When you live on the Atlantic coast, as we do on the Ile d’Oléron, you might think you’d prefer inland or mountain destinations for your getaways. However, as soon as the desire for warmer, clearer waters arises, we love to head for the Mediterranean.
One of our favorite places to visit is Menton. We’ll tell you why it’s a great idea to include this town in your road trip to the South-East or your Mediterranean vacation.
Where is Menton?
Nestled at the easternmost point of the Côte d’Azur coastline, just before the Italian border, Menton cultivates an identity all its own. It combines turquoise seas, pastel facades and an almost Italian ambience. And of course, it speaks to us.
We love Italy, whether it’s the elegance of Lake Como or the vibrant energy of Naples, which we’ve already shared with you on the blog. Here, we find some of that dolce vita without even leaving France.
It’s exactly the kind of place where you’d love to put down your suitcases for a few days. If you’re looking for accommodation in a good location to enjoy both the historic center and the seafront, opt for a hotel stay package in Menton to discover the town in complete tranquillity.
We’ll tell you why we find it particularly attractive for a vacation on the Côte d’Azur.
Why choose Menton?
An exceptional location between sea and mountains
In Menton, the change of scenery is immediate.
The town stretches out between the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Alps. The colorful houses of the old town seem to cascade down to the sea.
We recommend climbing up the cobbled streets to the Vieux-Château cemetery to admire the incredible panorama of colorful rooftops, the old port and the Mediterranean.
We recommend that you then head back down to the Promenade du Soleil, where you can walk along the pebble beaches and stop off at a terrace overlooking the sea. Everything is done on foot.
🇮🇹 And Italy is just a short train ride away. In just 15 minutes, we recommend you travel to the Italian town of Ventimiglia. Here, you’ll find the same colorful architecture and Mediterranean sea as in Menton, but with that extra touch of typically Italian soul: lively alleyways, weathered facades, local markets and a more authentic atmosphere.
One of the mildest microclimates in France
Menton enjoys a renowned microclimate. Protected by the mountains, the town escapes some of the cold winds. The result: particularly mild winters, making it a great mid-season destination, away from the summer crowds.
This climate explains the presence of the famous lemon trees. The town is famous for its annual Lemon Festival, usually held in February. For several weeks, monumental sculptures decorate the town, attracting visitors from all over France.
A more peaceful alternative to the Riviera’s big cities
When we think of the Côte d’Azur, we often think of Nice, Cannes or Monaco. Magnificent destinations, but sometimes very crowded.
Menton offers a quieter atmosphere. Stroll through the old town, linger at the Halles market, enjoy the beaches without excessive hustle and bustle.
Remarkable gardens facing the sea
🌿 Thanks to its privileged climate, Menton is home to several remarkable gardens. The Val Rahmeh botanical garden and the Madone gardens are true havens of peace.
These places are ideal for walks and discoveries of species from Asia, South America and Africa.
Crystal-clear beaches
In Menton, the beaches are clearly one of the pleasant surprises. They are mainly pebbled, as is often the case on the Côte d’Azur, but the water is incredibly clear. We recommend :
- 🏖️ The Sablettes beach along the Promenade du Soleil, easily accessible from the town center, is perfect for relaxing after a visit to the historic center.
- 🏖️ Golfe Bleu beach is a wilder alternative to the south of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
An ideal base for exploring the Côte d’Azur
Staying in Menton also makes it easy to explore the rest of the Riviera. The station is well served, and regional trains run along the coast.
In just a few minutes, you can reach :
- Nice
- Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Monaco
- or neighboring Italy
Feel free to leave us a quick note or 5 stars below, to tell us if you’re planning this trip, to ask any questions you may have, here or on Instagram, we’ll get back to you with great pleasure.
