What To Do in Menton? The Inspiring Travel Guide

Looking for inspiration on what to do in Menton in the South of France? I can assure you that this vibrant town on the edge of the French Riviera is more than just a pretty stopover—it’s a hidden gem with endless charm, ready to be explored in full color.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to the Côte d’Azur multiple times, and each time I chose to stay closer to Nice, exploring nearby gems while debating if Menton was worth visiting. It always seemed a bit of a stretch—not because it’s hard to reach, but because it faces some pretty strong competition!

So, when I finally ventured to the edge of the South of France, near the Italian border, and set foot in downtown Menton, my first thought was, “What took me so long to get here?”

Travel is subjective; what some find beautiful, others might not feel as excited about. That said, I can wholeheartedly say that Menton has become my favorite gem on the French Riviera—the ultimate place I’d choose as a base anytime I’m in the area. And I’m thrilled to share Menton travel tips and itinerary ideas, because this town truly deserves its time in the spotlight.

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What To Do in Menton?

At first glance, Menton may seem like the perfect day-trip destination—charming, but perhaps without enough to hold travelers for more than a day.

I beg to differ.

I visited this town at the start of autumn for a slow travel adventure and ended up staying for several weeks. Not once did I feel bored, nor did I run out of fun things to do in Menton. In fact, I was grateful not to have rushed through this part of France, allowing myself the chance to savor every activity and experience.

For starters, one of the best things to do in Menton is simply walking. Whether it’s an energizing morning walk along Porte de France, a leisurely wander through Rue Saint-Michel, or a relaxed evening stroll along the Promenade du Soleil, this town invites you to explore it on foot.

Known as the “Town of Gardens,” Menton boasts several renowned gardens, with the main attraction being the Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh, followed by Jardin Serre de la Madone and Fontana Rosa. Each of these gardens offers unique plant species and exquisite designs that are a must-see for garden enthusiasts.

For beach lovers and those craving laid-back coastal vibes, Menton’s scenic beaches, including Plage des Sablettes and Plage du Fossan, provide the perfect spots to sunbathe and swim. Meanwhile, history buffs and fans of Riviera aesthetics can meander through Menton’s charming old town with its church, hilltop cemetery, and narrow winding streets.

This gem of the French Riviera is also known for its vibrant cafes, bustling shopping streets, lively morning markets brimming with fresh produce, and the flamboyant Lemon Festival held each February. This annual event is a unique, colorful celebration of Menton’s specialty lemons and is truly a spectacle not to be missed.

A Day in Menton: The Perfect Day-Trip Itinerary

If you’re wondering what to do in Menton for a day, here’s a simple yet eventful itinerary packed with popular spots and hidden gems.

Start Your Morning at Plage des Sablettes

If you’re arriving by train, hop off at the Menton Garavan station and head toward Plage des Sablettes for a pleasant morning walk set against the backdrop of the town’s colorful skyline. This area is full of local cafes, boulangeries, and patisseries. If you haven’t had your petit déjeuner yet, treat yourself to a delicious meal in one of the many cafes overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Explore Vieux Port and Climb the Menton Escaliers

After breakfast, make your way toward Vieux Port de Menton. Turn your back to the sea and face the skyline—in front of you will be the iconic Menton Escaliers, leading uphill to the old town and its picture-perfect square. Admire the architecture of Basilique Saint-Michel Archange and Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs, or savor the lovely sea views that open up from the steps.

Step Back in Time at Cimitière du Vieux Château

A bit further uphill, past Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs, lies Menton’s historic cemetery, Cimitière du Vieux Château. This unique site blends history, art, and serene views of the Mediterranean, offering a tranquil spot to reflect on the town’s rich past.

Both the stroll through the old town and the cemetery make for excellent self-guided experiences, but if you’d like to learn more about the town’s rich history, consider joining a guided walking tour to get a deeper feel of Menton through the ages.

Lunch on Rue des Marins or a Market Stroll

After exploring the cemetery, wander back down through Menton’s narrow, cozy streets to Rue des Marins. This delightful area is brimming with cafes perfect for a leisurely lunch. For a true taste of Menton, try the barbajuan, a savory pastry filled with Swiss chard, ricotta, and herbs. Alternatively, head to the vibrant Menton Market (Marché des Halles), open from 8 AM to 1 PM daily, to pick up fresh produce and regional delicacies for an impromptu picnic.

