When I first moved to the French Riviera, Menton was one of the first places I visited and it quickly became one of my favorite places on the whole French coast.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in the city.
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Is Menton worth visiting?
Absolutely. Menton is known as a quaint, charming town with plenty to see and do. It is perfect if you’re looking for gorgeous views and stunning architecture or want to enjoy some delicious French and Italian food.
Also, the city is famous for its bright, colorful gardens and flowers- a must-see if you’re in town! – and it’s lemons. Yes, you read that right- the city is known for its delicious lemons and there are plenty of opportunities to taste specialties like sorbet au citron.
Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.
The city has a unique vibe and is full of character. You can take a walk down the gorgeous boardwalk, enjoy some relaxing time on the sandy beach or check out one of the many museums or historical landmarks that make Menton so special.
Read: 15 Reasons Why Menton is Worth Visiting
Best Things to do in Menton
If you’re looking for things to do in Menton, here are some of my favorites:
1- Explore the Old Town and soak up the history
Menton’s Old Town is absolutely beautiful. Packed with gorgeous buildings and charming streets, it is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll or get lost and discover hidden gems on your own. You can pick up some delicious French pastries or stop for lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants along the way.
2- Check out the Jean Cocteau Museum
One of Menton’s most famous residents was the artist, poet, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau. Menton has a museum dedicated to his life and work, and it is well worth visiting if you’re interested in art or history. It is a beautiful space, with plenty of rooms to explore and artifacts on display.
3- Visit the Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Gardens
Menton has some of the most beautiful gardens in all of France, especially when it comes to its spectacular botanical gardens. The flowers here are stunning and there’s always something new to see depending on the season. Whether you’re an avid gardening enthusiast or just want to enjoy some peaceful green spaces, these gardens are definitely worth a visit!
4- Take a walk along the Promenade du Soleil
The Promenade du Soleil runs alongside the entire length of Menton’s coast, so if you love walking or jogging alongside beaches and water, this is definitely the place for you.
It is a gorgeous stretch of coastline, with amazing views and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the sunshine. Also, the views of the Old Town are epic.
5- Enjoy some delicious seafood in one of Menton’s many restaurants
Menton has some truly fantastic restaurants, serving everything from traditional French cuisine to delicious Italian dishes.
Whether you’re craving seafood or just want to indulge in a decadent dessert, there are plenty of great options here that are sure to please anyone’s palate.
Some restaurants that are worth trying include La Loca, Le Galion, and Mirazur.
6- Have some sorbet au citron
Speaking of delicious food… Menton is famous for its lemons and there’s no better way to experience them than by indulging in some delicious sorbet au citron.
This local specialty is a must-try if you’re visiting Menton, and it’s perfect on a hot day or after a satisfying meal. In fact, one of my favorite things to do here is just sitting at one of the cafes along the boardwalk and enjoying an ice-cold bowl of this sweet treat!
7- Admire the Basilique Saint Michel Archange
Menton’s Basilique Saint Michel Archange is a stunning church that overlooks the entire city from above. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Menton and definitely worth checking out if you’re in town. Whether you’re religious or just enjoy appreciating beautiful architecture, this stunning building is sure to leave an impression on you.
8- See the wonderful staircase right below the basilica
If you’re planning to visit the Basilique Saint Michel Archange, be sure to allow yourself some time to explore the amazing staircase that leads down into Menton’s Old Town.
This gorgeous stone staircase is a beloved local landmark and is definitely worth checking out. Also, make sure to photograph it down from the beach too.
9- Try various local produce and specialities at La Place aux Herbes
If you’re a foodie, one of the best things to do in Menton is check out La Place aux Herbes. This square and open-air market has been operating here for hundreds of years, and it’s a wonderful place to sample all kinds of local produce, delicacies, and specialties.
Also, it has a beautiful fountain and it’s a good place to relax in the afternoon.
10- Shop for lemon-themed souvenirs
If you love lemons as much as I do, one of the best things to do in Menton is to shop for lemon-themed souvenirs.
There are countless lemon-themed items here, from clothes to cosmetics and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends or just want a little something special for yourself, you’ll find plenty of great options here.
Some of the staples that you should try include la confiture de citron (lemon jam), the liqueur au pamplemousse (grapefruit liqueur) and the famous Menton lemons themselves. Yum!
11- Enjoy a refreshing dip during the summer months on Menton’s beaches
Menton has many wonderful beaches to swim or simply sunbathe.
