Looking for the best things to do in Menton? This colorful French Riviera town, just 40 minutes by train from Nice, sits on the Italian border and offers the best of both worlds: Côte d’Azur elegance and Ligurian charm.
Known as the Pearl of France, Menton is famous for its pastel-hued Old Town, terraced gardens, citrus groves, and seaside promenade.
Having visited Menton on several occasions — including a recent week-long stay — I’ve explored its cultural treasures, Mediterranean beaches, and panoramic viewpoints in depth. In this guide, I’ll share the must-see highlights, local food experiences, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Whether you come for a leisurely day trip from Nice or stay longer to soak up the atmosphere, you’ll find Menton full of rewarding discoveries.
So, are you ready to discover the best things to do in Menton? Let’s go!
This guide highlights the top things to do in Menton, along with practical tips for planning your day trip or longer stay.
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My Top Picks
Top things to do in Menton
Menton may be small, but it’s packed with things to see and do. From pastel-colored streets and Belle Époque villas to lush botanical gardens and golden beaches, the town offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and Riviera lifestyle.
Before we dive in, have a look at my detailed guide on how to get from Nice to Menton to learn about the fastest, cheapest, and most scenic options.
Also, note that some of Menton’s must-see spots have specific opening hours, and a few attractions are seasonal. To avoid disappointment, it’s always best to double-check details on official websites or ticketing pages before your visit.
Enjoying Menton so far? This Menton travel guide brings everything together in one place — from gardens and seaside walks to beaches, practical tips, and where it makes sense to stay overnight if you want to slow down and fully enjoy the town.
Here’s my Menton bucket list.
Psst… Further down in this article, you’ll find a map that shows all the activities available in Menton.
1. Explore Menton’s Old Town
Menton’s Old Town is a colorful maze of alleys and stairways that feels like a step back in time. Its story begins with ancient Ligurian settlers and Roman roads that once connected this coastal enclave to Italy. Protected by the mountains behind and open to the Mediterranean in front, Menton grew as a fishing and trading village blessed with a mild microclimate that would later make its citrus groves famous.
Over the centuries, it passed through Genoese and Monégasque hands before becoming part of France in 1860. It soon became a fashionable French Riviera resort town, welcoming aristocrats, royalty, and artists, earning its nickname the “Pearl of France.”
Wandering through Menton’s Old Town is pure delight. Of all the Riviera’s historic centers, this is the one where I truly lost my sense of direction… and loved it! The pastel façades, fragrant potted plants, and quiet lanes feel almost storybook-like.
Don’t miss Rue du Château, with its tower houses and stone arches that once defended the town against pirates and invaders. Equally atmospheric is Rue Longue, which became the town’s main artery, lined with shops, taverns, and princely residences. This historic street was once part of the Roman Via Julia Augusta and is still flanked by its historic gates. Exploring Menton’s Old Town is the best way to start your visit to this Riviera gem.
2. Walk the Promenade de la Mer
The Promenade de la Mer is one of Menton’s newest attractions, a modern waterfront boardwalk that has quickly become a favorite with locals and visitors alike. Running along Plage des Sablettes at the foot of the Old Town, it features wooden decking, landscaped greenery, and inviting spaces that give this part of the seafront a fresh identity.
Here, new restaurants and private beach clubs create a lively yet family-friendly atmosphere, with views of Menton’s colorful facades rising behind the bay. It’s a stylish update that feels both relaxed and modern, and one of the best places to enjoy Menton’s Riviera setting.
3. Climb Les Rampes Saint-Michel
One of Menton’s most photographed landmarks, the monumental staircases of Les Rampes Saint-Michel link the seafront with the Basilica of Saint-Michel. The elegant zig-zag design was inaugurated in 1757 and replaced a block of houses. However, the lower section, below Rue Longue, was added only in the 20th century after wartime damage opened space for an extension to Quai Bonaparte.
