Renowned for its vibrancy, Menton is full of things to do and attracts visitors from around the world. Strategically located on the French Riviera, it serves as the perfect destination for travelers who have a penchant for the outdoors and food! In this guide, you’ll find various ways to meticulously plan your visit to Menton. During my visit to Menton, I noticed that it had a slower pace than Nice, making it a much more intimate location to visit. Owing to its proximity to Italy, you almost get the feeling of being there, but with a French flair. Although it might seem unfair to label it that way, the Italian influence is definitely palpable. The weather, which is absolutely beautiful most of the year, adds to the charm of Menton. For instance, during our visit in February, we were able to bask in the sunny weather.
Menton has it all and hopefully, this guide will assist you in finding ways to discover and find things to do in Menton.
Food Tours
Personally, I am of the mind that food connects you to the culture and the people of a location. Indeed, you can find out so much about a place through its food. Specifically, Menton has an array of specialty foods that you have to be on the lookout for. Consequently, one effective way to do so is to join a food tour!
Firstly, this is a tour that I HIGHLY recommend. Spearheaded by Patricia, Food Tour Riviera operates tours throughout the French Riviera. In 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.
Without revealing too much, while I would love to give away all the places she took us to, I don’t want to spoil it. However, I will say the special part of this tour was the ending where we had the chance to try out some famous liquors made by Maison Gannac. This was a highlight as we learned more about the Menton Lemon! Try the Yuzu Liquor as it was delicious and I just had to take home a bottle after our tasting.
Hiking and Other Outdoor Activities
Sometimes your best friend in researching things to do in Menton is the local tourist organization. Menton tourist organization has a great website full of activities that you can do. Check it out here, I get absolutely zero commission off of this, this is just great to have. I have listed hikes that will link back to Komoot, again zero commission off of this as well.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Menton 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.
Gardens
I would be a terrible person if I didn’t recommend visiting gardens as one of the top things to do in Menton. Menton is renowned for its beautiful gardens. Here are a few you might consider visiting:
- Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh: This garden is home to a wide variety of plants from around the world. It offers a real escape between the sea and mountains
- Les Jardins Biovès: Located in the city’s main boulevard, these gardens are a must-visit, especially during the Lemon Festival.
- Serre de la Madone: This lovely tranquil garden is well worth a visit with ponds full of wildlife, interesting plants, and amazing views.
- Villa Maria Serena: Known as the most temperate garden in France, it houses plants from South Africa and Brazil.
- Jardin du Palais Carnolès: Home to a wide variety of citrus fruits, this garden is a treat for the senses.
- Villa Fontana Rosa: Created by a Spanish republican in exile, this garden is a blend of Spanish opulence and Menton lifestyle.
Each garden offers a unique experience, from exotic plants and fragrant citrus trees to stunning views and tranquil spaces. They truly embody the charm and beauty of Menton.
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 absolutely 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 absolutely delicious and a protein filled snack that will keep you full. These can be found at various stalls in the markets. Enjoy your visit to the markets of Menton!
Beaches in Menton
While I didn’t get the chance 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 looked beautiful!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Want to read more about Menton?
Discovering Menton: A Franco-Italian Gem on the French Riviera
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