What not to miss in Menton
Stroll around Old Town
The old town is the gem of Menton, home to stunning medieval buildings and streets that take your breath away. As you explore the maze of narrow roads, remember this part of town was founded by pirates in the 13th century! Climb the steep streets all the way to the cathedral, admiring the colored houses, the grand villas, and the elegant Baroque buildings around every corner.
Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange
At the top of the old town, discover the beauty of the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange. This gorgeous Baroque cathedral has a stunning facade and interior, complete with a magnificent ceiling mural. The cathedral also has two towers, which are unique, a 35-meter high clock tower and a 53-meter high steeple.
Cemetery
After visiting the cathedral, continue climbing to the cemetery where the castle used to be. Here, discover amazing views across the sea, the terracotta roofs and houses of Menton, and the coastline towards Italy.
Le Val Rahmeh-Menton Garden
A rich history is as much a part of the beautiful Le Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden as the plants are. Built for a noble Menton family as an estate with extensive gardens, it was later acquired by a general in the British army, Lord Percy Radcliffe, and his wife. Radcliffe commissioned an architect to redesign the house in a Provencal Italian style. Radcliffe’s wife died unexpectedly before the house was completed, and it was named Val Rahmeh, which means “valley of tranquility” in Arabic, in memory of her. The last resident, a wealthy English woman, took over the estate in 1952 and added rare plant species from around the world.
Today the home and garden are owned and operated by the Museum of Natural History. They’ve been open to the public since 1967.
Some of the rare flower and plant species include Chinese yam, giant Dutchman’s pipe, Santa Cruz water lily, Japanese medlar, Mexican weeping bamboo, and a Mickey Mouse plant.
Serre de la Madone
The garden was created in 1924–1939 by Lawrence Johnston, who had earlier created in Britain the celebrated Hidcote Manor Garden. It lies on a hillside in the Gorbio valley, with a farmhouse to which Johnston added two large wings. Johnston traveled the world collecting plants, and Serre de la Madone offered an excellent site for plants from subtropical regions. In 1999 the property was purchased by the non-profit Conservatoire du littoral, who began restoring it to Johnson’s design. Today the garden contains a collection of unusual subtropical plants centered on a double pool, and rising in terraces.
Jean Cocteau Bastion Museum
Jean Cocteau was a famous artist and film director who loved Menton. In fact, it was one of his favorite places! Because of this, a museum was dedicated to him within the town, chosen by Jean himself, to display his work. Uniquely, the museum is built within the bastion, a 17th-century fort, that’s been decorated with beautiful mosaics by Jean Cocteau. Whimsical paintings grace the arches and alcoves, and the outside is lovingly decorated with mosaics made of thousands of local pebbles.
Swim at the Menton Beaches
Plage des Sablettes
The best rated of Menton’s beaches, it has a straight coastline, crystal turquoise water and pure golden fine sand, so you don’t need special shoes. The entrance to the water is very smooth. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers, seniors etc. It is partially crowded during the high season.
Plage des Sablettes coast is free for all. This beach has the following amenities, loungers and umbrellas, beach restaurant, changing rooms, showers, toilets.
Plage de Fossan
It is a short straight coastline with crystal blue water and light pebble, so it is recommended to wear special shoes. The entrance to the water is quite sharp. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers etc. It is partially crowded during the high season. Plage de Fossan coast is free for all. This beach has the following amenities, beach restaurant, showers, toilets. During the season this beach line is supervised by a lifeguard.
Plage du Borrigo
It is a straight coastline with crystal blue water and light pebble, so you don’t need special shoes. The entrance to the water is quite sharp. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers etc. It is partially crowded during the high season. Plage du Borrigo coast is free for all. This beach has the following amenities, beach restaurant, showers, toilets. During the season this beach line is supervised by a lifeguard.