The best time to visit
Menton enjoys a particularly mild climate thanks to its privileged location between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Spring is ideal for enjoying the gardens in bloom and the pleasant temperatures. Summer attracts those who love swimming and sunbathing, whilst autumn offers the chance to explore the town in a more peaceful atmosphere. Winter, meanwhile, is the perfect time to explore the town at a leisurely pace and enjoy its famous Mediterranean climate.
Day 1: Old Town, basilica and seafront
Morning: the Old Town and the Old Castle
Start your stay in Menton’s Old Town, recognisable by its colourful façades and narrow alleyways winding their way up towards the hills. Continue on to the Annonciade Monastery, perched high above the town, which offers a beautiful view of Menton and the Mediterranean. Then make your way back down to the Old Castle, whose cemetery overlooks the town.
The panoramic view over the colourful rooftops, Menton Bay and the surrounding mountains is one of the town’s finest. As you make your way down towards the sea, stop off at Les Sablettes, an iconic beach situated at the foot of the old town. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a break overlooking the Mediterranean.
Afternoon: culture and a stroll along the seafront
Continue your exploration at the Jean Cocteau Museum, dedicated to the artist’s work and his connections with Menton. Not far from there, the Bastion, a former fortress built in the 17th century, also houses an art gallery and offers a stunning setting overlooking the sea. Continue your stroll to the Palais de l’Europe, a former casino that has become one of Menton’s most iconic buildings, then discover the Odyssée, a cultural venue dedicated to creativity and community engagement. Round off the day at the Halles de Menton, where you can sample local produce and regional specialities. Make the most of the opportunity to sample Mediterranean flavours and, of course, products made with Menton lemons, the town’s true symbol.
Day 2: Menton’s gardens and the gentle Mediterranean climate
Morning: exceptional gardens
Menton is famous for its gardens, veritable oases of greenery blessed with an exceptional microclimate. Start with the Jardin Serre de la Madone, remarkable for its exotic plants and intimate atmosphere. Continue on to Fontana Rosa, also known as the Jardin des Romanciers. Created by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, this stunning garden blends Mediterranean vegetation, colourful ceramics and Spanish influences.
Next, discover Val Rahmeh, a botanical garden housing an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Finally, the Palais de Carnolès is home to the Menton Museum of Fine Arts and its citrus garden, which boasts a remarkable collection of lemon trees.
Afternoon: between the sea and historic villas
To round off your stay, head to the garden of Villa Maria Serena, situated near the Italian border. This Belle Époque residence, surrounded by a magnificent exotic garden, offers a peaceful setting and a superb panoramic view of the Mediterranean. You can then enjoy the beaches and the Promenade du Soleil one last time, or simply settle down on a terrace to savour lunch or an ice cream overlooking the sea.
A possible getaway to Italy
The immediate proximity to the Italian border also makes it easy to extend your stay. Just a few kilometres away, you can reach Ventimiglia and explore its market and Italian atmosphere. For a more authentic getaway, head to Dolceacqua, a charming medieval village in the Ligurian hinterland.
Where to dine and go out?
Menton offers plenty of places to sample cuisine with French and Italian influences. In the old town, small restaurants let you sample local specialities , in a friendly atmosphere. For a livelier evening, head to the town centre and the quays, where the outdoor terraces let you enjoy the mild climate until late into the evening. And for a quintessentially Mentonian experience, don’t miss Menton’s lemon desserts – the true star of the local cuisine.
Why choose Menton?
Menton offers a different experience to the major resorts of the Côte d’Azur. Its heritage, remarkable gardens, museums, beaches and climate make it an ideal weekend destination. In just two days, you can wander through the colourful alleyways of the old town, explore the exotic gardens, discover the world of Jean Cocteau, enjoy the Mediterranean and even venture as far as the Italian border.
Which campsite should you stay at?
To make the most of your stay on the Côte d’Azur, discover the campsites near Menton and find the accommodation that suits your holiday plans.