end in Menton and discover its incredibly rich architectural, natural, and botanical heritage. A cultural heritage to explore behind the doors of its churches, museums and historic monuments. Natural landscapes to admire on a peaceful stroll along the seafront. And some wonderful gardens to discover.
History and culture: things to do in Menton
Artium civitas: the city of the arts! This is the motto that proudly adorns the entrance to Menton town hall. Menton is a "town of art and history" that is true to its vocation, its Renaissance heritage and Gallo-Roman Mediterranean culture.
● Among its treasures, the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange on Place de la Conception undoubtedly stands out as one of the most iconic landmarks. This masterpiece of Menton Baroque art, opened to the faithful in 1653, dominates the town with its bell tower. On its forecourt, a mosaic of black and white pebbles depicts the Grimaldi family coat of arms. Feel free to book a guided tour.
● Another symbol of Menton is the Annonciade monastery, the last vestige of the medieval city of Podium Pinum: perched on high since the 11th century, this monastery has seen it all! From the old town, climb the 464-steps to the monastery via the Chemin du Rosaire. You're guaranteed a panoramic view from up there!
● Built in the late 19th century in a style blending East and West, the Orthodox Church of Menton bears witness to the Russian presence in Menton.
● With the arrival of the train in Menton at the end of the 19th century, the town quickly became a highly sought-after holiday resort. The elegant façades of the Belle Époque palaces of Menton bear witness to this. These include the Winter Palace, the Grand Hôtel d’Orient and the Grand Hôtel de Venise, now the Orangeraie.
Not to miss!
Follow in the footsteps of the artist Jean Cocteau who decorated the wedding hall at Menton town hall, or pass through the walls of the Bastion, which Cocteau himself transformed into a museum. Each year, these two legendary venues are enriched by temporary exhibitions that offer fresh perspectives on the multifaceted work of the “Prince of Poets.”
Walks and gardens: Menton outdoors
Following on from the esplanade at Sablettes beach, the tree- and flower-lined Promenade de la Mer is the new must-see spot on the Menton coastline. Continue your stroll through the Old Port of Menton: a harmonious blend of pleasure craft and traditional colourful pointu fishing boats. Then follow the Fossan and Casino beaches along the Promenade du Soleil. On one side, a view of the sea. On the other, the surrounding mountains.
A breath of fresh air in Menton also means discovering its incredible green diamonds: extraordinary gardens, sanctuaries of rare tropical species with exotic fragrances. Explore the citrus garden of the Carnolès Palace, the former summer residence of the Princes of Monaco. It is the most important collection of citrus fruits in Europe. The Maria Serena garden is home to a large collection of palm trees and a Canary Island dragon tree. Last but not least are the colourful Spanish ceramics of the Fontana Rosa novelists’ garden.
Our tip
From the Vieux Château cemetery to the Italian border, follow the Boulevard de Garavan. In addition to offering a sumptuous panorama over the city's rooftops, it is lined with villas that are emblematic of the French Riviera, distinguished by their elegant lines and lush gardens. At its heart, discover the Parc du Pian with hundreds of ancient olive trees planted in terraces facing the sea.
Shows and events: when Menton comes alive
More than just an event: the Menton Lemon Festival is a unique institution recognised the world over! This fragrant celebration is held every year in February. The whole city is decked out in yellow and orange, as citrus-themed floats parade along the Promenade du Soleil. As night falls, these golden fruit corso floats become gardens of light. The Lemon Festival is the second largest winter event open to the general public on the Côte d’Azur, after the Nice Carnival.
Another major event in the cultural season is the Menton music festival. Every year, at the height of summer, a musical miracle takes place in front of the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, where the world's greatest classical music artists gather. An exceptional open-air musical experience!
What to do in Menton
A city of art and history, Menton is also a place of wellness, sports and adventure. Nestled in the heart of the mountains and overlooking the sea, the town is the perfect setting to fill you with thrills.
Sport and relaxation in Menton
Well-being in Menton starts on the beach. There’s the quiet, family-friendly and sandy Sablettes beach. A little further from Menton, discover the Plage du Buse in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a small, quiet, unspoilt pebble beach, or the Plage de Cabbé from where you can see out over Monaco.
Menton’s coastline is also a fantastic aquatic playground, available almost all year round. Take a step back and paddle around the Bay of Menton in a kayak to admire the town from the sea. Or perhaps you’d prefer to hire a boat for a relaxing boat trip, sharing fun-filled moments swimming offshore, exploring coves, or watching the sunset over Menton.
Shopping in Menton town centre
As well as its cafés and restaurants, the Rue Saint-Michel is also a great place for shopping in Menton. Lined with numerous boutiques, this charming pedestrianised street leads to the Campanin garden and the sea. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, clothes from small local designers, and traditional regional products. The old town is also home to a host of local craftsmen and shops selling authentic products, jewellery and objets d’art.
Our tip
Treat yourself to a gourmet break at the Halles market in Menton, which, at the foot of the old town, represents the “temple” of local cuisine. On its stalls, all the treasures of the Menton terroir are displayed. A great place to meet people and find inspiration. It's the perfect way to soak up the city's atmosphere, colours and fragrances.
From Menton: getaways on the Riviera and beyond
For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous trails crisscrossing the region. The legendary “Le Corbusier” coastal path around Cap Martin is a must. You can also explore the Menton hinterland and its hilltop villages. On foot, via the GR 51 and the « Balcons d’Azur », you can reach La Turbie by passing through the village of Gorbio or Sainte-Agnès, two incredible vantage points overlooking the Mediterranean. And for those wishing to venture further inland, there are two options: hiking in the Vallée des Merveilles or crossing the Mercantour Park.
Around Menton, a few minutes by car will take you to the legendary square of the Casino de Monaco or, a little further along, the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. And in just an hour's drive, you'll be at Cap d'Antibes or Cannes under the palm trees of the Croisette.
Add an air of dolce vita to your holiday: take an open-topped tour of Italy and visit the picturesque villages of the Italian Riviera: Grimaldi, Ventimiglia or even San Remo. You can also set sail for the Ligurian coast by boat from the Vieux Port.
Another boat trip invites you to discover the French Riviera in a different way, along the mythical ports of the Côte d'Azur such as the Port Hercule in Monaco to the Vieux-Port of Saint-Tropez.
A must-visit destination on the Côte d’Azur, Menton offers a unique blend of the Provençal and the Italian. Whether you're looking for culture, nature or relaxation, Menton always has something to offer.
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