Menton: My Visit To The Picture-Perfect French Riviera Town That Belongs On Your Bucket List

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Last updated on March 2nd, 2025 at 09:36 pm

The Les Rampes Saint-Michel or les escaliers are the famous criss-crossing stairs built in 1753 so people could reach Saint Michael Archangel Basilica from the shore below.

Menton, France, is a hidden gem on the Côte d’Azur, offering a perfect blend of French and Italian influences. My husband and I recently visited this picturesque town, and we instantly fell in love with its charm, walkability, and stunning Mediterranean views.

Nestled between Italy and Monaco, Menton is a colorful, laid-back destination that makes for an absolutely unforgettable escape. Here’s why I think you should consider adding it to your travel list.

A Brief History of Menton

Menton has a fascinating history, having once been part of Italy before becoming French in the mid-19th century. You still see plenty of this Italian heritage today in its culture, architecture, and cuisine. Its location, just over four miles from the border, has made it a unique blend of both French and Italian influences, giving it a distinct charm unlike anywhere else on the Riviera.

The Beauty of Menton: A Walkable, Colorful Paradise

Menton is a small, pedestrian-friendly city, making it easy to explore on foot. We loved just getting lost in its winding cobblestone streets, admiring the pastel-colored buildings, and stumbling onto charming squares lined with small shops and cafés.

Every corner of Menton looks like a postcard, from the colorful Italian-style buildings in the Old Town to the stunning, vibrantly blue Mediterranean Sea. Whether you’re walking along the shore on the Promenade du Soleil or taking in the views from the Basilique Saint-Michel, there’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery.

The Mediterranean Sea

Menton’s coastline is gorgeous. The pebbled beaches and the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters offer the perfect spot for a swim. At first, I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about a beach without sand, but it’s surprisingly nice not to worry about getting sand in your shoes! Plus, the pebbles have been smoothed by the water, so we didn’t have to worry about stepping on any jagged rocks.

Whether you’re lounging by the sea, taking a scenic coastal walk, or simply enjoying a meal with a sea view, the Mediterranean is a beautiful and ever-present part of a trip to Menton.

Exploring the Covered Market: A Food Lover’s Dream

One of my favorite parts of our trip was visiting the Marché des Halles de Menton. This classic French covered market has an incredible variety of fresh local produce, bread, cheeses, meats, seafood, olives, and prepared foods. The cheese selection was a little overwhelming!

There were fresh flowers and plants too. I really wished I could have taken home one of the small lemon trees that were for sale!

We did buy some eggs, cheese, ham, olives, and fruit, and cooked a few meals in our apartment rental–a great way to save money and enjoy some delicious local foods. Even if you’re not cooking, I highly recommend visiting the market and picking up a few pieces of fruit or some flowers.

Food, Language, and Culture

Given its proximity to Italy, you’ll really notice the strong Italian influence in Menton. We heard Italian spoken in the streets, and many of the restaurants are Italian. One of my favorite meals was the pizza at Restaurant Le Vulcano—thin, crispy, and so flavorful. It may be the best pizza I’ve ever had!

We also loved the bakery that was just down the street. We went there several times for our morning croissants and pastries, and we usually grabbed a baguette for later.

What more could you ask for, with both French and Italian food all around you?

Must-See Spots in Menton

There’s lots to see and do in Menton, and since we took several day trips as well, we couldn’t get to everything. We did enjoy walking to the Basilica Saint-Michel-Archange and strolling along the Promenade du Soleil.

The Basilica Saint-Michel-Archange is a true architectural masterpiece and one of Menton’s most iconic landmarks. Perched atop the hill in the old town, this Baroque church with its striking yellow and brown facade draws your attention from everywhere in the city. The square in front of the basilica hosts concerts in summer, and the steps leading up to it offer some of the most photographed views in Menton. Don’t miss the beautiful interior with its stunning pipe organ!

The Promenade du Soleil is perfect for a leisurely stroll along the Mediterranean. This beautiful seaside walkway stretches along Menton’s coastline, with gorgeous views at every turn. Whether you’re taking a morning jog, an evening walk, or just people-watching, the promenade is the perfect spot to enjoy life on the French Riviera.

