Menton, France-a popular resort town, as well as a port and commune, where you can relax almost all year round. The area is famous for its abundance of greenery, ancient architecture and many interesting historical sites.
General information
Menton is the easternmost resort on the Cote d’Azur, located between the Principality of Monaco and the Italian Riviera. The quiet seaside town, imbued with the flavor of two unique cultures, is not as widely known as, for example, Cannes and Nice, but it is also very interesting. It is a place where the cultures of both countries are closely intertwined, and baroque cathedrals and chic palaces are perfectly combined with modern buildings and typical terracotta houses. In addition, there are many beaches, picturesque promenades, citrus and olive groves, well-groomed parks and squares. You can move around the city on foot or by bike – time passes unnoticed.
The area of the commune is 71.00 km2, the population is almost 28 thousand people. It is believed that this place was inhabited in the Paleolithic period, but the first mention of Menton dates back to July 21, 1262. In the Middle Ages, this territory belonged to the family of the Count of Ventimiglia, and in the 13th century it passed to the Genoese. It was they who built the new castle, around which the whole settlement gradually grew. Over the long history of its existence, the city managed to change several owners: it was part of Monaco, then returned to the possession of France and even managed to visit the protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
Now it is a popular French resort, the tourist boom in which began in 1861 after the publication of the book by the English Doctor J. R. R. Tolkien. Bennett. Then aristocrats from Great Britain and Russia began to come to Menton, along with whom more and more luxurious palaces and hotels began to appear on the city streets.
The main reason for the popularity of the commune is the wild beaches, convenient geographical location and very “successful” climate – mild Mediterranean. The city is characterized by wet winters without frosts and warm, but not sultry summers. January is considered the coolest month –the air temperature at this time is about +10°C. The hottest is July, when the thermometer rises to +25°C. Thanks to the sea breeze, the heat is practically not felt, and the city is protected from cold winds by high mountains.
The main symbol of Menton is lemons. In general, there are a lot of citrus orchards and groves, which also grow tangerines, oranges and grapefruits. In local shops, you can find a large number of lemon perfumes, various sweets, as well as liqueurs and tinctures made from citrus fruits.
Menton attractions
Menton is a city in France, where interesting historical, architectural and natural sites are found at every turn. Let’s describe the most popular ones.
Val Ramet-Menton Botanical Garden
Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton is one of the city’s best natural attractions. It was built in the 19th century, and in 1967 it became part of the National Museum of Natural History. Now you can see several separate zones here-the Mediterranean zone, the zone of medicinal plants, the spice garden, as well as a pond with water lilies and Indian lotuses. A special pride of this place is the huge amount of herbs, shrubs, flowers, trees imported to Menton from tropical and subtropical countries. In total, more than 700 species of fruit, palm, lily and medicinal plants grow in the garden.
- Location: Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton Avenue Saint-Jacques
06500 Menton, France. - Opening hours: April-September: from 09: 30 to 12: 30 and from 14: 00 to 18: 00, October-March: from 09: 30 to 12: 30 and from 14: 00 to 17: 00. Weekend – Tuesday, December 25, May 1.
- Prices: full ticket – 7 €, discount-5€, guided tour – 3,5 €.
- Some categories of visitors are entitled to free access to the garden. For more information, please visit the official website: www.jardinbotaniquevalrahmehmenton.fr.
Promenade Du Soleil
The Promenade du Soleil (“Walk of the Sun”) is a famous French promenade, a favorite tourist destination and also the main street of the resort. It stretches along the pebbly beaches, parks and the tourist center of Menton for more than 3 km. Here you can simply walk, sit in a cafe or restaurant with beautiful terraces, look into a souvenir shop or shops. The promenade offers a wonderful panorama of authentic city buildings and the French Riviera.
Location: Prom. du Soleil 06500 Menton, France.
Fontana Rosa Garden
Fontana Rosa or Writers ‘ Garden is an important cultural and historical monument located in a quiet part of the city and dedicated to the memory of famous writers. It can be recognized by its exquisite gazebos, Valencia-style ceramic tiles and numerous swimming pools. The architecture of the garden is clearly a mixture of Arabic-Persian and Andalusian styles. In addition, there is a lot of greenery, fragrant roses, palm trees and banana trees grow everywhere.
The entrance to Fontana Rosa is “guarded” by busts of Dickens, Shakespeare, Cervantes and Balzac. There are also several low-rise buildings in the garden – such as the 19th-century Villa Emilia and a ceramic mansion. Now it has a library and a cinema hall. The architectural complex also includes a marble colonnade, an aquarium, ceramic benches, and a concrete gazebo. In the center of the house itself is a huge rounded staircase.
- Location: 6 Av. Blasco Ibanez, 06500 Menton, France.
