MENTON, FRANCE: A GUIDE TO THE COTE D’AZUR’S MOST COLORFUL DESTINATION
The South of France is home to some of the most colorful cities, towns and villages in the country, and one of my absolute favorites is Menton. It’s the last stop along the Côte d’Azur, just before the Italy border. The town is utterly picturesque, and its small size makes it an ideal day trip destination along the French Riviera. Below is my complete guide to Menton including the best places to visit, viewpoints, photo locations, hotels, Airbnbs, restaurants, gelato and more.
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I absolutely adore the colorful facades of Menton. OUTFIT DETAILS: Similar maxi dress linked here.
WHEN TO VISIT MENTON
- APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER – A visit in late May or September offers warm weather and fewer crowds. Weather in April and October can be hit and miss – might be too cold for the beach.
- JUNE-AUGUST – The summer months are high season in the South of France when the crowds pour in and hotel selection in tiny Menton dwindles.
- NOVEMBER-MARCH – Crowds are minimal this time of the year when the weather is cold, and some businesses are closed for the off season. The city’s annual lemon festival takes place in February.
Nothing better than walking these charming corridors with gelato during the summer.
The top of the Rue de la Conception. OUTFIT DETAILS: Similar maxi dress linked here.
HOW MANY DAYS IN MENTON?
ONE TO TWO DAYS. Many travelers visit Menton as a day trip, and it’s definitely possible to experience the little town in just a day. If you plan to stay longer in Menton, I suggest a mere night or two. Just enough time to fully experience the town at a relaxed pace. Menton isn’t the ideal home base for exploring the larger French Riviera because it’s located at the very end of the Cote d’Azur, near the Italy border. For that, it’s better to move west to a more central town.
All the feels of a Wes Anderson film.
Rue Longue is one of the most colorful streets in town. OUTFIT DETAILS: Similar maxi dress linked here.
MENTON TIPS
- CURRENCY – The official currency of France is the Euro. It’s always handy to have cash for smaller purchases, but almost everywhere takes credit card.
- PEARL OF FRANCE – Menton is known as the “Pearl of France.”
- LEMONS – Menton is one of the warmest destinations in France, and famous for its lemons. The town’s annual lemon festival takes place in February.
Tourists exploring the little stone alleyways of Old Town.
EXPLORE MENTON
BASILIQUE SAINT-MICHEL
This small basilica sits in the center of town, next to the Chapel of the White Penitents. Both overlook the Mediterranean Sea, and are accessed via the Les Rampes Saint Michel. There aren’t many historical sites in Menton, so this one gets pretty busy by midday.
CEMETERY OF THE OLD CASTLE
I don’t usually visit cemeteries when I travel, but the location of the Cemetery of the Old Castle is pretty special. It sits on a hilltop perched above the colorful town, the site of a former medieval castle, with views of the terracotta rooftops and surrounding Mediterranean Sea. The cemetery is filled with beautiful old tombs and ornate statues.
JARDIN BOTANIQUE VAL RAHMEH
A lovely little botanical garden home to serene ponds, oversized lotus, dense foliage, exotic palms, cacti, agaves and dozens of plants from around the world. Feels a bit like a Moroccan oasis, tucked away in Menton.
MENTON VIEWPOINT
From Sablettes Beach, you’ll see a rocky outcrop that extends into the sea, perfectly facing the Menton waterfront. These rocks are home to the best panoramic views of Menton. The beachy scenery set against the colorful Old Town backdrop is a quintessential European summer postcard. The rocks don’t get too busy, and there is plenty of space for visitors to spread out and grab a rock to sit and enjoy the view.
LES RAMPES SAINT MICHEL
A bright yellow sea-facing staircase leads up to the Saint Michel from the seaside promenade. The bright colors and spot-on symmetry have all the feels of a Wes Anderson film. This is one of the most iconic sites in Menton.
