Known as the ” Pearl of France,” Menton has to be on your list when visiting the South of France. I had the pleasure of exploring all of Menton’s charm this summer, and my travel guide will help you plan your time there.
Located on the stunning Côte d’Azur coastline, Menton glows with yellow lemon and pastel hues that can be seen from far away. Just minutes from the Italian border, Menton bridges much of Italian history and French living today. It’s small in size, easy to visit in a day, and happens to be one of the more price-friendly destinations in the South of France.
Menton is known for all things lemon — you’ll see stand after shop selling lemon products in a variety of forms. The unique microclimate makes Menton the perfect home for growing lemons. If you happen to visit in February, you can’t miss the famed lemon festival (Fête du Citron).
During our stint visiting up and down the coast from Nice and beyond, we took our time visiting Menton for a full day. What I loved about the time there is once arrived we really could enjoy it thoroughly as it’s quite small. Our day in Menton had so much leftover time that we did a quick run up to another village too (more on that below).
Menton is slow-going, picturesque, and utterly perfect for a beach day. You’ll try unique foods, see incredible views, and walk through Renaissance and Baroque Architecture. Don’t miss that lemon tart that I ended up buying twice, one of the best pizzas in a long time, all in my guide to Menton, France.
Why Visit Menton?
From fresh sea air to a historic old quarter explored on foot, Menton boasts postcard-perfect experiences. It’s one of the easiest day trips in the South of France, either by train or car. The views over the Mediterranean Sea and into Italy are some of the most stunning. And all of the town is brushed by beaches with azure waters. What more could you ask for?
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels for Visiting Menton:
I would recommend booking all of your time in Villefranche as a home base.
Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Welcome Hotel, for the best waterfront hotel
- Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera, for the best luxury hotel
- Hotel De La Darse, for the best budget-friendly hotel
Airbnbs in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- 3 Bedroom Duplex with Panoramic Ocean Views, for the best spacious stay
- 2 Bedroom Elegant Apartment, for the best cozy stay
- 2 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Ocean Views, for the best modern stay
Hotels in Menton
- Hotel Napolean, for the best overall hotel
- Hotel de Londres, for the best relaxing hotel
- Hotel Lemon, for the best boutique hotel
Airbnbs in Menton
- 1 Bedroom Bright Apartment, for the best updated stay
- 1 Bedroom Charming Old World Apartment, for a beautiful stay with ocean views
Travel Tip: The best way to explore the South of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Menton, France Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Menton
How to Get to Menton
By Train
If you do not have a car, by train is the easiest option to get to Menton. The main Menton train station is not far from the historic quarter which you can walk to on foot in 15-20 minutes (Note: Train to Menton, not Menton Garavan.) From Nice to Menton, it is 40 minutes by train. If you’re coming from Paris, a one-change train is available, taking 6.5 hours.
By Car
I recommend having a car for the South of France as you won’t be beholden to a schedule. Getting to Menton by car is very easy, the highway is super scenic along the way from Nice. The Parking Hotel de Ville is the best lot to park in for easy access, try to arrive before 10 am.
Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
Best Way to Get Around Menton
On foot! It’s so easy to explore all of Menton by walking around. Be prepared for some serious stairs to ascend to the top of town, may not be stroller-friendly for family travelers at some points. It’s a primarily pedestrian old town, so it’s very walkable.
How Many Days to See Menton?
One full day would be plenty to see Menton, have a beach day, and dine out. It’s quite compact. You could stay a night or two if you want to visit Monaco or nearby villages.
When to Visit Menton
Since Menton has good weather year-round, you can visit whenever. If you want the most swimmable months for the sea, then June through September would be ideal, but there will be more crowds. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October would be best for fewer crowds.
Where to Stay to Visit Menton
The best charming home base for visiting the South of France is Villefranche-sur-Mer. It blends the best of both worlds for a small coastal village (sans the chaos of Nice). You’re close to everything that you could want to visit (like popular Èze), and the train station is right in town. I would recommend booking all of your time in Villefranche as a home base. If you plan to stay in Menton, you will find that it’s one of the most affordable locations on the French Riviera and there are several well-rated accommodations. I’ve included my top hotel and vacation rental picks for both towns below.
Read: For more on Villefranche, don’t miss my guides to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Ultimate South of France Travel Guide: French Riviera, and South of France With a Toddler!
Hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Welcome Hotel, for the best waterfront hotel
- Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera, for the best luxury hotel
- Hotel De La Darse, for the best budget-friendly hotel
Vacation Rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- 1 Bedroom Luxury Apartment With View, this is in the building we were in. This apartment is much nicer than the one we stayed in.
- 2 Bedroom Seafront Apartment With Terrace, for the best modern stay
- 1 Bedroom Charming Apartment in Old Town, for an artful stay in the village
Hotels in Menton
- Hotel Napolean, for the best overall hotel
- Hotel de Londres, for the best relaxing hotel
- Hotel Lemon, for the best boutique hotel
Vacation Rentals in Menton
- 1 Bedroom Bright Apartment, for the best updated stay
- 1 Bedroom Charming Old World Apartment, for a beautiful stay with ocean views
Things to Do in Menton
Stroll the Historic Quarter and Sights
Simply go for a walk. That is how you’re going to find all of the charm in Menton, by strolling and winding through the lovely neighborhoods and streets. There are certainly a few highlighted sights you can’t miss along the way and a few roads that just have that “wow” factor when you turn the corner. Be prepared for some steep climbs on steps as the historic center winds to the top of a hill.
Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton
The Baroque architecture of this church, combined with its sheer size, makes it well worth a visit. Inside Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton, you’ll find frescoes and artwork that ring true to its 17th-century ornate design. While you can go inside and see it all, it is equally impressive from outside in the square with its bell tower. Open hours for visits are 3-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
And while you visit this, don’t miss just kitty corner, La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs, “The Chapel of the White Penitents” has one of the most impressive facades in town.
Rue Longue, Rue Saint Michel, & Rue du Vieux Château
Several streets are noteworthy in Menton, well worth seeking out, and ones you’ll likely be already strolling and not know you are. The first is Rue Longue which takes you into the old center and up between the Basilique Saint-Michel and Les Rampes. Further afield is Rue du Vieux Château — many make the climb to take iconic photos here, and I enjoyed the quiet wanderings of the back street.
The street you’ll likely spend lots of time on is Rue Saint Michel, this is where all the life happens. Lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes line this bustling city center street.
Les Rampes Saint-Michel
The famous “les escaliers” des Menton, also known as the yellow-hued stairs is a central focus in Menton. Their uniform shape with crisscrossing lines is ever-so Wes Anderson, plus the hues of tangerine and lemon are a must-see. I would make the walk over there to continue on to the old center of Menton, snap a photo of the stairs, make the climb, and soak in the views.
Spend the Afternoon at the Beach
Menton’s coastline is full of several beaches to explore, and all are about 5 minutes or so from town. The main Plage des Sablettes Ouest is one of the most scenic beaches with turquoise waters. What makes the beaches in Menton a bit different than, say, closer to Villefranche-sur-Mer is that there is more sand. So if you need a break from the very large pebble beaches, you’ll be quite pleased with Plage des Sablettes.
Plage des Sablettes Ouest also sits up against the boardwalk, where there are about a dozen restaurants, bathrooms, and other amenities, so it’s well-fitted for a beach day. If you continue past, you’ll run into Plage des Sablettes Est. This is where you’ll find sunbeds and shade for rent at the private beach clubs.
Just around the corner along the Baie du Soleil begins another run of beaches with larger pebbles. It begins with Plage de Fossan, crossing over into Plage du Marché, and then finally Plage du Casino. All of the beaches are very easy to access, just make sure to bring your shade.
See Sunset from the Famous Viewpoint of Town
You’ve probably seen several photos of the perspective looking back into Menton, and it’s well worth making the stroll. On Quai Impératrice Eugénie, you’ll see the Vue Panoramique de Menton noted on the map. This is where you want to head out to. It’s a popular spot come sunset for locals to bring a drink and watch.
Take a Visit to the Jean Cocteau Museum
The Jean Cocteau Museum in Menton is a stunning tribute to the multifaceted artist, featuring a diverse collection of his works, from paintings and drawings to ceramics and film. Its striking modern architecture, designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, pays tribute to Cocteau’s innovative and eclectic style. At the time of our visit, the museum had not yet been reopened but should be reopened by now.
Drive Up to a Plus Beaux Village
If you find yourself with extra time, I can’t recommend more than taking a drive up into the mountains to Sainte-Agnès. This mountaintop town is one of the highest coastal villages in Europe and has stunning views of the sea.
We took the windy drive to the top and spent an hour or two strolling through the village. It is a “Plus Beaux Villages de France” so it’s well preserved with its Medieval architecture. There’s not a whole lot going on, a few shops, and a cafe or two, but the views and charm are worth it.
At the base of the town, you’ll find several parking lots which are available for you to park at (here’s where we parked). You’ll then make the climb on foot into town. This is a popular spot for mountain hiking, so be sure to keep an eye out for pedestrians while driving.
Where to Eat in Menton
Mitron Bakery
The one place I specifically sought out in Menton was Mitron Bakery. I had heard tales of its bright lemon tart on a thin, sugary cookie crust. And when I strolled in, I bought one for all of us to share. Well, three hours later, I came back again for it, this time buying two for all of us. It was that good. The tart of the lemon curd mixed with the perfect sweetness of the “sable” was everything I hoped it would be.
Pizzeria 430gradi
We all waited patiently for this spot to open up and truth be told, it was the only reason we hung around until 7 pm that night. Famed for its Neopilan pizza, (you are 2 minutes from the border), I knew Pizzeria 430gradi was well worth the wait. It was over so fast. We ordered two pizzas, they came out fast, and before we knew it we had downed some of the best pizzas of our trip.
L’ambata
The food looked decent at L’ambata, but I was in for a seaside cocktail with a view. There are two portions here of the beachside tables — one for dining and one for “boissons,” drinks. So choose accordingly, but either way, the views are great and make for a good pitstop after walking all morning
Marché des Halles
All things food live in the Marché des Halles food hall of Menton. And while Google Maps may say it’s a “fish store” it’s far more than that. You’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, regional cheeses, and more. Mitron Bakery even has a stand here to sell its fresh pastries. Off the back, fresh oysters are shucked on ice and served with crisp mignottes sauce. You can pretty much eat your entire way through here, or do as we did, and grab a few things for a beach snack.
Tutti Frutti
It wouldn’t quite be France if there wasn’t a gelato/ice cream store every 50 feet. But alas, which do you choose in Menton? Tutti Frutti is it, and trust me, the line moves fast. The beauty of this one is that all of their products are made at home and “sur place,” which means right there.
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2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
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5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
