I spent 5 days in Menton France and I loved this little town on the French coast. This was my birthday trip, and I wanted to escape somewhere that was warmer than Vicenza. Menton was only 4 hours away by car and we couldn’t resist a little visit to this stunning area.

I’ve created a 5-day Itinerary for you to take inspiration from! Read on to learn about how to maximize your time in Menton and all about the things to do in Menton! This guide includes places to stay and a day-by-day breakdown of what we did in Menton.

Accommodations in Menton

Menton, the “Pearl of France,” offers a delightful mix of accommodations to suit every traveler, from charming boutique hotels to budget-friendly options and luxurious stays with sea views. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect place to rest after exploring this picturesque coastal town.

Here is where my husband and I stayed 2 rue Palmaro à côté de la plage

This was a cozy studio close to the beaches and had easy access to the Fete du Citron! If this doesn’t work for you, here are other options!

Luxury: Hôtel Napoléon

For travelers seeking a touch of indulgence, Hôtel Napoléon is a fantastic choice. Located just steps from the seafront, this stylish hotel combines modern decor with Mediterranean charm. Relax by the pool surrounded by palm trees or take in views of the turquoise waters from your balcony. The hotel’s central location also makes it easy to explore Menton’s Old Town and nearby attractions.

Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Hôtel Prince de Galles

A historic property with modern amenities, this mid-range option is perfect for those who want comfort without breaking the bank. Housed in a building once owned by Prince Antonio I of Monaco, the hotel offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Rooms are clean and spacious, many with balconies overlooking the sea or lush gardens.

Budget: Hôtel Richelieu

For budget-conscious travelers, Hôtel Richelieu offers affordable accommodations in the heart of Menton. The hotel is within walking distance of the train station, Old Town, and the beach, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. While the rooms are simple, they’re clean and cozy, perfect for those who prioritize location over luxury.

Ready to Book Your Stay?

Make your trip to Menton unforgettable by choosing the perfect accommodation for your needs. Whether you’re looking for seaside luxury or budget-friendly comfort, you can book your ideal stay through the links below. By using my affiliate links, you’ll help support my blog at no extra cost to you—and ensure you get the best deals available.

Day 1: Arrival and wandering around

We chose to drive to Menton from Vicenza, this drive was made more beautiful by the fact that the scenery was gorgeous going through western Italy.

We arrived pretty late in the day and checked in at our rental. Our rental was in the heart of Menton and a nice little studio apartment with a beautiful view. The perfect patio that I could sit out on and drink my coffee.

We decided to walk around Menton and go for an aperitivo at Le New Pub. This is over by the famous stairs and as the sun was setting it was GORGEOUS.

Le New Pub was a great place to hang out at until restaurants opened after Riposo. If you don’t know what Riposo is check out this informative article I wrote for Stars and Stripes Europe – Riposo in Italy: The Art of a Midday Rest

We found a wonderful restaurant , called Vesuvio. This is where we had some amazing pizza, and a few drinks which totaled 56.00EUR. I highly recommend this restaurant if you’d like to have a bit of italiano in your life!

Day 2: Food Tour with Food Tour Riviera

We started our day off with breakfast at our rental and then we got ready for our tour with Food Tour Riviera.

I was so excited for this because Menton has an array of specialty foods that you have to be on the lookout for.

BOOK HERE: Food Tour Riviera

Firstly, this is a tour that I HIGHLY recommend. Spearheaded by Patricia, Food Tour Riviera operates tours throughout the French Riviera. With her expert guidance, she takes you to some of the most charming and off-the-beaten-path places. Interestingly, these are spots you would probably never stumble upon if you were to explore on your own. The tour isn’t just about food tasting. In addition to the culinary delights, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn a bit of history while on this tour.

Strolling through the market in Menton, we savored local delicacies guided by her. Patricia introduced us to Olive tapenade, a specialty crafted from olives grown in the hills of Menton. Our taste adventure continued as we sampled Pissaladiere, a French Riviera specialty akin to Socca. Resembling a pizza, Pissaladiere boasts toppings of caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. In contrast, Socca, a common find in Nice and the French Riviera region, is a protein-rich snack crafted from chickpea flour, olive oil, and water. The exploration of these unique flavors made our visit to the market a memorable experience.

