If you are traveling to the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d’Azur, you will undoubtedly plan to visit Nice, Cannes, or Monaco. But have you heard of France’s sunniest city, Menton?
Known for its lemons with its location on the French-Italian border, Menton is often highlighted in travel blogs and videos as a great day trip from Nice. But for me, Menton is my preferred destination and deserves more than just a few hours. Here are 5 reasons why.
1: It’s perfect for tourists without the crowds
Compared to the aforementioned cities, Menton is more quiet and less crowded. Even on hot days, you can find a spot on the beach or a table at a notable restaurant. It’s also the perfect jumping off point for day trips including Nice (35 min train ride), Monaco (10 min train ride), and Ventimiglia, Italy (14 min train ride).
You get all the splendors of the French Riviera–the food, the turquoise water, the Mediterranean climate, the Belle Epoque architecture–without feeling cramped.
2: The best of everything is within walking distance
No car is needed to enjoy all that Menton has to offer. It’s the perfect no-fuss getaway that will capture your heart and nourish your soul (and undoubtedly fill up your photo album).
Go back in time, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period, traversing through the narrow streets and stairways of Old Town. Atop Menton’s famous steps you’ll find a square with the golden yellow Saint-Michel Archangel Basilica next to the Chapel of Pénitents Blancs along with a stunning view of Plage des Sablettes. As you continue through Old Town, you’ll get a glimpse of daily life with open shutters, overgrown potted plants, laundry draping across the alleyways, and maybe even stumble upon an artist’s studio. Head up to the Vieux Chateau Cemetery for sweeping views of the city, the bay, and beyond.
You can recharge amongst the beauty of Menton’s botanical gardens. With roots in the 18th century, Menton’s gardens owe their splendor to botanists who introduced tropical species suited to the region’s mild climate. These magnificent gardens stand as a testament to their legacy and remain a place for tranquility in today’s modern world.
Marché des Halles is just a few steps away from Old Town and Rue Saint-Michel. A feast for your senses, stop here for your daily croissant and baguette, fresh produce, and an array of cheese, meat, sweets, and other delicacies from southern France.
While you won’t find haute couture stores in Menton (those are in Monaco), there are still plenty of shops to suit a variety of needs. Souvenir stores, independent boutiques, clothing chains, and artisan goods line both sides of the pedestrian-only street of Rue Saint-Michel from the Old Port all the way to Avenue Félix Foure toward the casino.
I haven’t even gotten to museums to explore, the assortment of charming restaurants to enjoy, and walking paths to take in the sites. And chances are you can walk to and from the train station to your accommodation. So much is at your fingertips, or footsteps, in Menton.
3: A sandy beach with a postcard view
A refreshing change to rocky and pebbly shores along the French Riviera, Plage des Sablettes is sandy with clear, calm turquoise water. But the real view is the backdrop behind the beach. Candy colored shop umbrellas pop in front of the sherbet tones of Old Town and the famous Menton staircase.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself foregoing visiting other sites for a lazy refreshing afternoon spent sun tanning, swimming, and people watching here. Pack a baguette and a bottle of rosé and you’ll wonder if life can get any better.
4: Italy is one train stop away
Or two stops depending on the train station you depart from in Menton. But either way, the Italian border is in view of Old Town–you can even walk there along the Rue Garavan. The result is a beautiful blend of French and Italian cultures in Menton, which also means you get the best of both French and Italian cuisine.
The first Italian town you’ll reach via the train is Ventimiglia, known for its famous Friday Market. Here you’ll find deals on quality table linens, leather handbags, and other souvenirs. Many locals also head across the border to purchase fresh produce at cheaper prices–Ventimiglia’s covered food market is open daily.
5: It’s more affordable but just as stunning
Menton embodies the essence of what Trace the World is all about–it’s authentic, mesmerizing, and welcoming while remaining relatively affordable. You don’t need to be rich to enjoy La Dolce Vida. Compared to other places along the Côte d’Azur, you can find accommodations with breathtaking views and food bursting with flavor for relatively cheap.
Based on two different trips I took, the average nightly price of a 2-bedroom Airbnb in Old Town including all fees was $150 per night. The views alone were worth that price!
If you’re convinced that Menton is your next destination, please reach out to me. I’d be over the moon to provide recommendations on where to stay, the best ways to get there, and anything else to help make your trip stress-free.
And lastly, make sure to download my Côte d’Azur list on Google Maps for my favorite spots, many of which are in Menton.
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