Discover Artistic Treasures at Musée Jean Cocteau

Next, head to the Musée Jean Cocteau, a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the legendary artist. Featuring drawings, ceramics, and tapestries, the museum captures Cocteau’s eclectic creativity. Its striking modern building, a work of art in itself, is worth the visit.

Relax by the Sea at Menton’s Beaches

Once you’ve had your fill of culture, it’s time to unwind by the sea. Choose between Plage des Sablettes, with its postcard-perfect setting, or Plage du Fossan, known for its livelier vibe. Both beaches offer freshwater showers and the calming rhythm of Mediterranean waves—perfect for recharging after a day of exploration.

Shop and Stroll Along Rue Saint-Michel

In the late afternoon, treat yourself to a leisurely walk along Rue Saint-Michel, Menton’s main shopping street. This lively promenade is ideal for picking up local souvenirs like lemon-infused olive oil, artisanal soaps, or a jar of Menton’s famous lemon marmalade.

End Your Day with an Evening Stroll to the Station

As your day in Menton winds down, take a slow, reflective walk through the charming streets as they light up in the evening glow. Make your way to the central railway station, where you can comfortably catch a train back to your base on the French Riviera, carrying the essence of this vibrant town with you.

Menton Travel Guide: Useful Tips

1. Getting to Menton by Train

Reaching Menton by train is both convenient and affordable, thanks to the TER train network that runs multiple times a day along the French Riviera. The line connects key hubs like Cannes, Nice, and Monaco to Menton, with its start and end points in Marseille and Ventimiglia (Italy). Tickets can be easily purchased online, and there’s no need to book weeks in advance—just keep in mind that sales close 30 minutes before departure. 

Trains can get crowded during rush hours when commuters travel to and from work, so avoid these times if possible for a more relaxed journey. Menton has two conveniently located railway stations—Menton and Menton Garavan—making it easy to arrive and explore the town for a day trip.

2. Parking in Menton: Free Options

Good news for drivers—Menton offers free parking to its visitors! You can enjoy a week of complimentary parking in the blue-lined street zones. To take advantage of this, contact the Mairie of Menton (+33 493 183280) and provide your license plate number in advance. Note that the parking department doesn’t operate on weekends, so plan ahead.

Alternatively, blue-lined street parking is free for up to four consecutive hours, but you’ll need to place a parking disc under your windshield. Discs are often available at local shops or tourism offices.

3. Paid Parking Garages

For longer stays or added convenience, Menton has several underground paid parking garages. To save money, consider booking your parking spot through their website, which often offers discounts if you reserve at least three hours before you plan to park.

4. Stay Connected with Digital SIM Cards

Public Wi-Fi isn’t widely available in Menton, so staying connected requires a bit of planning. A digital SIM card is a great option for reliable internet access throughout your trip. We recommend checking out what Airalo has to offer for hassle-free coverage.

5. Why Travel Insurance Is a Must

Travel insurance can save you from unexpected hassles, whether it’s a delayed train, a sudden health issue, or misplaced luggage. We’ve partnered with Heymondo to offer a special 5% discount—check to see if this deal applies based on your country of residence and enjoy peace of mind during your trip.

6. Exploring by Car

If you’re planning to explore Menton and the rest of the French Riviera by car, booking in advance is highly recommended. Opt for a smaller vehicle, as the narrow streets of old towns and tight parking lots can be tricky to navigate. We booked with Discover Cars, opted for a full coverage, and had a good experience. 

Where to Stay in Menton?

The most convenient hotels in Menton are clustered around two railway stations—the main city station, Menton, and Menton Garavan, the last stop before the Italian border.

When choosing where to stay in Menton while exploring the South of France, a good rule of thumb is to book within a 10-15 minute walk from either station and close to the sea. Menton is a perfectly walkable town, and the central areas are filled with cafes, stores, and parks to enjoy.

The area around Garavan has a more historic feel. It’s a quieter, residential area but still central, providing a mix of natural beauty and easy access to Sablettes Beach and the lush Botanical Garden. Garavan also offers views of the old town’s skyline.

This skyline forms a striking wall of warm-toned buildings—sunlit yellows, deep ochres, and rich reds—all cascading down the hillside. At the heart of this view, the bell tower of the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange rises above, its silhouette creating a natural divide between the historic and newer parts of town.