Climbing the Rampes is an experience in itself. Fine pebbles decorate the stairs, frescoes frame the entrance, and about halfway up, Rue Longue crosses the climb. At the top, the views stretch over Plage des Sablettes and the colorful rooftops of the Old Town — one of the most photogenic scenes in Menton. For both history lovers and photographers, climbing the Rampes Saint-Michel is a must when visiting Menton.
4. Visit the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange
Rising proudly above the Old Town, the Basilica of Saint-Michael the Archangel is Menton’s most iconic monument. Designed by Genoese architect Laurent Lavagna at the request of Prince Honoré II of Monaco, construction began in the 17th century and spanned decades. The ornate Baroque façade and soaring bell tower dominate the skyline, making the basilica an unmistakable landmark. Its pebble-paved parvis, restored in 2006 with some 250,000 hand-laid stones from nearby beaches, forms an impressive approach.
Inside, the basilica is just as grand, with gilded chapels and vaulted ceilings that reflect the spirit of Genoese Baroque. Consecrated in 1675 and elevated to basilica status by Pope John Paul II in 1999, it remains both a place of worship and a cultural highlight. Visitors are welcome Monday to Friday (3–5 pm), Saturday (10 am –12 pm and 3–5 pm), or on Sundays during 11 am mass. For its architecture, history, and panoramic setting, visiting the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange is one of the top things to do in Menton.
5. Browse the Marché des Halles (Provençal Market)
Housed in a Belle Époque hall from 1898 with colorful ceramic details, the Marché des Halles is one of my favorite Provençal markets on the French Riviera. Each morning during my stay, I stopped here to shop for our family breakfasts — fresh fruit, eggs, and cheese — and to pick up a savory bite before heading out to explore. The atmosphere was always lively yet orderly, with spotless stalls and top-quality produce.
What I looked forward to most was the bread: loaves brought in from “Ma Première Boulangerie” in nearby La Turbie, which quickly became my personal indulgence. Add in displays of seafood, meats, and regional specialties, and this market feels like a daily celebration of Menton’s flavors. It’s open every morning until 1 p.m., though Mondays are quieter with fewer traders.
6. Discover the Jean Cocteau Museum
Menton has a special connection with French artist Jean Cocteau, and his presence lingers in two locations. The larger Jean Cocteau Museum, inaugurated in 2011, has remained closed since storm damage in 2018, but visitors can still discover his world at the Bastion Museum, the 17th-century fortress on the seawall that Cocteau decorated himself. Even the pebbles are part of the design!
Though small, the museum displays a rotating selection from the artist’s drawings, ceramics, and tapestries. It’s open daily from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, with guided visits on Mondays and Saturdays.
If you want to go a step further, head to Menton’s City Hall to visit the Salle des Mariages or Wedding Hall entirely redesigned by Cocteau in the 1950s. From whimsical murals to bronze candelabras and leopard-print rugs, it’s a surreal, romantic space. Together, the Bastion Museum and the Salle des Mariages make discovering Cocteau’s artistic legacy one of the most inspiring things to do in Menton.
7. Relax on Menton’s beaches
Menton’s beaches stretch in both directions from the Old Town, offering plenty of choice for sun-seekers. The star is Plage des Sablettes, a sheltered bay of fine pebbles with shallow water, backed by the stylish new Promenade de la Mer. Cafés, showers, lockers, and even misting pergolas make it especially family-friendly, though finding shade can be tricky.
Toward the eastern end, known as Plages des Sablettes Est or Plage Rondelli, private beach clubs like Caesar Plage, La Dolce Vita, and La Cabana Plage offer added comfort. I recommend booking your lounger in advance through this link for guaranteed spots at the best price.
For variety, try Plage du Fossan near the Bastion, Plage du Casino and Plage du Borrigo along the Promenade du Soleil, or Plage Hawaï east of Port Garavan. Lifeguards are on duty at the main beaches from July 1 to August 31, ensuring safe swimming during the high season.
