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Woman standing on colorful yellow steps in Menton France

Menton Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: All You Need to Know

ByKimberly France
1 Comment

Welcome to Menton, the sun-drenched, pastel-washed town tucked between Italy and Monaco that quietly steals hearts.

We’ve visited Menton multiple times now—several times in February for my birthday during the Fête du Citron, and again at the tail end of summer—and every visit has felt different in the best possible way. Fewer crowds than Nice, warmer than most Riviera towns, and infused with Italian soul, Menton is the kind of place that rewards travelers who slow down.

This guide is designed to help you plan your first trip to Menton with confidence—from how to get there and where to stay, to what actually makes this town special and how to experience it beyond a quick day trip.

If you’re building a French Riviera itinerary, Menton deserves more than a few hours. Let me show you why.

This Post Pairs Well With:

In a Rush? Here’s Where I’d Stay in Menton

Where We Stayed (and Loved)
Appartamento Elegante in Villa Storica sul Mare

Best Central Apartment (Walk Everywhere)
L’ÉCLAT, Méditerranéen – Hypercentre, Rue piétonne

Best Boutique Hotel Near the Sea
Hôtel de Londres

A View of yellow and pink buildings in Menton with a blue sky and people sunbathing
A View of Mentons famous old town staircase

What Makes Menton Special (And Why It Feels Different)

You know you’ve arrived in Menton before you even see the sea—the scent of lemons hits first.

Menton is famous for its IGP-protected Menton lemons, which are sweeter, juicier, and more aromatic than anything you’ll find elsewhere in France. They show up everywhere: pastries, pastas, liqueurs, soaps, and even local artwork.

Head uphill to Garavan, where citrus groves, flower nurseries, and sea views collide. This is where Menton slows down even more, and where staying slightly outside the center really pays off.

What truly sets Menton apart, though, is its Franco-Italian identity. Over half the population has Italian roots, and it shows—in the food, the language, the warmth. French and Italian are both commonly spoken, and visitors who attempt either are met with genuine kindness.

Rich Culture and Historical Charm

Menton’s old town is brimming with historical treasures like the majestic 18th-century Basilique Saint-Michel and the ornate La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs. Engage with locals at the lively market hall designed by Adrien Rey. Menton’s compact layout makes exploring by foot both enjoyable and effortless.

Various colorful Flowers are on display at the Market hall in Menton
Mimosa on display at a market in Menton, France
a case of barbajans that are on sale at the market in menton
People standing outside a market in Menton. Looking at a lemon tree as cars go by

The Fête du Citron (Menton Lemon Festival)

Don’t miss Menton’s iconic annual event, the Fête du Citron, celebrating the arrival of spring each February and March. This vibrant festival attracts visitors from around the globe to admire spectacular lemon-themed sculptures and parades. Booking accommodations along the parade route enhances your experience dramatically. I have been two times in the past two years and I tell everyone to travel to Menton for this festival! I wrote about the Fete Du Citron for Stars and Stripes Europe here

  • A Fete Du Citron Parade Float that is a a man on a bike made of lemons and oranges.
  • Fete Du Citron Parade. A Young lady poses in a traditional costume of brazil. Striking Red feathers and a Sparkling outfit
  • A band participating in the Fete Du Citron plays the drums. Emotion is eminating from their faces
  • Close up of confetti raining down on spectators.
  • men in blue jackets bang on drums during a parade. They have white hats and white pants. They are smiling
  • Menton Mascot, a human dressed as a lemon dancing in the street!

Menton’s Unique Blend of Languages and Cultures

With over half the population of Italian descent, Menton beautifully merges French and Italian cultures. The town’s linguistic diversity creates a welcoming environment where speaking French or Italian is met with warmth and patience. Does this mean you need to know both languages? sure! Getting by with a few basic phrases will totally help you out!

Fascinating History of Menton

Dating back to the Paleolithic era, Menton evolved significantly under Genoese and Monegasque rule before becoming part of France in 1860. Queen Victoria’s fondness for Menton’s climate and lush gardens, especially Villa Hanbury, significantly boosted its reputation as a wellness retreat, drawing British visitors seeking health and relaxation.

The Famous Yellow Staircase of Menton.

How to Get to Menton

Traveling to Menton is straightforward and scenic:

  • By Air: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) offers excellent international connectivity.
  • By Train: Easy and frequent regional train services from Nice Saint-Augustin station.
    • From the airport, take the free tram (Line 2 or 3) to Nice Saint-Augustin station (5-7 minutes).
    • Board a regional TER train toward Menton. Trains depart every 30 minutes.
    • The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and offers beautiful coastal views.
    • Menton’s main train station is conveniently located in the town center, making it easy to walk or catch a quick taxi to your accommodation
  • By Road: Beautiful coastal drives from Italy or other parts of France.

If you need a private transport, I have two great suggestions for you on top of taking the train to Menton.

  • You can take a Nice Airport Transfer to/from Menton — this can be more expensive than taking the train but if you want to ride in a private vehicle, this is a perfect option
  • Welcome Pickups— This is also a more expensive alternative to getting to Menton but it’s just as reliable!
The bell tower of menton with the Mercantour Mountains in the back. Golden Hues reflect the Old Town.

