The Perfect 5-Day Menton Itinerary for February (My Favorite Winter Escape on the French Riviera)

Where Is Menton, France? (With Map)

Nestled on the southeastern coast of France, Menton sits at the border with Italy on the famous French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). It’s the last French town before Italy, making it a perfect blend of Provençal charm and Mediterranean warmth.

From its pastel-colored houses cascading toward the sea to its fragrant citrus groves and pebble beaches, Menton feels like the Riviera’s best-kept secret — smaller, calmer, and more local than Nice or Cannes, but just as beautiful.

Quick Geography Snapshot

• Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
• Department: Alpes-Maritimes
• Border: Italy (Ventimiglia is the neighboring Italian town)
• Nearest Major Cities:
  • Nice – ~30 minutes by train
  • Monaco – ~30 minutes by train
  • Ventimiglia – ~10 minutes by train

Because of its unique position right at the edge of France, Menton feels like a gateway between French and Italian Riviera culture — the best of both worlds.

How to Use This Map:
Click the icon in the top left corner to see all the places I’ve pinned around the city— from cafés and museums to scenic viewpoints. You can turn layers on or off and click any pin to learn more about each spot. Want to keep it handy for your trip? Click the star next to the map’s title to save it to your Google account.

Then, open the Google Maps app, go to “Saved” → “Maps,” and you’ll see this map ready to guide you while you explore.

Where to Stay in Menton

Menton is the kind of place where where you stay really shapes your experience—and after multiple visits, I’ve learned that apartment stays work exceptionally well here.

We’ve stayed in Menton on three separate trips (2024 and 2025), both times choosing apartments rather than hotels, and it completely changed how we experienced the town. Being able to walk everywhere, shop at the daily markets, cook with local ingredients, and settle into a neighborhood rhythm made Menton feel less like a stop on an itinerary and more like a place we were temporarily living.

If you’re planning a slow-paced visit to Menton, an apartment gives you flexibility and comfort that’s hard to beat. You can linger over breakfast, come and go easily between walks, and end the day without feeling rushed or over-programmed.

Day 1: Arrival + Golden Hour in Old Town

We arrived in Menton later in the day after driving from Vicenza, crossing western Italy as the light shifted toward evening. After settling into our apartment, we resisted the urge to plan anything ambitious—and did exactly what Menton does best.

We wandered.

Old Town Menton is compact and atmospheric, especially at golden hour when the light softens, footsteps echo on stone staircases, and the day quietly winds down. This is not a place to rush. It’s a place to follow instinct—turning corners, climbing stairways, and pausing when the view asks you to.

We stopped for an aperitivo near the Old Town staircase area. The Surrounding streets are dotted with small wine bars and cafés that lend themselves to an unplanned pause and a first glass of wine at Le New Pub.

Dinner was intentionally low-key. We ate at Vesuvio, an Italian-leaning restaurant where we shared pizza and drinks for around €56 total. It was relaxed, unfussy, and exactly right after a travel day—proof that your first night in Menton doesn’t need to be complicated to be satisfying.

Day 2: Food Tour with Food Tour Riviera

We began the day with a guided food tour led by Food Tour Riviera, which set the tone for the rest of the trip. Rather than rushing between stops, the experience unfolded slowly through Menton’s markets and everyday food culture, with an emphasis on why the region eats the way it does.

The tour is led by Patricia, whose approach feels more like walking through town with a knowledgeable local than joining a structured group activity. You’re introduced to producers, regional specialties, and culinary traditions you’d likely miss on your own—along with the stories that tie them together.

What You Taste (and Why It Matters)

Much of the tour centers around Menton’s market, where we sampled classic Riviera staples that reflect the region’s geography and history:

• Olive tapenade, made from olives grown in the surrounding hills
• Pissaladière, the Riviera’s answer to pizza, layered with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives
• Socca, a simple chickpea flatbread found throughout the Riviera, especially in nearby Nice

Nothing felt performative. Each tasting was purposeful, grounded, and tied back to daily life in Menton. By the end of the tour, the town felt more legible—its food no longer just something to eat, but something to understand.