- Full price: 6 €.
- Opening hours: Fridays from 10: 00 to 12: 00.
St. Michael’s Basilica
The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel began construction in 1619 under the direction of the Genoese architect Laurent Lavagna. Due to the fact that the work on cleaning the site was very delayed, the first service in the church was held only in 1653, and the building itself was consecrated in 1675. Even later, the basilica was decorated with a bell tower, and it took 100 years to complete the facade.
The church building is decorated in a typical Baroque style and features a main altar made of polychrome marble from the 18th century. Above it is a sculpture of the Archangel Michael, who is chasing a Demon. Also in the interior there are many paintings, an old pulpit, an Italian organ and a Tuscan column. But the largest part of the church is occupied by the original parvis caladé, which has now been completely reconstructed. And pay attention to the church yard – it took more than 250 thousand stones to restore it.
Now the Basilica of St. Michael is included in the list of important historical monuments. It hosts not only services, but also various events, such as the August Classical Music Festival.
- Address: Place de l’Eglise, Menton, France.
- Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 15: 00 to 17: 00.
Port of Menton
Vieux Port de Menton, located near the bastion, is ideal for leisurely promenades. There are no large ships here, mostly local fishermen’s boats or small yachts are moored. But it is from here that you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the historic center of Menton and its surroundings. In addition, the port area offers several cobbled quays that stretch along the entire Mediterranean coast. At the end of the walk, we recommend that you stop by cafes or restaurants and taste local cuisine.
- Location: Quai Napoleon III, 06500 Menton, France.
- Opening hours: daily from 07: 00 to 21: 00.
- Official website: www.ports-menton.fr.
Roquebrune Castle (Grimaldi)
Built in the Middle Ages, Roquebrune is located in the mountain village of the same name near the resort of Cap Martin and is one of the oldest castles in France. At the time of construction, its main task was to protect the coastal settlement from attacks by sea robbers. It is for this reason that Grimaldi has thick strong walls, loopholes, battlements on the walls, cannon embrasures. The building received its name in the middle of the 12th century, when the city passed into the possession of Genoa. It was at that time that an observation tower was added to the castle.
Throughout its long “life” Roquebrune was rebuilt many times and supplemented with new elements. Now it is a large-scale complex with a reception hall, an archers ‘ room dug into the rock, a kitchen, an armory, a terrace and a covered ring road. On the top floor of the castle there is a viewing platform, which offers a beautiful view of the Principality of Monaco, Cape Martin, the mountains and the roofs of the village. There is a grocery store downstairs.
- Address: 06190 Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.
- Opening hours: daily from 10: 30 to 18: 30.
- Admission: from 3 € depending on the ticket type.
- Official website: www.roquebrune-cap-martin.com.
Old Castle Cemetery
The old Castle is a forgotten Orthodox cemetery in Menton, where Russian officers and other famous personalities are buried. On the territory of the cemetery, created in 1880 specifically for the Russian colony, there is the Sorrowful Chapel, a beautiful quadrangular structure with a small bell tower. For a long time it was in a neglected state and only a few years ago it was completely restored.
- Address: unu, Mnt du Souvenir, 06500 Menton, France.
- Opening hours: daily from 07: 00 to 17: 00.
- Admission is free.
Church of the Most Holy Theotokos and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
It was built in 1892 for the Russian charitable society. Migrants from Russia who lived in Italy also came here. Artist N. Yurasov and the Vice-Consul of Russia took part in the interior design of the church. Icons for her were painted by famous painters-Bryullov and Benoit. In the 20s of the last century, the cathedral temporarily did not work. During the Second World War, the dome of the church and the facade were very badly damaged, but in the late 50s they were completely restored.
Official website: www.eglise-orthodoxe-menton.com.
Beaches of Menton
Menton’s beaches stretch along the Promenade du Soleil. They are conventionally divided into western and eastern ones. The first ones are covered with large pebbles, the second ones are covered with smaller pebbles. The sun umbrella comes in easily. Special shoes will not be needed in most cases. If you go a little further, the pebbles will be replaced by sand. All recreation areas (and there are quite a lot of them – especially near the Italian border) are clean and well-groomed. Each is equipped with simple shower heads and underground sewage treatment systems.
Western Beaches
Plage du Borrigo
Borrigo, often called the first from Italy, is not popular with tourists. It has a narrow coastline and poorly developed infrastructure. In addition, it is remote from the center and is surrounded on almost all sides by steep cliffs. But the locals are very happy to relax here, because they consider it the cleanest in all of Menton. In addition, there is a parking lot nearby, there is enough space for everyone.
Plage du Casino
It is named after the famous “Menton Casino”, built on the first line. It is also quite narrow, covered with coarse pebbles, with a warm, very clear sea. And most importantly, du Casino is the only beach in Menton equipped for wheelchair users.