Where to Stay in Menton

Menton offers diverse accommodation options for every traveler! We’ve stayed in Villas and apartments, most recently we loved staying at Elegant Apartment in the Historical Villa by the Sea of Menton. It was in Garavan, which is a 20-minute walk to Menton’s town center. Garavan also has their Train stop which was directly behind the villa. The Villa was dog-friendly and had stunning views!

Accommodations Map in Menton

You can also use this map to find a place in Menton that suits your needs.

A Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Menton

Enjoy exceptional cuisine in Menton:

  • La Petite Cave: Renowned creperie (Cash-only). You can take a look at the video I posted about this lovely place here. It’s one of the best restaurants in Menton. The family that owns this establishment does such a good job with their Crepes! I highly recommend if you want to get away from Italian or Mediterranean food.
  • La Pecora Negra: Charcuterie boards and cocktails by the sea, they have a wide selection of local wines from the area.
  • Restaurant Le Galion: Upscale seafood dining in Menton’s harbor. We enjoyed a birthday dinner here and we spent more than we intended to.
  • Cote Sud: Fusion of Italian warmth and French elegance.
  • Pizza Vesuvio: Famous for large, tasty pizzas.
  • Mitron Bakery: THE BEST LEMON TARTS ARE AT THIS ESTABLISHMENT! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS PLACE!
  • Les Cotes de Menton: This restaurant is closer to the Garavan area but it is one you don’t want to miss. We enjoyed a meal here and the service was exceptional. The hummus appetizer was superb. I had a vegetarian meal, the cauliflower steaks that I still dream about!

Practical Tips for Visiting Menton

I wanted to include parking in this Menton Travel Guide so that you could easily find places to park!

  • Parking: The best parking options in Menton include:
    • Parking Saint Roch: Centrally located near the old town. Approximately €2/hour, €15/day.
    • Parking Hôtel de Ville: Close to the town hall and beaches. Around €2/hour, capped at €20/day.
    • Parking Bastion: Near the marina and promenade, about €1.50/hour and €12/day. Ideal for exploring the seafront.
  • Currency: Euros (€); carry cash for small vendors.
  • Weather: Mild Mediterranean weather—pack layers and sunscreen.

Easy Day Trips from Menton

  • Monaco: Glamorous neighbor accessible by short train ride.
  • Nice and Èze: Stunning coastal views and historic charm.
  • Ventimiglia, Italy: Experience Italian markets and cuisine.
  • Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: Scenic coastal hiking trails.

Activities & Experiences in Menton

There is so much to do in Menton and on the French Riviera! Looking to book some great tours? I’ve got you!

Best Tours in Menton, France: My favorite Walking, Food & Day Trips

  • Relax on beautiful beaches such as Plage des Sablettes.
    • Beaches in Menton are beautiful and calmer than most of its neighbor beaches on the French Riviera!
  • Explore coastal hiking trails and cycling routes: I personally love Komoot for this!
    • Click on the Komoot link and you can sort through thousands of trails in the area! The options are endless!

Best Time to Visit Menton

Skip out on the summer months and save this place for your spring and autumn itineraries. It can get quite busy during the summer but I feel like Menton is still a great place to see

A Vibrant Sunset setting over Menton France and its port.

Menton Travel Guide FAQ

  • Can I bring my drone with me to Menton, France?
    Yes, but France has specific drone laws. Make sure you register your drone, check local regulations, avoid restricted areas, and always respect people’s privacy and safety guidelines.
  • Is Menton expensive?
    While it’s less costly than other Riviera destinations like Monaco, prices vary from budget-friendly to luxury.
  • Do I need to speak French in Menton?
    Not necessarily! English and Italian are also widely spoken, and locals are friendly to visitors making an effort.
  • Is Menton suitable for families with kids?
    Absolutely! Menton offers safe beaches, parks, and family-friendly activities.
  • Can you swim in Menton year-round?
    Generally, swimming is comfortable from late spring to early autumn.

Conclusion

Menton offers an irresistible blend of sun-kissed beaches, rich history, delicious cuisine, and unforgettable experiences. It’s no wonder we’ve made visiting this charming gem an annual tradition. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your dreamy Menton getaway today!

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If you found this Menton Travel guide helpful, please share and pin it on Pinterest so more travelers can discover the magic of Menton. Happy travels!

image of Menton village, vibrant yellow and pink houses

Author

  • Kimberly

    Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer and content creator specializing in solo travel, hiking, and cultural experiences. With over 40 countries explored and years of living abroad as a military spouse, she brings firsthand knowledge and a global perspective to her work. Through her blog, she provides practical, experience-driven guides that inspire meaningful, immersive travel. Her writing is grounded in empathy, local insight, and a deep appreciation for slow, intentional journeys.

Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer and content creator specializing in solo travel, hiking, and cultural experiences. With over 40 countries explored and years of living abroad as a military spouse, she brings firsthand knowledge and a global perspective to her work. Through her blog, she provides practical, experience-driven guides that inspire meaningful, immersive travel. Her writing is grounded in empathy, local insight, and a deep appreciation for slow, intentional journeys.

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One Comment

  1. Jessica Jaxson says:

    Thank you for the recommendations as to where to stay! We are planning out trip and this is perfect! The La Petit Cave sounds pretty great!

Comments are closed.