MENTON, THE PEARL OF FRANCE

The colors of Menton in France are incredible.

This is probably the first thing you notice about this city in France when coming in by boat: The blue ocean, the green vegetation, and then the colorful buildings everywhere. Once you’ve been here, you will understand why people often refer to Menton as the Pearl of France.

Situated in the Alpes of France next to the border of Italy, there are obviously influences of both countries. The city is nestled in between hills and mountains and some of the roads flow like rivers in between taking you up and beyond the city borders. Even when you go just halfway up a mountain slope, you will have the most amazing views ever: Lush green against perfect blue. It is simply indescribable.

The city is busy like all others and obviously, you have those famous tourist spots which you just must visit.

The best time to visit

is between June and September when you will have pleasant weather and a limited chance of rainfall.

Travel Trivia

History: During the nineteenth century, North Europeans who had TB were sent here to regain their health, or to die. The cemetery is therefore filled with graves of Englishmen, Germans, and Russians.

Where is Menton?

The city is located on the French Riviera in the South-East of France.

It is 40 minutes from Nice and 45 minutes from Sanremo. Centrally located only approx. 10 km away from both Italy and Monaco. You can see the Italian border from Sablettes Beach and actually walk from Menton to Italy.

Menton is known for

It’s beautiful beaches
Palissy Majolica pottery with lemon designs.

Several impressive gardens:

Jardin Serre de la Madone,
Jardin botanique exotique de Menton, also known as ‘Le Val Rahmeh’.
Fontana Rosa’s Garden.
Maria Serena garden – At the foot of the cliffs that run along the Italian border, the Villa Maria Serena stages its gardens in a place called “Little Africa”.
The modernist gardens of Les Colombières.

Jean Cocteau:

The Bastion Museum and Jean Cocteau Museum have displays with ceramics, tapestries, film memorabilia, and mosaics.
Salle des Marriages with murals by Jean Cocteau.

Festivals:

The Christmas Festival – Held at the Casino Gardens.
The Classical Menton Musical Festival – Held every year during August, in the square in front of the Saint Michel Basilica.
The annual lemon festival (Fête du Citron)

Usually, the lemon festival is held during the month of February, and everyone is invited. The climate around Menton is favorable to citrus fruit. Therefore, the festival is huge with statues made from citrus and lemons everywhere. Fantastic displays made all out of lemons and the citrus parade draws travelers from all over the world to this beautiful city.

Suggested Read

Beautiful gardens in France.

The old town is worth a visit, and this is also the spot where all the tourists stop.
Rugby fans must visit the Cimetière du Vieux Chateau- Russian Orthodox chapel and the grave of William Webb Ellis – founder of Rugby. This scenic graveyard offers beautiful views across the city.
Visit the Mare Nostrum brewery in Castillon.
The Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, which was built in 1653 is beautiful and features a 17th-century organ. You’ll find the Basilica in beautiful baroque architecture on Place de L’Eglise.

Restaurants worth a visit

Sablettes Beach Restaurant – For both traditional dishes and innovative culinary experiences.
Mirazur is a French haute cuisine restaurant with 3 Michelin stars – to experience the best cuisine from the mountains, gardens, and Mediterranean sea.
La Volta – The place to be on a weekend for live music and a lively hip and happening scene.

France Travel Costs

Flights to Menton - nearest airport

The nearest international airports to Menton are Nice (NCE) (27.3 km), Genoa (GOA) (128.9 km), Turin (TRN) (157.8 km) and Marseille (MRS) (187.6 km).