Easy Train Travel and Scenic Journeys

Getting to Menton is incredibly easy. From the Nice Airport, you can take a train directly to Menton. The train travels along the coastline, with gorgeous views along most of the route.

I suggest buying a pass for the train, so you don’t have to buy individual tickets each time you travel. Just tap your card before getting on the train, and you can go anywhere along the coast, even to Monaco, which is a separate country!

Antibes, France

Day Trips: Antibes, Nice, Monaco, and Medieval Villages

One of the great things about staying in Menton is its accessibility to nearby destinations, like these:

Antibes – A charming town with a historic Old Town, a fantastic Picasso Museum, and beautiful coastal views.
Nice – A vibrant city with a gorgeous promenade, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.
Monaco – A glitzy microstate with luxury yachts, the famous Grand Casino Monaco, and stunning gardens.
Medieval Villages – There are beautiful medieval villages in this part of France. We visited a few of them–Saint-Paul de Vence, La Turbie, and Èze.
Ventimiglia, Italy – This is one day trip we ran out of time for, but it’s just a short train ride away. Ventimiglia is famous for its vibrant Friday market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to leather goods and fashion. If you have extra time in Menton, this could be a great excursion!

Saint Paul de Vence

Each of these places offers something completely different and unique as well, and made our stay in Menton that much better.

Grand Casino Monaco

The Best Time to Go

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit Menton is, I highly recommend going during the off-season. We went in early November, and it was perfect timing! During the spring and fall, you’ll find it’s not as hot outside, the crowds are thinner, and the prices for flights to Nice and for hotels and vacation rental are often much more affordable.

Plus, temperatures are still very comfortable–in the upper 60s and low 70s (Fahrenheit) during our stay. We couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Fête du Citron

You might want to plan your trip to Menton in February to experience its famous Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival. This annual celebration transforms the entire town with colorful citrus-themed sculptures, parades, and other festivities.

Because of its unique microclimate, with mild winters and plenty of sunshine, Menton is an ideal place for growing citrus, particularly its prized lemons. We saw citrus trees lining many of the streets too!

Visiting Menton during the Fête du Citron would be a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture, as the entire town comes alive with color and the air is filled with the fresh scent of citrus.

An Apartment with a View

During our time in Menton, we stayed in a fantastic VRBO rental overlooking the Promenade du Soleil and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The location was unbeatable—we could step right outside and cross the street to the promenade and the beach. There were restaurants, shops, and cafés all within walking distance.

One of the best parts of the apartment was the balcony. In the mornings, we sipped coffee while watching the pink and gold sunrise. In the evening, the twinkling lights of both Italy and Nice were visible in the distance. Our host made our stay even more special by welcoming us with thoughtful treats—a bottle of wine for evening aperitifs, plus biscotti, espresso, and juice for our mornings. Although we weren’t there during the Fête du Citron, this balcony would be the perfect spot for a bird’s-eye view of the celebrations.

Surprisingly, this rental was quite affordable—maybe partly due to the euro-to-dollar exchange rate at the time. For the incredible views, unbeatable location, and overall experience, it felt like an amazing value. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Menton that has all the comforts of home and breathtaking scenery, this VRBO apartment is an excellent choice. And, if it’s not available, there are lots of other terrific options as well.

Wrapping Up: Why You Should Visit Menton

My husband and I found that Menton gave us everything we wanted in a vacation–relaxation and a slower pace plus plenty to see and explore. Menton has the charm of a small town, the beauty of the French Riviera, and the warmth of Italian culture. Whether we were just relaxing on our balcony enjoying the view of the sea, wandering the colorful streets and alleyways, or taking a day trip, we both agreed that it was the perfect vacation.

If you’re looking for a charming, colorful, and walkable destination with stunning Mediterranean views, fantastic food, and easy access to nearby gems, Menton should be on your travel bucket list. I know I hope to get back to this beautiful town!