My favorite is plage des Sablettes because it has a large stretch of sandy beach and plenty of great facilities. It’s also close to the town center, making it super convenient. Plus, there are always lots of fun things going on here throughout the summer months, from live music to sports events that are open to all visitors.
Other beaches that are definitely worth visiting are, La plage Hawaï, plage Chiens, la plage Rondelli, and plage du casino.
12- See the incredible architecture in Garavan
If you’re a fan of architecture and design, one of the best things to do in Menton is to check out the historic district of Garavan. This part of town has some stunning 19th century buildings, which have been well preserved over the years thanks to their National Heritage status.
13- Go on a day trip to Monaco
Monaco is a beautiful city that’s just a short day trip away from Menton. Here, you can wander through charming cobblestone streets and admire the stunning architecture, admire famous landmarks like the Palace of Monaco and Monte Carlo Casino, and explore local markets to sample fresh produce and local specialties.
14- Cross the border into Italy for a day and explore the Italian Riviera
If you’re looking to venture outside of Menton, another great option is to cross the border into Italy.
Here, you can visit charming coastal towns like San Remo and Portofino, admire beautiful views of the mountains and sea, and indulge in delicious Italian cuisine. It’s a wonderful way to experience and enjoy the Italian Riviera.
Book: Full-Day Italian Market, Menton & La Turbie Tour
15- See the impressive boats at the Old Port of Menton
One of the most impressive things about Menton is its seafaring history, and there are many different ways to explore it. One of my favorite things to do here is to walk around the Old Port and admire all of the beautiful boats. It’s a gorgeous spot any time of day, but I especially like going at sunset when it’s all lit up, making it a magical place.
16- Celebrate La Fête du Citron
From the 11 to the 26th of February, one of the most fun things to do in Menton is to attend La Fête du Citron. This annual event features all kinds of brightly-colored lemon decorations and celebrations, making it one of the most unique festivals in France. It’s a must-see if you’re visiting during this time!
17- Explore Marché des Halles
Located right in the heart of Menton, Marché des Halles is one of my favorite places to shop and explore.
This large market features all kinds of artisanal products and locally-grown foods, making it a great place to taste some authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
18- Visit la Serre de la Madone, a beautiful botanical garden
Another must-see in Menton is la Serre de la Madone, a beautiful botanical garden that’s home to all kinds of exotic plants and flowers.
19- Peak into the cemetery of the old chateau
Built where the old castle once stood, the cemetery of the old chateau is a beautiful spot to explore and admire. Here, you’ll find rows upon rows of ornate gravestones dating back hundreds of years, as well as stunning views over the vineyards and mountains. It’s definitely worth a visit!
20- Visiter le Palais de Carnolès
The Palace of Carnolès, also known as the Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini, is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Menton. It’s now a museum, where you can learn more about its history and admire some incredible interior decor. Definitely worth checking out!
21- See the beautiful city hall
Another must-see in Menton is the city hall, which has been beautifully restored and decorated. It’s a wonderful example of 19th-century architecture, and it’s also home to some fascinating history about the region. Definitely worth checking out when you’re in town!
Where to stay in Menton
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Menton, I would recommend checking out one of the many charming hotels and guesthouses that are located right in the historic district, like Ibis Styles Menton Centre, Hotel Chambord, and Best Western Premier Hotel Prince de Galles.
These accommodations offer easy access to all of the best sites and attractions and have wonderful on-site amenities.
For further information, read my guide on the Best Hotels in Menton.
Practical information
Where is Menton in France?
Menton is located on the French Riviera, along the Mediterranean coastline in southern France. It is a small city nestled between the neighboring cities of Nice and Ventimiglia, Italy.
Is Menton safe?
Yes, Menton is a safe and welcoming city that is perfect for travelers of all kinds.
How to get to Menton
Getting to Menton from Nice or other nearby cities is easy, as trains and buses run between these areas regularly. You can also reach Menton by driving or taking a taxi, and there are plenty of parking options available throughout the city.
How is the weather in Menton?
Menton has a Mediterranean climate, with warm and dry summers and mild winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average winter temperature is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other places to visit near Menton
There are many great places to visit near Menton, including the nearby cities of Nice, Cannes, Èze (where you can hike the Nietzsche Path) and Antibes.
These are all wonderful destinations that offer a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all kinds. Additionally, you can head into the mountains or explore some of the beautiful beaches along the coast for unbeatable views and experiences.
Conclusion: Best things to do in Menton, France
That’s a wrap. If you love exploring quaint towns or are just looking for an idyllic place to visit on the French Riviera, then Menton should definitely be on your list.
There’s plenty to see and do and this charming town will surely delight you.
Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.