OLD TOWN STREETS
Menton is filled with the loveliest maze of corridors, alleys and lanes lined with boutiques, gelato shops, restaurants and apartments set in the prettiest pastel buildings. The best way to explore is to get lost in the little labyrinth – there’s something beautiful around every corner in Menton. Two of my favorite streets are the Rue de la Conception and Rue Longue – see below.
RUE DE LA CONCEPTION
Climb to the top of Rue de la Conception from the Promenade du Val de Menton for an incredibly picturesque viewpoint. The top of the staircase is surrounded by pink and yellow buildings accented by green shutters, old-fashioned lanterns and blooming potted flowers. Very picturesque!
RUE LONGUE
This is another famous street in Menton. Rue Longue is a long road lined with narrow homes alternating yellows, pinks and oranges, and all with the cutest green shutters. It’s a charming street to wander, and there are several cute lanes to explore right off of the Rue Longue.
SABLETTES BEACH
This is the main beach that lines the Menton waterfront. It’s a great place to hang and sunbathe on a warm summer afternoon. The water is calm, and the backdrop is one of the best in the South of France.
WHITE PENITENTS CHAPEL
A 17th century Baroque-style church located at the top of the Les Rampes Saint Michel. Popular tourist stop for photos.
I love to visit Menton when the weather is warm – the beach is a vibe!
The spectacular coastline.
MENTON HOTELS
Menton does not shine when it comes to lodging options in the South of France. Below is a round-up of the best options available.
The Ancient Times is a small one-bedroom apartment located along the Rue Pietonne. The property isn’t particularly beautiful, but it’s clean, cozy and the brick ceiling adds a bit of character.
A third-floor apartment with views of the Mediterranean Sea. Apartment design and decor is not a strength in Menton, but Bellavista Vieux is clean, bright and the exposed brick and stone wall add a nice touch. Note that there is no elevator.
One of only a couple proper hotels in town. Ibis Styles is a typical mid-range chain property – rooms have no character, and not much in the amenity department. But, it’s clean and location in Mention is solid.
Very clean, bright upper floor apartment that can be accessed via an elevator. Majestic Apartment is simple, but feels modern and new.
Natacha Apartment is located inside a former palace that has been converted into an apartment building. The space is simple, but has a lot of charm. Highlights are the modern bathroom, big windows and balcony.
Palace Le Regina Apartment is one of the better lodging options in Menton. This two-bedroom property is ultra spacious boasting two modern bathrooms, high ceilings, big windows and lots of light. If this one is available, book it.
The colors of Menton. OUTFIT DETAILS: Similar dress linked here.
MENTON RESTAURANTS
LA CREPE A ‘EVERS
A lovely little crepe cafe that serves a delicious selection of homemade sweet and savory crepes.
LA TRATTORIA
Popular Italian restaurant that offers a wide selection of pastas including pappardelle, tagliatelle, tagliolini, gnocchi, casarecci, paccheri and ravioli with a variety of homemade sauces. La Trattoria also has fresh seafood on the menu.
PIZZERIA 430GRADI
This is the best pizza spot in Menton serving up fresh Napoleon style pies, as well as a selection of homemade pastas.
THE SMALL CAVE
A charming little cave restaurant that serves up a tasty selection of house made crepes. This place can get very busy during the summer, make a reservation if possible.
TUTTI FRUTTI GLACIERS
The ice cream and sorbet at Tutti Fruitti Glaciers are ridiculously tasty. The little stand sits on the main shopping boulevard in town, and there’s usually a line.
I ate crepes daily when I was in Menton.
GETTING AROUND MENTON
Menton is a small, pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Everything is walkable – the beaches, the restaurants, the boutiques and the hotels. Be prepared to climb steps to reach the upper neighborhoods, as well as a few of the main tourist attractions.
Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to explore all the little streets without tourists around. OUTFIT DETAILS: Similar dress linked here.
GETTING TO MENTON
The easiest route to Menton is by train. It’s the last stop on the line that runs along the French Riviera, and Old Town is a 20-minute walk from the Mention train station. The closest airport to Menton is the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, approximately 40 minutes away by car and one hour 15 minutes by train.
Farewell, Menton!