Evening Stroll High Above Menton

My husband and I love to stay active when we are on trips together, we decided that we would take a hike to the highest points of Menton. I found a wonderful hike through Mentons Official Tourism Website. You can check their listings frequently or inquire with the agency. We had a wonderful hike up to the highest points of Menton that gave us excellent views of the city and sea.

Other Menton Hikes to Consider

1. Pointe du Cap Martin loop from Menton: This is an intermediate-level trail that takes approximately 4 hours and 29 minutes to complete. The trail is 17.0 km long and offers beautiful views.
2. Panorama exceptionnel loop from Menton to Chateau Fort de Sainte Agnès: This intermediate-level trail takes around 4 hours and 23 minutes to complete and is 12.4 km long.
3. Le Berceau loop from Menton – Garavan: This is an expert-level trail that takes approximately 6 hours and 59 minutes to complete. The trail is 17.4 km long.
4. Front de Mer loop from Menton: This intermediate-level trail takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes to complete and is 9.74 km long.
5. Altstadt von Menton loop from Menton: This intermediate-level trail takes approximately 4 hours and 57 minutes to complete. The trail is 13.1 km long.

Day 3: Gardens, Food and a Birthday Dinner

We decided to check out the beautiful gardens that Menton is known for after we stopped by Atelier Boulanger

Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh

Nestled in the hills above Menton, the Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh is a tranquil oasis that feels like stepping into a tropical paradise. To reach this botanical gem, take a leisurely 20-minute stroll from Menton’s bustling city center, or hop on Bus 7 and disembark near the entrance.

The garden is tucked along Avenue Saint-Jacques, an inviting retreat framed by vibrant bougainvillea and verdant palms. Once inside, you’ll be enchanted by over 1,700 plant species from across the globe, including rare orchids, towering banana trees, and the iconic Nymphaea water lilies floating serenely in ponds. Wander along shaded paths, listen to the gentle rustling of leaves, and soak in views of citrus groves and Mediterranean flora against the backdrop of the azure sky.

Admission is €7 for adults, a small price to pay for the peace and wonder this verdant sanctuary offers. Perfect for plant enthusiasts or those simply seeking a serene escape, Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh is a must-see when exploring Menton.

Les Jardins Biovès

Les Jardins Biovès, a stunning stretch of manicured gardens in the heart of Menton, is a visual feast for visitors year-round. Conveniently located just steps from the Menton train station and a short walk from the city’s historic center, these gardens are a symbol of the town’s elegance and connection to nature.

Stroll along its tree-lined pathways, where fountains glisten under the Mediterranean sun and meticulously maintained flowerbeds burst with vibrant colors.

That night I had a birthday dinner at Le Galion, It was quite good and the atmosphere is very cosy and romantic. My husband did a great job finding this place. Just be prepared to pay a bit of money.

Day 4: Train to Nice and then A Visit to Sentier du Littoral

If you’ve read my other blog post, you’ll note that I mention it’s easy to get around the French Riviera via train. The train station is easy to get to and small enough that there’s not the chance for any confusion when it comes to platforms.

While in Nice we took a tour with Walkative Nice. Marcin was our Tourguide for the day and we had a blast with him. Originally it was supposed to be a 2.5 hour tour but we ended up on a 3 hour tour. His expertise was much appreciated!

Exploring further, another great option is a sunset hike in Villefranche-sur-Mer along the Sentier du Littoral. To get there, we took the regional train from Nice, and stopped off in VilleFranche-sur-Mer and walked along the water’s edge.

Our journey began from the Plage de la Darse. Interestingly, there is a hiking trail just beyond the waterfront apartment complex.

The Sentier du Littoral in Villefranche-sur-Mer presents a moderately challenging trail. Spanning approximately 5.5 km long, the trail has an elevation gain of about 145 meters.

On average, it takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes to complete. For more detailed information, you can visit the trail’s page on Komoot. However, please note that the duration can vary depending on your pace and the number of stops you make along the way.

