One of my favorite cities to visit in the South of France is Menton, known for its laid-back charm and colorful architecture. A short train ride from Nice, Menton is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.
How to Get Here
Located just before the Italian border, the beautiful city of Menton can be reached by either train or car. The train is the easiest and cheapest option; however, if you’re traveling with luggage or already have a rental car, driving may be the better choice.
To travel by train, take the train from Nice-Ville station in the city center. The ride is only 40 minutes and follows the coast toward Ventimiglia in Italy. You’ll pass through Monaco, so the train can get extremely busy, as many people live in Nice and work in Monaco. Try to avoid peak travel times—6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. There are two stops for Menton; I recommend getting off at the first one so you can explore the promenade.
Driving is another great option, especially if you dislike crowded trains and want more flexibility with your travel plans. The drive is straightforward and takes about 50 minutes. However, you will likely need to park outside the city and walk in, as parking within the city can be limited.
Coastal Walk and Beaches
Menton is famous for its beaches, charming old town, and beautiful botanical gardens. One of the city’s main attractions is the long promenade, with gorgeous beaches along the way, much like the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
If you’re spending a few days in Menton, consider doing a coastal walk. A popular option is the walk from Menton to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, which takes about 40 minutes, depending on where you’re starting from. For a longer adventure, you can follow the rocky landscape along the Cap-Martin peninsula. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can walk all the way to Monaco! No matter which option you choose, there are great beaches and restaurants along the way.
For a more relaxing day, head to one of the city’s beaches. The most popular and picturesque is Plage des Sablettes, located just outside the Old Town. This beach, with its mix of sand and small rocks and crystal-clear water, is perfect for families, as the water is shallow and there are plenty of cafes and restrooms nearby. With the colorful Old Town as a backdrop and Italy visible in the distance, Plage des Sablettes is a must-see.
The Botanical Gardens
The Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden is a must-visit while exploring Menton. This stunning 1.5-hectare garden is home to subtropical and tropical plants of all varieties. At the center of the property stands a beautiful villa, once the home of the garden’s original creators.
The estate dates back to the 19th century, when it was owned by a noble Menton family. In 1905, Lord Percy Radcliffe, a British Army general, purchased the property and began to improve the villa and surrounding land. However, it wasn’t until 1957, when Miss May Bud Campbell, a wealthy Englishwoman, bought the estate, that the garden became the incredible paradise it is today. The botanical garden is now managed by the National Museum of Natural History.
Here are the visiting hours for the garden:
- From November 1 to March 31: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- From April 1 to October 31: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The garden is closed every Tuesday, as well as on May 1 and December 25.
The Old Town
No visit to Menton is complete without exploring the Old Town, with its colorful facades and maze of narrow streets. Given that Menton is only a 10-minute drive from the Italian border, you’ll notice Italian influences in the architecture, history, and, of course, the cuisine.
As you explore, be sure to visit the Saint-Michel Archangel Basilica, with its towering 53-meter-high bell tower and Baroque architecture. You’ll also find the Chapel of Pénitents Blancs, which was built between 1680 and 1687. Both buildings feature incredible interiors, decorated with tapestries and artwork in the Baroque style. From this area, you can enjoy an amazing view overlooking Plage des Sablettes, the port, and even Italy on a clear day.
While wandering the streets of the Old Town, you’ll discover hidden artist studios and boutique shops selling local products. You’ll also come across many shops offering a wide variety of lemon products, such as honey, liqueurs, and more. This is because Menton is one of the largest producers of lemons in Europe!
Lemon Festival
Lemons play a key role in the city’s heritage, which is why the Lemon Festival was created. With mild year-round temperatures and over 300 days of sunshine, Menton is the perfect place for growing these bright citrus fruits.
The festival runs alongside the Carnaval de Nice, with the 2025 dates scheduled from February 15 to March 2. The Lemon Festival takes over Menton, with its festive atmosphere and citrus-themed attractions. On Sundays and Thursdays, parades take place along the promenade. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance and arrive early to get a good spot.
My favorite part of the festival is visiting the Biovès Gardens, where you can admire impressive 9-meter-tall sculptures made entirely out of citrus! As you wander through the gardens, you’ll find plenty of stalls selling all things citrus—from honey and beer to pastries and lemon-infused olive oils. The garden and sculptures are free to visit, so take your time and enjoy the experience.
Well, there you have it—some of the things that make Menton one of my favorite cities. Menton is a great option for a day trip from Nice or if you’re looking to extend your stay in the South of France.