Menton is often called the most beautiful coastal town on the French Riviera—and once you visit, you’ll understand why. Whether you’re spending a day or planning a longer trip, here are the top 10 things to do in Menton to make the most of your visit.
1. Get Lost in the Old Town
The old town of Menton is a postcard-perfect maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and hidden stairways. You’ll be surprised by the shades of green, which give it a tropical flair. One of the town’s most unique characteristics is its connection to lemons. Menton is famous for its lemons, and every year, a lemon festival is held here with sculptures made entirely of lemons and oranges parading through the streets.
Take your time wandering through the alleys. Look up to spot details like laundry drying high above, colorful shutters, and charming balconies. For the best light and photos, arrive in the morning on a sunny day—luckily, Menton gets over 300 sunny days a year.
2. Visit the Stunning Saint-Michel Square
Don’t miss the impressive staircase that leads from the beach up to the beautiful Saint-Michel square. It’s a perfect photo spot with a spectacular view of the sea. The square itself is home to the Basilica of Saint-Michel, built in 1639, and its iconic bell tower that watches over the old town.
From here, climb further to reach the Château Cemetery, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire bay. It’s one of the best spots in town for photos and peaceful moments.
3. Relax on Menton’s Beaches
Menton has a variety of beaches to suit every traveler. Whether you visit in summer or during the off-season, you can always enjoy some sun.
Just below the old town, next to the old harbour, you’ll find the Grave de Galet Beach, a lovely place redesigned with an esplanade that gently slopes into the sea. You’ll also get beautiful views of the mountains and the Italian coast. There are several restaurants nearby and shaded spots to relax.
For a more family-friendly option, head towards the Italian border, where you’ll find Plage des Sablettes, a sweet sandy beach with a large, free parking lot. Arrive early to grab a good spot.
4. Explore Menton’s Exceptional Gardens
Thanks to its mild subtropical microclimate, Menton is known for several stunning gardens filled with both local and exotic plants. Many of them date back over a century.
- Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden: Designed by an English landscape gardener, it showcases plants from around the world. (Closed on Mondays)
- Jardin des Colombières and Serre de la Madone: These are other beautiful options worth visiting.
- Jardin Botanique du Val Rahmeh: This garden also functions as a natural history laboratory. (Closed on Tuesdays)
5. Dine at Michelin-Star and Local Restaurants
One of the world’s best restaurants is tucked away in Menton: Mirazur, a three-Michelin-star restaurant led by a talented Argentinian chef and his wife. Overlooking the sea, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. It’s pricey, so it’s best saved for a special occasion.
For great food at more accessible prices, try:
- Le Bistrot du Port: Located next to the old harbour, this spot offers a cheerful atmosphere and mains for €15–€25. (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Le Petit Port: A cozy place just off the main road serving fresh, homemade dishes with mains around €20.
6. Hop on the Tourist Train
Menton is small enough to explore on foot, but the tourist train is a fun way to get an overview of the town. The 45-minute ride starts from the esplanade opposite the Cocteau Museum and gives you a relaxed tour of the main sights.
7. Take a Boat Trip
Several companies offer boat tours along the French-Italian Riviera, including a sunset cruise to Monaco. It’s a fantastic way to experience the coastline from the sea and enjoy the views from a different perspective.
8. Walk the Coastal Path
One of the most scenic walks in Menton is the coastal path between Monti and Monaco. The prettiest section starts from the old town and continues along the shoreline, offering incredible sea views. If you’re up for it, you can walk all the way to Monaco in under two hours.
9. Walk to Italy
Yes, you can actually walk to Italy from Menton! The route takes you from the old town to the Italian border and into the town of Ventimiglia, all within about 30 minutes on foot. Once across, visit the Prehistoric Museum, where you can explore ancient human history, including a burial site dating back 25,000 years.
10. Discover the Hilltop Village of Sainte-Agnès
A short trip from Menton brings you to Sainte-Agnès, labeled one of the most beautiful villages in France. Spend around two hours wandering its charming streets and climbing up to the ruins of the ancient castle for a 360° view of the Alps and Mediterranean.
If you’re interested in architecture, don’t miss Eileen Gray’s villa E-1027, located near the coastal path. It’s one of her modern masterpieces and is open to visitors.
Plan Your Trip
Menton is well connected by train, making it easy to reach from nearby cities. Whether you’re drawn by its gardens, beaches, food, or its charming old town, Menton offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration on the French Riviera.