8. Stroll the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden
The Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden is the perfect escape on a hot summer day. This peaceful oasis in the heart of Menton is home to over 1,800 species of Mediterranean plants and exotic treasures from around the world, from citrus trees and century-old olive groves to palms, bird-of-paradise flowers, and water lilies. Its shady paths and terraced layout make it a soothing retreat after exploring the busy Old Town.
Menton has long been known for its gardens, thanks to its mild climate and 19th-century popularity among English botanists who introduced tropical species here. Alongside gems like the Jardin Serre de la Madone, Maria Serena, Fontana Rosa, and Les Colombières, Val Rahmeh remains one of the most enchanting. It’s open daily except Tuesdays, from 9.30 am to 5 pm in the off-season and until 6 pm in spring and summer. Strolling through Val Rahmeh is a must-do for garden lovers in Menton and one of the featured stops in my guide to the most beautiful gardens on the French Riviera.
9. Admire the views from the Cemetery of the Old Château
Perched 63 meters above the sea, the Old Castle’s Cemetery occupies the site of Menton’s former castle, destroyed and rebuilt several times during the Middle Ages before being abandoned. In 1807, when burials inside churches were outlawed, the municipality acquired the ruined castle and transformed the hilltop into a terraced cemetery for Menton’s aristocrats, residents, and foreign winter visitors alike.
What makes this spot unforgettable are the sweeping panoramas that stretch from Italy to Cap Martin. I went at sunrise on a summer morning, only to find the gates still closed; the caretaker eventually arrived about 20 minutes later. While the opening hours can be unpredictable, the reward is worth it: dazzling views of the pastel houses below, the sparkling Mediterranean, the bay of Garavan, and the surrounding mountains.
10. Shop along Rue Saint-Michel
Rue Saint-Michel is Menton’s main shopping street, alive with cafés, boutiques, and lemon-themed stores that reflect the town’s citrus heritage. Wander its side streets and you’ll stumble upon the convivial Place aux Herbes, where locals linger at café terraces. Foodies shouldn’t miss Maison Herbin, a master jam maker producing small-batch preserves from regional fruits and flowers. With hundreds of flavors — and free tastings — it’s a delight for the senses. Individual tours are free and can also be arranged in English, Monday to Friday, from 9.30 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5.30 pm.
Along the street, you’ll also find Au Pays du Citron, La Maison Ganac, Eau de Menton, and other shops dedicated to Menton’s famous lemons, as well as gourmet treats at Le Comptoir de Mathilde. Conserverie La Belle-Iloise adds to the mix with artisanal canned seafood. Toward the eastern stretch, souvenir shops and clothing boutiques keep the atmosphere lively. I actually stayed in this apartment just off Rue Saint-Michel, surprisingly quiet at night yet only steps away from the action and the Provençal market. It was perfect!
11. Indulge in Menton’s lemon specialties
Menton is world-famous for its lemons, so much so that the fruit holds IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) status, making it the only lemon in France with a protected designation. Cultivated here since the 15th century, they’ve shaped the town’s history, economy, and identity, celebrated each winter during the Fête du Citron, when floats and sculptures made entirely of citrus transform Menton into a golden spectacle.
In the heart of town, you’ll find lemon worked into every imaginable treat. My personal favorite was the lemon tart at Mitron, the bakery by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco: sharp and fragrant. On hot summer days, nothing beats grabbing a freshly pressed lemon juice or a frosty granita on rue Saint-Michel. I lost count of how many I had during a French Riviera heatwave, and each one was like sunshine in a glass.
12. Walk the Promenade du Soleil
The Promenade du Soleil is Menton’s main coastal road, stretching for about two kilometers from the Quartier de la Madone to the Old Town. It’s lined with Belle Époque façades that house historic hotels, cafés with terraces where you can pause for a coffee and watch the world go by, and a casino in Art Déco style.
This seafront stretch is also home to Menton’s casino, a reminder of the Riviera’s glamorous past. While it may not have the polish of the newer Promenade de la Mer, it remains an essential part of the town’s waterfront identity and a pleasant way to approach Menton from the west.
