I have written about Menton a few times before, but I never seem to get tired of this lovely little town.

Situated on the French Riviera, just a few kilometers from the Italian border, Menton is a place full of charm and personality. With its sunny weather, Mediterranean atmosphere, and beautiful architecture, it’s easy to see why Menton is such a popular destination.

Also, it has a unique Italianate feel to it – in fact, Menton was part of Italy until 1860! – that makes it a once-in-a-kind destination in France.

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to follow my Instagram for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera. You can also get a custom itinerary made by me here or check out this travel guide with all of my favorite addresses in Nice.

So is Menton really worth visiting? Yes, it absolutely is.

Whether is for seeing the iconic Fete du Citron, strolling along the lovely Promenade du Soleil, visiting one of Menton’s many museums, or simply enjoying a meal by the sea, Menton is a place that should not be missed on a trip to the Riviera.

Here are 15 reasons to put this gem of a place on your itinerary:

15 Reasons why Menton is worth visiting

1- It has several Michelin-starred restaurants

Menton is a great place to visit for lunch or dinner if you are a foodie.

With several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Mirazur (which was named the best restaurant in the world in 2019 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants), Menton is a food lover’s paradise.

2- The Fete du Citron is a must-see event

Every year, Menton hosts the Fete du Citron, a festival dedicated to the lemon.

This vibrant and colorful event is not to be missed – it is one of the most unique and festive events on the French Riviera.

In 2023, Fete du Citron will be happening from the 11 to the 26 of January.

3- The Promenade du Soleil is a beautiful place for a walk

Menton’s Promenade du Soleil is one of the loveliest promenades on the Riviera.

Stretching for over 2 kilometers, this tree-lined promenade is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the Mediterranean Sea breeze, and take in the stunning views.

4- The old town is charming

Menton’s old town is incredibly charming. With its winding streets and pastel-colored buildings, it feels like you are stepping into a fairytale.

Be sure to see the Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel, and explore the narrow alleyways and hidden squares – they are some of the most charming parts of the old town.

5- The beaches are lovely

Menton has several lovely beaches, including Garavan Beach, which is popular with families, and Paloma Beach, which is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.

6- There are many museums to visit

Menton is home to several museums, including the Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires, which offers a fascinating insight into the traditional way of life in Menton, and the Musee Jean Cocteau, which is dedicated to the famous artist who lived in Menton for many years.

7- Menton is home to glorious gardens

Due to its privileged location and microclimate (it is often said that Menton is always 3 degrees warmer than the rest of the places on the French Riviera), Menton is home to several beautiful gardens, including Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden and Jardins Biovès, which are must-see.

8- The architecture is stunning

Menton’s architecture is a mix of Italian and French styles. The result is a town that is absolutely beautiful, with its pastel-colored buildings and lovely balconies.

9- It has a relaxed atmosphere

Menton has a very relaxed atmosphere. This is likely due to the fact that it is a small town – with a population of just over 30,000 people, Menton feels like a village rather than a city, which is very refreshing, especially when compared to nearby places like Monaco.

10- The climate is perfect

Menton has a warm Mediterranean climate, which means that it enjoys sunny weather all year round. In fact, Menton is one of the sunniest places on the Riviera, with an average of 300 days of sun per year.

11. The Mediterranean Sea is right on your doorstep.

Menton’s location on the French Riviera means that the Mediterranean Sea is never far away. Whether you are swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the views, the sea is always close at hand.

If you choose to stay in Menton for the night, I highly recommend picking a hotel by the sea.

12- The locals are friendly and welcoming

The locals in Menton are known for being friendly and welcoming. They are always happy to help visitors with directions or recommendations on what to see and do in the area.

Also, it is quite interesting to see how many of them speak mainly Italian, as Menton was once part of Italy.

13- It is a photographer’s paradise

Menton is a photographer’s paradise. With its colorful buildings, gorgeous scenery, and Mediterranean light, it is easy to see why.

14- It is so easy to visit on a day trip from Nice

Menton is just a short train ride away from Nice, which makes it very easy to visit. In fact, many people who are staying in Nice choose to take a day trip to Menton as it is such a quick and easy journey. Read about why Nice is worth visiting here.

Read: Nice to Menton – 4 Best Ways to Get There

15- It is the perfect place to get a taste of Italy

Menon is the perfect day trip if you are looking to enjoy wonderful Italian food, without having to travel too far. From delicious gelato to freshly made pasta, there is plenty of Italian goodness to be enjoyed in Menton.

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Conclusion: Is Menton worth visiting?

So there you have it, 15 reasons why Menton is worth visiting. I hope this has inspired you to add Menton to your travel list!

Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, follow my Instagram for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!