Menton

Visit Menton, Provence

Menton is a coastal town and resort on the Cote d'Azur and also the French border with Italy. the combination of the sea and port, the old town, and the magnificent gardens and villas make menton on of the most popular and vibrant destinations on the riviera.

Due to the mountains behind the town that protect it from the cold northerly weather Menton has a fine climate, even compared with the rest of the Cote d'Azur, and this explains the many attractive gardens that you will see as you explore and for which the town is well known.

Exploring Menton

Most activity here for visitors is focussed towards the sea along the coast, with a beach, the pleasure port and the traditional harbour to enjoy.

The view across the old port to the tall pastel painted houses of the town and the mountains behind is one of the highlights of a visit.

Several other beaches are found along the coast around the town, including a sandy beach at Plage des Sablettes.

As you would expect of a wealthy town on the Cote d'Azur there are plenty of sophisticated cafes and bars where you can take refuge from the crowds and the heat and do a bit of people-watching.

Away from the seafront in the old town you can explore the narrow streets, in particular the lively and colourful main pedestrianised street, of traditional Provencal townhouses lined with shops and restaurants.

The newer part of the town is also pleasant to explore, with many belle epoque villas and newer apartment blocks.

There are also a number of interesting historical monuments in Menton. Among these the Basilica Saint-Michel and the nearby Chapel of the White Penitents will both attract your attention.

The 17th century baroque style basilica, with the ornate belltower that dominates the skyline of the old town, is a highlight of a visit to Menton in particular because of its elegant facade. Another interesting religious monument is the Russian church, in the traditional russian orthodox style.

Further away from the centre, particularly along the Boulevard de Garavan towards Italy there are numerous grand villas surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, with the turquoise Mediterranean sea as a scenic backdrop.

Oranges, lemons and gardens

Menton has won several prizes for its parks and gardens and is also a 4* ville fleurie.

The town contains several world-class gardens, such as the Serre de la Madone, the Le Val Rahmeh, the Fontana Rosa, the Maria Serena garden, Les Colombières and the Biovés Gardens.

The Parc du Pian focusses on olive trees and has some trees that are 1000 years old.

This enthusiasm for gardens continues in other parts of the town where several beautifully maintained small parks can be seen.

Menton also prides itself on the lemon and orange groves in the surrounding hills and there is a 'lemon festival' in the town at the end of each winter (mid february - early march) which is a major event for the region with music, dancing and street processions.

Museums in Menton

In the wedding room at the Town Hall there are several murals by Jean Cocteau, and there is also a new museum dedicated to the artist in Menton. Other important art museums here include the Museum of Fine Arts, situated in the 18th century Palace des Carnolès and the gallery of contemporary Art is in another impressive building, the Palais de l'Europe.

For a change from art the Museum of Prehistory contains numerous artefacts and recreations of life in the region from prehistoric times.

Photos of Menton (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Menton: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*; Listed town of Art and History; 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Menton, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Turbie 9km; Peillon 9km; Sospel 12km; Cap Ferrat 17km; Villefranche-sur-Mer 17km; Coaraze 19km; Nice 20km; Saorge 24km; Saorge Monastery 25km; Cagnes-sur-Mer 31km; Saint-Paul-de-Vence 31km; Vence 32km; Tende 36km; Tourrettes-sur-Loup 36km; Biot 36km; Antibes 37km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Menton

Menton tourism: sights and attractions nearby

La citronneraie - remarkable garden (0km) : Serre de la Madone - remarkable garden (0km) : Palais Carnolès - remarkable garden (0km) : Tete de Chien - site of natural beauty (9km) : Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild - remarkable garden (16km) : Jardin botanique - remarkable garden (20km) : Baou de Saint-Jeannet - site of natural beauty (29km) : Jardin botanique de la villa Thuret - remarkable garden (37km) :

French version: see Menton (Francais)