13. Visit the Palais de Carnolès
Once the summer palace of the Grimaldi princes of Monaco, the Palais de Carnolès was built in 1717 by Antoine I, inspired by the Versailles he admired in his youth. Later transformed into the town’s Musée des Beaux-Arts, the palace today houses a collection of works spanning from the 13th century to modern times. Its elegant architecture recalls Menton’s long ties with Monaco and the French Riviera’s aristocratic past.
Note that the palace and its Museum of Fine Arts are currently closed for renovation, with no confirmed reopening date, but this is one I look forward to revisiting as soon as the doors open again. The palace’s citrus garden is open to the public, but I found it underwhelming compared to Menton’s other green spaces. The lines of citrus trees lacked the charm of the town’s more atmospheric gardens and, at least for now, I wouldn’t make a special trip unless you’re staying close by.
14. Pause at Menton’s seaside library
One of Menton’s most charming surprises is its seaside library: a tiny beach cottage that opens in summer as a free lending space. You’ll find novels, comics, and international newspapers, plus tables for chess or coloring. Registration is free with ID, and visitors can borrow two items for up to five days.
I don’t use the term “hidden gem” lightly, but it fits here. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the friendly librarian makes it even more inviting. You can settle into one of the chairs outside or take your book to the nearby beach or a café terrace. For something truly unique, experiencing Menton’s seaside library is a delight you won’t find elsewhere on the Riviera.
15. Tour a local citrus farm
Visiting a citrus farm is the best way to appreciate Menton’s lemon heritage. At La Ferme des Citrons, the largest lemon farm in the region, you’ll find three hectares of groves overlooking the sea, dotted with lemon trees, ancient olives, and even a rare avocado forest. The half-day guided visit includes transport, a tour of the orchards, stories about cultivation, and a meal of local specialties reimagined with Menton lemon.
For a more intimate experience, head to Domaine de la Maison Gannac, a family-run orchard on terraced hillsides. The father manages the groves while his son produces lemon-based delicacies, from jams to limoncello. Guided tours cover the history of Menton lemons, a walk through the orchards, and tastings of their products. Open Tuesday to Saturday, it’s a charming way to connect with the roots of Menton’s citrus culture.
16. Enjoy the Fête du Citron (seasonal)
Each February, Menton bursts into color during the Fête du Citron, a festival entirely dedicated to the town’s most famous fruit. Floats and sculptures made from thousands of lemons and oranges parade through the streets, while the gardens of Biovès are transformed into dazzling citrus displays. Tickets are required to watch the parades, and, since this is one of the French Riviera’s top events, reservations should be made in advance. The exact dates for the 2027 edition of the Lemon Festival are yet to be announced, but it always takes place in the second half of February.
Beyond the main attractions, the festival also includes citrus workshops, pastry-making sessions, and a chance to visit the municipal nursery, La Casetta, where the lemons are grown and prepared. During this time, Menton also hosts the Orchid and Winter Garden Show, adding extra layers of color and craft. Attending these events is the perfect occasion to see Menton at its most festive.
17. Browse the artisan market (seasonal)
From late June to late August, the lawn of the Mail du Bastion transforms into Menton’s summer night market. Each evening from 6 pm until midnight, artisans and small vendors set up stalls offering handmade jewelry, paintings, crafts, and souvenirs.
With 30-plus stands lit up under the summer sky, it’s a pleasant way to end a day at the beach. That said, I have to admit that I preferred the artisan market in Antibes, which felt more atmospheric and varied. The Menton version is worth a wander if you’re in town on a summer evening, but it doesn’t quite match the buzz of the Provençal market in the mornings.
18. Admire the Belle Époque architecture
Menton’s Belle Époque heritage is written in the façades of its grand hotels, once the winter playground of Europe’s nobility. Though many are now condominiums, you can follow a marked route through town to admire their eclectic exteriors, from neoclassical lines to Moorish-inspired details.
