With its palm-lined promenade and year-round sunshine, Menton is one of the most inviting places on the French Riviera for a beach day. What I love most about Menton’s beaches is the calm, clear water and the feeling that you’re at the sunniest edge of France, just steps from the Italian border.
Over several visits and in different seasons, I’ve explored every stretch of its coastline, from the broad curve of Plage des Sablettes beneath the pastel-toned old town to the quieter corners near the Bastion.
Thanks to its sheltered microclimate, Menton enjoys more sunny days than almost any other resort on the French Riviera. Whether you come for a family swim, a relaxed lunch at one of the beach clubs, or a peaceful dip after sightseeing, the town’s compact coastline offers a beach for every mood.
Are you ready to discover the best beaches in Menton? Let’s go!
This article highlights the best beaches in Menton, from the picture-perfect Plage des Sablettes to the beautiful shores of the Promenade du Soleil.
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Want to make this town your travel base?
Here’s where to stay in Menton
My Top Picks
A quick word about beaches in Menton
Most of Menton’s beaches are made up of a mix of gravel and coarse sand, smoother than those in Nice but not sandy. The ground underneath is quite compact, which makes it tricky to anchor umbrellas: once the wind picks up, they tend to take off. You’ll see this happen often. Souvenir shops along the promenade sell small screw-style anchors that help you dig your umbrella deeper into the pebbles: they’re worth every cent.
Both public and private sections line the seafront, with beach clubs mainly around Sablettes and Rondelli and long public stretches elsewhere. Most beaches are well maintained and patrolled in summer, and facilities such as showers and toilets are usually available.
Thanks to Menton’s mild microclimate, you can often enjoy beach days well into May and October, when temperatures remain pleasant but crowds thin out — one of the perks of being at this sunny, sheltered corner of the Riviera.
To plan the rest of your visit, see my full guide on things to do in Menton.
The best beaches in Menton
Let’s explore Menton’s beaches. Here are my top picks that you can use as your beach itinerary when visiting Menton.
1. Plage des Sablettes
Situated between Le Vieux Port and the Port de Garavan, fringing the Old Town, Les Sablettes Beach is Menton’s main beach and the one I return to often.
It’s a wide beach, so there’s ample space to lay down your towel, even in high season. The slope into the water is gentle, and the breakwaters keep the bay calm even on breezy days, making it family-friendly and good for wading. It’s well served by public amenities, with showers, toilets, lockers, and lifeguards in high season.
The new Promenade de la Mer lies just behind the beach. It features a variety of cafés offering plenty of refreshments. On the eastern end of the beach, you find Les Sablettes Beach Club (private loungers, service).
I love how Plage des Sablettes sits right beneath Menton’s Old Town, with cafés, sea breeze, and misty pergolas just steps away. It’s one of those beaches where I always end up staying longer than planned.
Best for:
Families, central access, full amenities, lovely Promenade de la Mer, calm water.
Downsides:
Can get crowded, limited shade.
2. Plage Rondelli (a.k.a. Les Sablettes-Est)
Rondelli Beach sits just east of Plage des Sablettes, beyond the Port des Sablettes and on the way to Port Garavan, close to the Italian border. The Promenade de la Mer continues along this stretch too, right up to the Ferris wheel, giving the entire seafront a seamless, elegant flow.
The public section is quite narrow since a large part of Plage Rondelli is taken up by private beach clubs like La Dolce Vita, Caesar Plage, and La Cabana Plage. Each features dining terraces, sun loungers, and direct sea access.
This beach is covered in coarse sand rather than gravel, which makes it feel pleasant. The gentle drop-off and calm waters make it suitable for families, though space can be limited in summer. If you prefer a quieter vibe, it’s best to come early in the day or outside the peak season.
Rondelli beach offers unbeatable views over Menton’s Old Town.
Best for:
Private beach experience, photogenic views, lifeguarded in summer.
Downsides:
Public zone is limited, a bit further from the Old Town and the beach-style cafés.
3. Plage de Fossan
Fossan Beach lies just west of Menton’s Old Town, opposite the Bastion Museum and along the Promenade du Soleil. This beach feels more tranquil, slightly removed from the busiest stretch of the seafront, yet still within easy walking distance of the center. It has a relaxed, local vibe.
Plage de Fossan is made up of fine pebbles with a gentle entry into the sea, and the bay’s natural curve keeps the water calm, perfect for a relaxed swim or a lazy afternoon in the sun. Behind it, you’ll find a small playground for children – including a pirate ship – and an open-air fitness area. At the tip of the bay, there’s the most charming beachside library, one of those endearing Menton touches that adds to the town’s slower pace.
Facilities include showers, lockers, and seasonal lifeguard supervision, and the beach remains entirely public. It’s one of those spots where you can easily spend a few quiet hours, away from the buzz of the Promenade.
With the Marché des Halles steps away, this is my favorite Menton beach for a picnic, overlooking the Baie du Soleil (Bay of the Sun).
Best for:
Quieter vibes, proximity to the city center, play area and library, proximity of the Marché des Halles.
Downsides:
Fewer services on site, no watersports activities nearby.
4. Plage du Marché
Plage du Marché stretches between Plage du Fossan and the Casino Barrière, right along the Promenade du Soleil. A few casual cafés and snack bars dot the promenade, perfect for a quick lunch or drink between swims.
Despite its central location, Plage du Marché rarely feels overcrowded outside the peak of summer. The water here is generally calm, and the fine pebbles make for an easy entry into the sea. Facilities include showers and seasonal lifeguard supervision, and the beach remains fully public.
Behind the beach, the elegant Royal Westminster Hotel overlooks the promenade, offering front-row sea views and direct access to this central stretch of coastline. Along the Promenade du Soleil, you’ll find several cafés and restaurants directly overlooking the beach.
Just note that the western end of the beach, towards the Casino, tends to be less appealing due to the nearby river outflow.
Best for:
Calm water, central location, and an authentic local atmosphere right on the Promenade du Soleil, proximity to the Marché des Halles.
Downsides:
Limited space during high season and a bit of traffic noise from the promenade.
Map of the best beaches in Menton
For your convenience, I created this map to help you visualize the beaches in Menton.
Beach essentials in Menton
Here are quick recommendations to make beach days safer and more enjoyable:
Where to stay in Menton
For a beach stay in Menton, I recommend you stay close to the Old Town or near the Marché des Halles, where you’ll find plenty of cute boutique hotels and cozy rentals.
My in-depth article on where to stay in Menton zooms in on every area and lists the top hotels and vacation rentals for a carefree stay. Here are some of my favorites:
Practical tips for enjoying the beaches
Here are some items to bring, in addition to your towel and sunscreen.
FAQ about the beaches in Menton
When are you planning a beach day in Menton?
That’s a wrap for this guide on the best beaches in Menton. Whether you choose to dip in at Plage des Sablettes, picnic at Plage du Marché, relax quietly at Plage de Fossan, or find a private spot at Plage Rondelli, you’ll see why Menton offers the perfect beach experience.
For exploring beyond, check out my guides to the most beautiful French Riviera beaches, my Nice to Menton itinerary, and discover the best things to do in Menton beyond the beach.
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