MENTON
Menton is situated at the extreme southeast of France and the last city before the Italian border. It takes about 40 minutes from Nice by train or by car. It’s famous for its beaches and gardens as well as its palaces. It’s also called the City of Lemon.
Menton has a population of 47.400 inhabitants.
Nice events
Nice to visit
Lemon festival / Fête du citron
Biovès Gardens, Menton
Lemon festival / Fête du citron takes place every year in February/March.
Each year, it takes thousands of hours to create these ephemeral sculptures, with the fruits placed one at a time according to a tradition that has been carefully maintained for over a hundred years. The gardens of Biovès exhibit citrus patterns, up to ten meters high.
It’s also the carnival of Menton with parades and music.
The Festival will take place 28 February – 5 March 2025
Find the program and buy tickets www.fete-du-citron.com
Old city
Walking up the stairs and the ramp from Vieux Port (old harbor) and the Sablettes Beach, you have a fantastic view over the Garavan bay to Italy. At the top is situated The St. Michel church, built in a baroque style with a bell tower from the XVIIIe century.
Just behind is the Chapel of the white Penitents with its decorated facade. It was built between 1680 and1687 and became listed as a historical monument in 1947, and was completely renovated in 1987.
Walk around and admire the small, narrow alleys and the beautiful, colorful buildings.
Marché des Halles de Menton
Esplanade Francis Palermo, Menton
The indoor food market in Menton is located in a beautiful building from the beginning of last century. Overwhelmed by colors and flavors from the south of France, the merchants offer fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, cheese, wine and flowers. And also ready-made local specialities such as barbajuans, socca, pissaladiere…
It’s situated between the sea and the old city and surrounded by many small restaurants and bars.
Nice restaurants
Les Enfants terribles
1 Quai Bonaparte, Menton
This restaurant is situated in the Vieux Port. Many locals come here for lunch
They have a nice lunch suggestion and a very large wine list. The staff is nice and friendly. The decoration is pleasant even inside on a winter day.
I like – the veggie soup offered by the house as a small starter.
Sini
7, rue des Marins, Menton
This is a simple lunch place in the market area. They serve very good square pizza with many different toppings. I chose one with mushrooms and truffle oignons and one with cherry tomato, ricotta, basilika and chili pepper. With a glass of rose wine.
I like – the large choice
Pecora Negra
Quai Gordon Bennet, Menton
Good pizzas at a nice terrasse with a glass of rose wine at an affordable price, with a view over the bay and the mountains at the Italian border.
I like – the truffle pizza
Sini
7, rue des Marins, Menton
This is a simple lunch place in the market area. They serve very good square pizza with many different toppings. I chose one with mushrooms and truffle oignons and one with cherry tomato, ricotta, basilika and chili pepper. With a glass of rose wine.
I like – the large choice
Pecora Negra
Quai Gordon Bennet, Menton
Good pizzas at a nice terrasse with a glass of rose wine at an affordable price, with a view over the bay and the mountains at the Italian border.
I like – the truffle pizza
Caffe Italia
1, avenue Felix Faure, Menton
My friends living in Menton go evey day to this coffee shop. The coffee is really good and the staff is nice.
I like – the giant coffee cup in the bathroom
Nice hotels
Hotel Riva
600 Prom. du Soleil, Menton
A 3-stars hotel at Promenade du Soleil at an affordable price. The room was proper and correct. The staff was friendly and serviable. I ordered breakfast in the room and it was fresch. There was a spa at the rooftop, but I didn’t try it. The view over the sea is magnificent.
Hotel Princess & Richmond
617 Prom. du Soleil, Menton
A 4-stars hotel next to Riva with the same view. More expensive and spacious rooms.
They also have a spa and a very nice breakfast.
Hotel l’Orangeraie
15 Rue Partouneaux, Menton
Nice and price worthy 3-star hotel in the middle of Menton.
Very good location with walking distance to everything. Proper and fresh rooms, a hearty breakfast and parking available.