Day 5: A Visit to Maison Gannac and a Stroll around the Market

Did you know that you could visit one of the biggest nurseries in Menton? If you’ve ever wanted to stroll the nurseries where the famous Menton citruses are grown, this is the place!

The visit begins with a guided tour led by passionate experts who delve into the history and significance of Menton’s citrus heritage. Walking through the orchards, you’ll encounter a diverse array of citrus trees, including lemons, kumquats, yuzus, and caviar lemons, each accompanied by detailed explanations of their unique characteristics and cultivation methods.

The nursery, or “pépinière,” showcases young citrus plants at various growth stages. Here, insights into the meticulous process of nurturing seedlings into fruit-bearing trees are shared, highlighting the family’s commitment to organic farming practices and environmental sustainability.

You can find out more information at Lemon Garden Guided Tour

Markets

Of all the things to do in Menton, visiting markets was one of my favorite things to do. Menton is home to several vibrant markets. The Marché des Halles de Menton, located on Quai Monléon, is open every day from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Here, you can find about thirty producers offering fresh and local products, including vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. It was one of my favorites while visiting the city. The food stalls were remarkable and full of fresh citrus and vegetables. This felt like the beating heart of the city and I recommend checking it out.

Another notable market is the Carei Market, which offers tasty fruits and vegetables, delicious farmhouse cheeses, eggs, cold meats, fish, condiments, oil, olives, and spices. It’s open every day and is located at 5 Quai de Monleon.

When it comes to food, don’t miss out on trying the local culinary specialties such as lemon tarts, socca, barbajuans, and other types of pies from Menton. We loved eating Socca, it was delicious and a protein-filled snack that will keep you full. These can be found at various stalls in the markets.

Add on to your Itinerary

Beaches in Menton

While I didn’t get to take advantage of the beaches in Menton and on the Riviera, you certainly can. Here is a list of beaches you can check out that are family-friendly and look beautiful!

1. Plage de Fossan, Menton: This beach is composed of large pebbles with a few sandy areas. It is equipped with an anti-jellyfish net and a first-aid station that ensures surveillance during the season. Showers and sanitary facilities are available for beachgoers. There are also several restaurants where you can have a waterfront lunch or dinner. An area is open to dogs, making it a pet-friendly beach.
2. Plage du Casino, Menton: This beach is composed of large pebbles with some sandy areas. It is equipped for people with reduced mobility and is monitored in the summer. An area is open to dogs. You can park along the road near the beach.
3. Plage Sablettes: Dressed entirely in white—from sunbeds to tables and billowing curtains—this private beach exudes elegance. As you relax on your sun lounger, take in the magnificent view of Menton’s old town, the Italian Riviera, and the azure Mediterranean waters. The restaurant at Les Sablettes Beach offers high-end services, including private soirées, beachside animations, showers, and proximity to water sports.
4. Beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer: The beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer are known for their clear waters and sandy shores. They are free and open to the public. Some of the beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer. There are also several restaurants and cafes near the beaches where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.

Remember to check the local regulations and facilities before your visit. 

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For the History Buff

There are so many places to visit in Menton that will inspire the Historian within. Menton is steeped in history and here are the top three places I think that you should put on your list when visiting Menton:

• Salle des Mariages: Imagine stepping into the Salle des Mariages (Wedding Hall) at the Hôtel de Ville. Jean Cocteau transformed this space into a vibrant canvas. Murals adorned with symbolism—whispers of ancient tales—surround you. It is pretty breathtaking. Cocteau is a mastermind.
• Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange: Perched on the hill above Menton in the old town, the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange dates back to the 17th century. The Basilica is filled with Baroque architecture and frescoes!

For The Photographer

1. Basilique Saint Michel Archange Staircase: This is one of the most ICONIC spots in Menton. The yellow staircase is stunning! It can be quite busy at times but I found it easy and manageable to get the perfect shot!

Map of Menton with Markers for Everything Listed

Enjoy your time in what I consider to be one of the best little cities in France!

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