A few hotels from that era are still in operation today, such as the Le Royal Westminster, Le Balmoral, and the Grand Hôtel de Venise (now the Orangeraie, with its palm-shaded garden dotted with orange trees). Others have been converted into luxury apartment complexes offering vacation rentals, such as Le Majestic, the Le Riviera Palace, L’Orient Palace, and Le Winter Palace. Le Grand Hôtel des Ambassadeurs now houses the Marabini-Martac Museum dedicated to Fine Arts and Literature.
19. Sample local food and wine
Menton’s culinary scene blends Provençal and Italian influences, with plenty of lemon touches. During my stay, my family and I enjoyed wonderful meals at Joy and La Dolce Vita, as well as excellent pizza at PecoraNegra, though L’Effet Mer was a huge disappointment. For fine dining, there’s no better address than Mirazur, Mauro Colagreco’s acclaimed restaurant overlooking the sea.
To really dive into the flavors, consider joining this food tour. The tastings highlight specialties like pichade (a Menton-style pizza), barbajuan (crispy fried ravioli), citrus-flavored tapenade, and the town’s famous lemon tart. Oenophiles will love this local wine tour that includes a tasting of Provençal whites, rosés, and reds, paired with charcuterie and cheeses, and, on occasion, infused with local citrus.
On a personal note: While I initially loved the local cuisine, the novelty wore off after a few days. There’s only so much pasta and pizza one can enjoy, and the seafood options – which I absolutely love – were surprisingly limited. Even our kids were looking forward to a change of menu. So, we headed over to Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin for dinner on the last two days of our stay.
20. Book a professional photoshoot in Menton
With its colorful Old Town, baroque church towers, and seaside promenades, Menton is one of the most photogenic towns on the Riviera. A professional photoshoot is a fun way to capture the moment. Local photographer Laurie offers private sessions tailored to couples, families, or solo travelers, guiding you to the best spots while making sure you feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera.
Depending on the time of day, you might shoot in quiet alleys, against the backdrop of the Basilica of Saint-Michel, or with the Mediterranean as your stage. Within 48 hours, you’ll receive a gallery of edited photos to choose from, ensuring lasting memories of your Riviera trip. For travelers who want more than snapshots, booking a photoshoot in Menton is a special experience to add to the list.
Map of things to do in Menton
For your convenience, I have created this map to help you visualize the must-see attractions in Menton.
Excursions from Menton
If you’re staying longer than a day, Menton is also a perfect base for exploring the eastern French Riviera and nearby Italy. Here are some rewarding trips to consider:
For exploring nearby villages like Roquebrune-Cap-Martin or crossing into Ventimiglia (Italy), regional trains and buses are frequent and inexpensive. Booking a rental scooter can be a fun alternative.
Renting a car is the way to go if you plan on venturing into the backcountry, to hidden gems like Sainte-Agnes and Castellar, or to go canyoning. I highly recommend Discover Cars for their wide selection, easy booking, and free cancellation with pay-later options.
I experienced firsthand how car-sharing options are not a reliable option in Menton. The one driver I did manage to book explained how Bolt and Uber have limited coverage east of Monaco.
Practical tips for visiting Menton
Menton is an easy town to visit. Most attractions are close together, making it one of the most walkable destinations on the French Riviera. Whether you’re here for just a day trip from Nice or planning to stay a few nights, a little practical planning goes a long way.
From getting around and finding the right base to seasonal considerations, here are my top tips for a smooth Menton experience.
How to get around Menton
Menton is a compact and very walkable town. Most attractions — from the Old Town and covered market to the beaches and gardens — are within easy walking distance. From the train station, it’s a 20-minute stroll to the seafront.
Where to stay in Menton
If you’re tempted to stay overnight in Menton, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, from boutique hideaways in the Old Town to seafront hotels with sweeping Mediterranean views. Menton is generally more affordable than Monaco or Nice, making it a great base for exploring the eastern Riviera.
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:
FAQ about visiting Menton
When are you planning to visit Menton?
That wraps up my local guide on the best things to do in Menton. Whether you’re strolling the Old Town, relaxing on the beach, or exploring its famous gardens, this French Riviera gem is full of charm.
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