Plage de Fossan
The coast here is much wider, the cover is large golden sand. The place itself is very quiet and peaceful – a good choice for children. It also offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, such as the Old Town and the Jean Cocteau Museum. Another feature of de Fossan is the presence of floating pontoons and a rescue station.
Eastern beaches
Located in close proximity to the city’s shopping districts, they are covered with fine sand. There are always a lot of people here.
Plage des Sablettes
One of the most visited beaches in Menton, it is characterized by a wide coastline, well-groomed territory and the availability of amenities. The shore is very shallow, there are always a lot of kids. It also offers a picturesque view of the Old Port and the bay.
Plage Rondelli
Another beautiful beach with a wide sandy shore, calm shallow sea and a pleasant atmosphere. This place is loved by both tourists and locals. It is popular among young people and volleyball fans.
Municipal beaches are simple and have no entertainment. But in Menton there are many private recreation areas that offer a completely different service for a small fee. They will have sun beds, normal cabins, and other services.
Where to stay?
Menton lives on tourism alone, so it has a lot of places to stay. In fact, the city can be divided into 2 parts. The first, more modern and fashionable, stretches along the coast and includes areas such as Hameau du Cap-Martin, La Madone and Garavan. This also includes the central part of the city and the Montleon embankment, along which the most luxurious villas and apartments are concentrated. In addition, these areas are characterized by a well-developed transport connection and a variety of round-the-clock service services that allow you to quickly reach any local attractions.
The second location is located in a valley between mountain ranges. This area is mostly inhabited by local gardeners, so it is rarely indicated on maps. No less noteworthy is the Old Town with its Baroque architecture, narrow streets and special atmosphere.
Menton is very calm, there are no dangerous areas, and the police are not asleep, so when choosing an area, be guided by your interests. If you want to live closer to the sea, give preference to hotels on private beaches. But for lovers of silence and nature, a house in the valley is more suitable.
As for the cost of living, a double room in a 3* hotel or apartment will cost about 100 € per night, in a 5* hotel-from 550 €.
How to get to Menton?
The closest airport for domestic and international flights to Menton is located in nearby Nice. The distance between the cities is about 40 km. There are several ways to overcome it.
Bus
There are 2 regular express trains from Nice to Menton via Monaco:
| Route number | Places of departure | The gap | Ticket price | Travel time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| №100Menton Gare Routière – Monaco –Nice Ville. | Terminal # 1 – 3 platform.Terminal # 2-2 platform | Twice an hour from 05: 50 (07: 00 on holidays and Sundays) to 20: 00. There are no departures at night. | 1,50 € | Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| №110Menton Gare Routière – Monaco – Aéroport De Nice | 1 time per hour from 06: 15 to 19: 15. From Mon. to Fri. there is an additional flight at 05: 30. | 22 € | ||
| Night Bus # 100 (via Monaco) | 4 times a day from 22: 00 to 01: 30-runs before holidays and from Thu. by sat. | 1,50 € |
Train
Menton has its own train station. Direct trains from Nice depart once an hour. Travel time is 35 minutes. The ticket price is 5.10 €.
In addition trains run from other cities:
| Direction | Travel time | Cost of travel |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco-Menton | 10 min. | 2,10 € |
| Antibes-Menton | 60 min. | 8,80 € |
| Cannes-Menton | 1 h. 20 min. | 10,50 € |
| Grasse-Menton | 2 hours | 13,40 € |
| Avignon-Menton | 3.5 hours | 60 € |
| Paris-Menton | 6 h. 15 min. | 129 € |
Taxi
You can catch a car at the exit of the arrival terminal or book in advance through online services. Travel time is 40 minutes. The issue price is about 80€. Very convenient option for flights at night, tourists with children and large luggage.
Rented car
You can rent a car directly at the airport. The main thing is to have a bank card and an international driver’s license with you. The cities are connected by the A8 highway, which takes about 40 minutes to get there.
Interesting facts
Menton is one of the oldest resorts in France, so there are still a lot of very interesting facts in its history. Here are just a few of them:
- This is the only city in Europe where citrus trees bear fruit all year round. In honor of this feature, an annual lemon festival was organized, which became famous all over the world.
- Vicente Blasco Ibanez, a famous Spanish writer, lived and died in Menton.
- During the Roman Empire, a road passed through the city, connecting Piacenza with Arelates. Now Rue Longue (historical center) is laid in this place.
- Menton, France will be especially interesting for Russian tourists. In the second half of the 19th century, it was a colony of Russia, and the port was the base of the navy. There is also a Russian House in the city, a tuberculosis sanatorium where soldiers of the Russo-Japanese war were treated.
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