10 things to see and do in Menton | Côte d’Azur France / French Riviera

STROLL THROUGH THE OLD TOWN OF MENTON

Enjoy the exceptionally gentle way of life in this pearl of the French Riviera!

A Town of Art and History, Vieux-Menton has a very special atmosphere, with its narrow cobbled streets and charming baroque squares.

A multitude of shops and restaurants liven up the ochre facades of this old town with its Italian accents.

Follow the narrow streets to the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, one of the most impressive sacred buildings on the Côte d’Azur.

A little higher up, an exceptional view awaits you from the Vieux-Château cemetery at the top of the old town.

A must-do when you visit Menton.

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LET YOURSELF BE GUIDED THROUGH THE GARDENS OF MENTON

Discover the green diamonds of the Riviera

Menton’s exceptionally mild microclimate and more than 310 days of sunshine a year have attracted many botanists to the area. Botanists – notably British – who, during the 19th century, incorporated many rare tropical species into the original gardens that flourish in Menton today. A visit to the gardens of Menton is a must during your stay. Take a guided tour of some exceptional gardens, including the Citrus Garden at the Palais de Carnolès, the Maria Serena Garden and Fontana Rosa, the Romantic Garden.

Discover the gardens of Menton

PADDLE IN THE BAY OF MENTON

An original way to discover the beauty of Menton from the sea…

Facing the old town and in the sunshine, float along in a kayak, alone or in pairs, for an unforgettable trip on a sea of oil!

The Centre Nautique de Menton has all the equipment you need to learn, improve or simply have fun sea kayaking… while discovering a landscape of contrasts between sea and mountains.

Another nautical activity to try during your visit to Menton is a ride on a towed craft – a buoy or air stream – for guaranteed thrills.

www.voile-menton.fr

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visit menton — ©Flavio Vallenari . Istock

ADMIRE OLD MENTON FROM THE PORT OF GARAVAN

Renowned as one of the most beautiful harbours on the Côte d’Azur, the Port de Garavan offers an unusual landscape and the best view of Vieux-Menton.

With a medieval bastion as your entrance, you enter a world of serenity, between the sea and boats both old and new.

In the morning, you can also buy fresh fish from the local fishermen!

SHOP AT THE HALLES MUNICIPALES!

Between the port and Old Menton, the Halles de Menton are bursting with colour and flavour!

It’s impossible to visit Menton without making a gourmet stop at the Halles Market.

Inaugurated in 1898, the Halles Market is open every morning from Tuesday to Sunday.

Magnificent stalls of fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese, meat and fish await you.

The warm welcome from the local merchants and producers gives you a taste of the friendly atmosphere in Menton and the specialities you won’t want to miss: barbajuans, pichade, socca and fougasse mentonnaise…

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CELEBRATE THE LEMON FESTIVAL

A unique event to see in Menton every February.

Since 1930, the Lemon Festival has been the emblem of Menton: at the end of winter, this traditional yet original event breaks all attendance records. The whole of Menton turns yellow and orange. Floats made from 150 tonnes of citrus fruit by some 300 people parade through the streets for a fortnight. And when night falls, the gardens are lit up with ephemeral sculptures made from citrus fruit.

A must-see event on your visit to Menton.

TASTE THE LEMON JAM

Don’t leave Menton without trying some of Maison Herbin’s delicious citrus jams!

A visit to the Herbin artisan jam factory in Vieux-Menton will immerse you in some of the country’s most traditional and gourmet flavours.

While lemons can be found on the finest tables, you can also enjoy them in jam, during a pleasant tasting session.

At this “living heritage company”, over 100 flavours of jam await you!

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the factory adjoining the shop, free of charge.

www.confitures-herbin.com

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SWIM AT PLAGE DES SABLETTES

The ideal place to relax and unwind in the sunshine of Menton

Adjacent to the harbour, Menton’ slarge sandy beachstretches over 350 metres in length and width.

This beach is sure to delight families with moments of tranquil bathing in crystal-clear water, with a magnificent view of the Italian mountains and the colourful houses of Menton.

Public or private beach, the choice is yours.

CROSS THE BORDER OR DISCOVER THE MENTONNAIS HINTERLAND

A change of scenery guaranteed just a few kilometres from Menton!

You can see it from the old town or the port: just a few hundred metres away, the Italian border marks the boundary between Menton and our neighbours in Liguria! Not far away are a number of charming villages where you can discover Italy, enjoy a ristretto or eat a delicious pasta dish in Grimaldi, Ventimiglia or San Remo. Alternatively, explore the hinterland of Menton and its hilltop villages: Sainte-Agnès, Castellar, Saorge, La Brigue, Tende, Sospel and Breil-sur-Roya.

©Office de Tourisme de Menton Riviera Merveilles

THE TOP 10

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN MENTON

By Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France

If you’re a Côte d’Azur lover or enthusiast, this site regularly features a selection of good places to go and things to see and do on the Côte d’Azur France Ambassadors community.