Woman standing on colorful yellow steps in Menton France

Menton Travel Guide: Discover the Best-Kept Secret on the French Riviera

ByKimberly France
1 Comment

Imagine a picturesque Mediterranean town blessed with 350 days of sunshine, fragrant lemon trees, and streets lined with pastel-colored buildings. This Menton Travel Guide will show you all the best places you need to visit.

Welcome to Menton, France—the dazzling yet understated jewel of the French Riviera. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful town for the past two years during my birthday in February. Experiencing Menton in the off-season has been an absolute treat, offering fewer crowds and a more authentic feel. Whether you’re dreaming of scenic strolls, indulging in unique local cuisine, or soaking up endless Mediterranean sunshine, Menton promises an unforgettable travel experience.

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What Makes Menton Special?

You know you’re in Menton when the scent of lemons greets you everywhere you go. These aren’t your average grocery-store lemons; they’re uniquely sweet, ridiculously juicy, and officially protected—meaning you can only taste them here in Menton! Local chefs absolutely love showcasing these special lemons in everything from pastries to pasta, making every meal an adventure.

Make sure to wander up to Garavan, the picturesque hillside neighborhood where Maison Gannac offers delightful orchard tours and tastings. It’s gorgeous up there—think lush citrus groves, colorful flower nurseries, and streets lined with mimosa blossoms. It’s like stepping into a postcard, perfectly complementing Menton’s charming old town below.

A View of yellow and pink buildings in Menton with a blue sky and people sunbathing

Menton at a Glance:

Closest Airport: –Nice CĂ´te d’Azur Airport (NCE) – approximately 40 km (25 miles), about a 35-minute drive or 50-minute train ride.

Closest Train Stations:

  • Menton Station (Gare de Menton) – Centrally located, perfect for exploring the city center.
  • Menton-Garavan Station – Located closer to the Italian border, convenient for travelers heading east or exploring beaches near Garavan.

Useful French Phrases:

  • Bonjour – Hello / Good morning
  • Bonsoir – Good evening
  • Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
  • S’il vous plaĂ®t – Please
  • Parlez-vous anglais? – Do you speak English?
  • Combien ça coĂ»te? – How much does it cost?
  • L’addition, s’il vous plaĂ®t – The check, please
  • Je voudrais… – I would like…
  • Excusez-moi – Excuse me / Sorry
  • OĂ¹ sont les toilettes? – Where are the toilets?

Other Helpful Details to Consider Including:

  • Currency & Payment: Euro (€); credit cards widely accepted, but small cafĂ©s or market stalls may prefer cash.
  • Public Transportation: Mention buses and their frequency or availability of taxis and ride-sharing services.
  • Local Emergency Numbers: European emergency number (112) or local French emergency numbers (15 medical, 17 police, 18 fire).
  • Visitor Information: Office de Tourisme de Menton where travelers can pick up maps and additional recommendations.

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 FĂªte du Citron (Menton Lemon Festival)

Don’t miss Menton’s iconic annual event, the FĂªte 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 Young Lady participating in the Fete Du Citron in a vibrant orange costume of feathers and yellow sequins. Smiling at the crowd
  • 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 CĂ´te 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!
Important tips for menton graphic that says, Amex is not used in places, Remember Riposo, Make Reservations in advance!

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 HĂ´tel 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 Ăˆze: 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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image of Menton village, vibrant yellow and pink houses

One Comment

  1. 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!

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