Behind this colorful wall of buildings lies Menton’s Vieux Ville—a part of town closer to the central railway station. This area is also the shopping heart of Menton, centered around the pedestrian-friendly Rue Saint-Michel, lined with boutiques and street cafes. The main beach here is Plage du Fossan, located near the Promenade du Soleil. Slightly smaller than Plage des Sablettes, Fossan is still easily accessible from the Old Town and has a livelier atmosphere, with waves that are often higher than the calm, sheltered waters of Sablettes Beach.

Is Menton Worth Visiting in Fall?

Not to discourage those who don’t have the flexibility to shift their vacations to September or early October. Just leaving a tiny thought here—if you have the chance to visit Menton in fall rather than during the hot and busy summer months, don’t hesitate!

I stayed in this lovely coastal town until the last week of October, and right up to my final day, I enjoyed daily swims in the sea, quality beach time on uncrowded public beaches, easy parking, and the chance to soak in Menton’s unique aesthetics at a relaxed, unhurried pace. It felt like I had this gorgeous location to myself.

As I wandered through Menton’s old town with its narrow streets and passages, I couldn’t help but think how much higher the foot traffic must be in peak season. This town wasn’t built for a big influx of tourists. Perhaps that’s why a summer wave of travelers tends to view it as just a day trip from Nice. In fall, Menton truly comes alive in full color, with a charm that’s best savored at a slower pace. 

The Best Day Trips from Menton

At first glance, it might seem that Menton, located on the outskirts of the Côte d’Azur, is not the best base for a French Riviera vacation. Despite appearing distant from the cluster of main attractions of the region, this vibrant town is actually an ideal base for exploring the coast (and nearby Italy). It’s well-connected to all major destinations via rail and an extensive network of toll roads.

I chose Menton as my base for a French Riviera vacation and was able to explore all the scenic coastal towns by train, visit picturesque inland villages by bus, and even hike the Calanques of Marseille (I rented a car for that).

In this section dedicated to day trips from Menton, I’ll group all noteworthy locations by proximity to town and recommend the best ways to reach each destination.

30–40 minutes from Menton

• Within this distance, you can visit the luxurious Principality of Monaco (by train)—a destination packed with enough points of interest to keep you engaged for an entire day. 
• Another option is the lovely, peaceful Beaulieu-sur-Mer. From the railway station, a scenic hiking trail around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat begins, leading to the iconic Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild after a 3-4 hour walk. 
• You can also take a TER train to Villefranche-sur-Mer, known for its colorful, hilly landscape, scenic port, and narrow, winding streets, or travel one stop further to the iconic city of Nice.

1 hour from Menton

• Both the laid-back, artsy town of Antibes and the vibrant city of Cannes are within an hour’s train ride from Menton, each offering plenty to fill a full day’s itinerary. 
• If you have a car, then within an hour or so, you can reach the charming village of Mougins. Known for its art galleries and delightful Mediterranean vibe, Mougins is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and history. It’s also famously linked to Picasso, who spent his final years here.

Up to 2 hours from Menton

• Within this range, you can comfortably reach Grasse, the capital of perfumery, located further inland.
• Alternatively, you could disembark earlier at Cagnes-sur-Mer and catch the 655 bus from the station, which will take you to St. Paul de Vence—a small, postcard-perfect village on a hill overlooking the Côte d’Azur.

Up to 3 hours from Menton

• While this might seem ambitious, with meticulous planning and a rental car, you can drive through the breathtaking Verdon Gorge. This includes stopping for lunch in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and perhaps a refreshing plunge in Lac de Sainte-Croix. 
• Another option is to head to Cassis for a hike in Calanques National Park, followed by a delicious dinner and a leisurely evening stroll. 

I’ve done all of the mentioned trips and wholeheartedly recommend them, including the seemingly distant journeys to Verdon Gorge and Cassis—especially if you’re not the only designated driver, so someone else can take the wheel on the way back. It’s also wise to balance ambitious day trips like Verdon Gorge or the Calanques with more laid-back days in Menton.

Alternatively, all of these destinations can be explored hassle-free through carefully curated guided tours, of which there are plenty available in the area.

Final Thoughts

If Menton has inspired you to explore more of the region, you’re in luck! The French Riviera is dotted with equally iconic destinations, each with its own allure. From the glamour of Monaco and Cannes to the artistic vibes of Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, this stretch of coastline is a treasure trove of experiences. Our blog covers these locations extensively, offering travel tips, itineraries, and hidden gems to help you make the most of your Riviera adventure. So, as you plan your journey, be sure to dive into our guides for even more unforgettable destinations in this stunning part of France.