Menton Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, see, and experience in Menton, France with our comprehensive travel guide. From natural attractions and outdoor adventures to cultural landmarks and local cuisine, this guide has everything you need to plan your perfect trip to Menton.
- Introduction to Menton
- List of Places to Visit in Menton
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Menton
- Best Things to Do in Menton: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Menton
- Food and Drink Scene of Menton
- Where to Stay in Menton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Menton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Menton
- Best Time to Visit Menton
- Do’s and Don’ts of Menton
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Menton: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Menton
- Where to Go Next from Menton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Menton
Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Menton is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect mix of French and Italian cultures. With its sunny climate, colorful architecture, and scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea, Menton has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation, culture, and outdoor adventure.
List of Places to Visit in Menton
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Jean Cocteau Museum
- The Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel
- Chapel of the Conception
- The Old Town and its narrow streets
- Vieux Château Cemetery
- Palais de Carnola
Natural Attractions of Menton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Plage des Sablettes Beach
- Jardin botanique exotique de Menton
- Mont Boron
- Fontana Rosa
- Cap Martin
Hiking/Biking Routes of Menton
For those who want to explore Menton’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures, there are several hiking and biking routes throughout the town. Some of the popular routes include the Promenade du Soleil, Sentier Morin, Sentier des douaniers, and the Chemin de Menton.
Best Things to Do in Menton: Activities and Tours
- Visit the Menton Market
- Attend the Mimosa Festival
- Take a boat tour of the town’s coastline
- Attend a classical music concert at the Palais de Carnolès
- Explore the town’s public gardens
- Attend a food and wine tasting tour
Week-Long Itinerary for Menton
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Explore the Old Town and visit the Jean Cocteau Museum |
| Day 2 | Visit the Palais de Carnolès and stroll around the Jardin Botanique |
| Day 3 | Take a boat tour of the coastline and enjoy the sun on the Plage des Sablettes beach |
| Day 4 | Hike Mount Boron |
| Day 5 | Day trip to Monaco |
| Day 6 | Attend a classical music concert in Palais de Carnolès |
| Day 7 | Relax with a book at a local cafe or attend a food and wine tasting tour |
Food and Drink Scene of Menton
Must-Try Dishes
- Socca pancakes
- Pissaladiere
- Fougasse natural
- Salade Niçoise
- Ratatouille
Local Beverages
- La Mandarine
- Mentonnais wines
- Limoncello
Where to Stay in Menton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Menton, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Some of the popular choices include Hotel Napoleon, Hotel Royal Westminster, Quality Hotel Menton Méditerranée, Hotel Paris Rome, and Auberge de la Madone.
What to Buy in Menton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Olive Oil
- Handmade Perfume
- Soaps and Candles
- Pâte d’Olive
- Mimosa Honey
Local Culture and Customs of Menton
- In Menton, locals take their time enjoying meals and socializing. Expect to spend a lot of time in restaurants and cafes.
- Always greet locals with Bonjour or Bonsoir.
- It’s customary to give a small tip to service workers in Menton.
Best Time to Visit Menton
The best time to visit Menton is during the spring months between March to May when the weather is pleasant, and the town celebrates the Mimosa Festival, showcasing the beautiful yellow flowers that cover the city streets.
Do’s and Don’ts of Menton
Do:
- Respect local customs and manners.
- Try to speak some French.
- Always carry cash, as some places do not accept credit cards.
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious monuments.
- Eat dinner before 8 pm.
Safety and Health
Safety in Menton
Menton is a very safe town where visitors rarely encounter safety issues. However, as with any major tourist destination, travelers should be mindful of pickpockets and theft during peak tourist season.
Health in Menton
Menton has excellent medical facilities and is home to several hospitals and healthcare clinics.
Getting to Menton: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Menton
- Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport
Bus Stations Near Menton
- Menton Bus Station
Other Options
- Car rental is available at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport.
- The town is easily reached by train from Nice or Monaco.
How to Get Around in Menton
The best way to explore Menton is on foot. Most of the town’s attractions are within walking distance. However, for those who prefer public transportation, the town has several bus routes and taxis available.
Where to Go Next from Menton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Monaco
- Nice
- Ventimiglia
- Antibes
- Cannes
Conclusion
Menton is a beautiful town with a rich history and a unique blend of French and Italian cultures. With its warm climate, scenic views, natural attractions, and rich cultural heritage, Menton is an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Menton.