If you enjoy food as a way into a destination rather than a checklist of dishes, this tour is well worth prioritizing.

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Late Afternoon: Walking Above the Town

In the afternoon, we traded markets for elevation.

Menton’s hillside paths offer some of the most rewarding views on the French Riviera, and walking here feels like a natural extension of the town rather than a separate “hike.” Using routes recommended by the local tourism office, we followed a scenic trail that climbed above the Old Town, opening up wide views of the coastline and the Mediterranean below.

This isn’t about distance or difficulty—it’s about perspective. Even a short walk uphill changes how you experience Menton, reminding you how dramatically it’s set between sea and mountains.

Dinner at La Petite Cave — Classic Crepes & Cozy Vibes

After your food tour and sunset exploration, treat yourself to dinner at La Petite Cave, a beloved crêperie in the heart of Menton. Open year-round only in the evenings, this isn’t your average tourist stop — it’s a local favorite with more than 70 varieties of sweet and savory crêpes.

We loved La Petite Cave because it’s:

• Authentic — you’re dining where locals return again and again.
• Playful — from classic galettes to inventive sweet combinations, there’s a crepe for every appetite.
• Effortless — relaxed seating and friendly service make it a perfect evening wind-down after a big day of exploring.

Pro tip: Because it’s small and popular, you’ll need to make reservations, and please remember that they only accept cash.

Day 3: Gardens, Slow Mornings, and a Romantic Dinner

We started the day with pastries from Atelier Boulanger , One of the underrated luxuries of staying in Menton is proximity—being able to walk out the door, grab something warm and fresh, and ease into the day without logistics.

From there, we leaned into one of Menton’s quieter pleasures: its gardens.

Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh

Set just above town, Val Rahmeh feels like a pause button. The shift is immediate—traffic noise fades, temperatures cool slightly, and the air feels softer. It’s not grand or theatrical. It’s calm, lush, and restorative.

The garden is home to more than 1,700 plant species, including citrus trees, palms, banana plants, orchids, and water lilies. Paths are shaded and gently winding, encouraging you to slow down rather than move efficiently from point to point.

What surprised me most wasn’t the scale, but the atmosphere. Val Rahmeh isn’t about learning plant names or ticking off highlights—it’s about wandering, sitting, and letting the setting do the work. Somewhere between birthdays, I seem to have developed a genuine appreciation for botanical gardens, and this one made the case convincingly.

Getting there

• On foot: About a 20-minute uphill walk from central Menton
• By bus: Line 7 stops near the entrance on Avenue Saint-Jacques

Practical details

• Admission: €7
• Open year-round (shorter hours in winter)
• Best for: slow travelers, photographers, and anyone craving a quiet reset

Evening: Romantic Dinner at Le Galion

That evening, we had dinner at Le Galion—an intimate, understated restaurant that feels purpose-built for special occasions. The dining room is warm without being formal, and the menu leans confidently into seafood and Mediterranean flavors.

This is not an everyday dinner spot, and it shouldn’t be. It’s the kind of place you choose deliberately—where the pacing is unhurried, conversation stretches, and the evening feels complete rather than rushed.

It was exactly what the night called for.

What to know

• Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
• Expect higher prices than casual Menton dining
• Ideal for celebrations, date nights, or a once-per-trip splurge

Day 4: A French Riviera Day Trip by Train

One of the great luxuries of staying in Menton is how easy it is to explore the rest of the French Riviera by train. Menton’s station is small, straightforward, and well-connected, making day trips feel effortless rather than ambitious.

We decided to head west in the morning, starting with Èze before continuing on to Nice. Beginning the day further along the coast allowed us to experience two very different sides of the Riviera without feeling rushed.

Èze is exactly the kind of stop that rewards an early start. Perched high above the sea, the medieval village feels timeless and dramatic, with narrow stone streets, sweeping views, and a slower, more contemplative pace. It’s a place to wander, pause often, and take in the setting rather than rush from sight to sight.

