Menton

Far to the east, as the last French town before the Italian border, lies Menton — often skipped by travellers, but precisely for that reason a surprise. Menton enjoys the mildest climate of the entire Côte d'Azur, sheltered by the mountains that rise steeply right behind it. That gentle, almost subtropical weather already made the town a favourite with winter guests in the nineteenth century and ensures that even citrus fruits grow here in abundance. From our apartment in Le Suquet it is a beautiful day trip along the coast, the farthest away but certainly worth it. Discover more in our surroundings.

A town with a gentle character

Menton has a very distinct atmosphere, one that feels just a touch more Italian than the rest of the Riviera. The nearness of the border, the pastel tints and the relaxed way of life give the town something easygoing. Where the fashionable seaside resorts further along are known for glamour and bustle, Menton is above all about enjoyment: of the light, the sun, the food and strolling along the palm-lined promenade.

The lemon town

Menton is known as la cité du citron, the lemon town. The Menton lemon is a protected regional product and the fruit turns up everywhere: in the kitchen, in shops full of citrus products and above all during the spectacular Fête du Citron in February. During this unique festival the town turns yellow and orange with enormous sculptures built entirely from lemons and oranges — a cheerful and world-famous spectacle that draws many visitors every year. Outside the festival too you taste the citrus tradition in the shops and at the market.

The colourful old town

Menton's old town rises like an amphitheatre from the sea, with pastel-coloured houses in yellow, ochre, pink and terracotta creeping up the hillside. At the top the silhouette is crowned by the baroque basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, one of the finest baroque churches in the region. Wander up through the narrow stepped streets and enjoy a new view at every turn over the rooftops, the marina and the blue bay. Down below, the promenade and the beaches invite a relaxed stroll.

Lush gardens

Thanks to the exceptional climate, Menton is a paradise for plant lovers. The town has several magnificent gardens, such as the Jardin Serre de la Madone and the Jardin du Val Rahmeh, where subtropical and exotic plants from all over the world flourish. These gardens were often laid out by wealthy foreign visitors who came to Menton to spend the winter in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A walk through these green oases is a restful pause full of colours and scents.

Art and culture

Menton has an artistic side too. The artist and poet Jean Cocteau had a strong bond with the town; on the harbour stands a museum dedicated to his work, housed in an old defensive bastion. The soft light and the colours of the town have inspired countless painters and writers over the years, which fits well with the relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere.

Practical

Menton lies about 60 kilometres from Cannes and is easily reached by train along the coast, possibly combined with a visit to Monaco on the way. The Italian town of Ventimiglia, with its large market, also lies just across the border. The relaxed, Italian-feeling atmosphere makes Menton a delightful place to spend a day strolling. Combine the visit with other gems in our surroundings. Take a look at the apartment and the available dates and discover the sunniest town of the Côte d'Azur.