While in Nice, we joined a walking tour with Walkative Nice, and it was an unforgettable experience! Our guide, Marcin, was fantastic—his passion and expertise truly brought the city to life. The tour was originally set for 2.5 hours, but we were having such a great time that it extended to 3 hours.

Tip: If you’re looking for an engaging and informative walking tour in Nice, I highly recommend Walkative Nice for a deep dive into the city’s history and culture!

Sunset Hike Villefranche-Sur-Mer

For an unforgettable evening, consider a sunset hike along the Sentier du Littoral in Villefranche-sur-Mer. This scenic coastal trail offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, making it one of the best hiking experiences on the French Riviera.

To get there, we took the regional train from Nice and arrived in Villefranche-sur-Mer, where we began our walk along the picturesque waterfront. Our hike started at Plage de la Darse, where a hidden trail entrance awaits just beyond the waterfront apartment complex.

The Sentier du Littoral is a moderately challenging hike spanning 5.5 km, with an elevation gain of 145 meters. On average, the route takes about 1 hour and 37 minutes, though your pace and photo stops may affect the total time.

I recommend wearing appropriate clothing for a February hike; it gets windy, and a pair of good walking shoes with tread will be reasonable. If hiking this route in the summertime, you can generally get away with wearing hiking gear.

💡 Tip: For detailed route information and navigation, check out the trail on Komoot before setting off!

Dinner at Les Côtes de Menton

After a full day of walking and a coastal sunset, we kept dinner straightforward and satisfying at Les Côtes de Menton. This is a no-nonsense spot that does exactly what it promises: solid cuts of meat, generous portions, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels welcoming after a long day on your feet. Plus it was right down the street from one of our stays in Garavan.

I ordered the steak with sweet potato fries, and it hit the spot—well-cooked, comforting, and unfussy. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t ask you to analyze it, just enjoy it. After hiking and train travel, that’s sometimes exactly what you want.

Les Côtes de Menton works particularly well on a day like this one. It’s casual enough to walk into without dressing up, filling without being heavy, and reliable when you want something hearty rather than experimental.

For the History Buff

Menton’s history reveals itself quietly—through art, architecture, and the way the Old Town unfolds rather than through large museums. If you enjoy places with layered stories and a strong sense of identity, these are the stops worth prioritizing.

Salle des Mariages (Hôtel de Ville)
Step inside the Wedding Hall at Menton’s town hall and you’ll find one of the city’s most unexpected cultural highlights. Artist Jean Cocteau transformed the space into a richly symbolic interior, covering the walls with murals inspired by mythology, love, and local identity. It’s intimate, imaginative, and quietly powerful—one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.

Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange
Rising above Old Town, the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange dates back to the 17th century and anchors Menton’s historic skyline. Inside, Baroque details and frescoes reflect the town’s religious and artistic heritage, while outside, the setting alone—overlooking the sea—is reason enough to linger.

For the Photographer

Menton is endlessly photogenic, but a few spots consistently stand out.

Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange Staircase
This is Menton’s most iconic viewpoint. The wide yellow staircase leading up to the basilica frames the Old Town perfectly, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light. While it’s popular, it’s surprisingly manageable to photograph—patience and timing go a long way here.

Final Thoughts

Menton isn’t a destination you rush through—and that’s exactly why it works so well. Over multiple visits, it’s become clear that this corner of the French Riviera rewards travelers who slow down, walk often, eat well, and leave space in their days for small, unplanned moments.

This 5-day Menton itinerary is designed with that mindset in mind. It balances food, gardens, scenic walks, and easy Riviera day trips without overpacking your schedule. February, in particular, lets Menton shine: fewer crowds, mild weather, and a pace that feels both restorative and deeply local.

If you’re looking for a Riviera escape that feels lived-in rather than polished, and memorable without being overwhelming, Menton delivers—quietly, consistently, and better each time you return.

Whether this is your first visit or one of many, I hope this itinerary helps you experience Menton the same way we do: unhurried, curious, and already planning the next trip back.