Menton Old Town
A fairytale town on the French Riviera, Menton Old Town enchants with its pastel buildings, lemon heritage, and stunning Mediterranean views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Menton Old Town
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fairytale town on the French Riviera, Menton Old Town enchants with its pastel buildings, lemon heritage, and stunning Mediterranean views.
"Menton is a little pearl of paradise, a Wes Anderson style day out on the French Riviera."
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone streets and stairs are everywhere in the old town. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
Get lost in the alleys :map:
The charm of Menton's old town is in its hidden corners. Don't be afraid to wander off the main paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange
Old Town
Stunning baroque architecture with breathtaking views over the colorful town and Mediterranean Sea.

Vieux Menton (Old Town)
Central Menton
Wander through a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with vibrant, pastel-colored buildings.

Les Rampes Saint-Michel
Path to Basilica
Iconic yellow stairs offering perfect photo opportunities and a scenic ascent to the basilica.

Jardins Biovès
Near the seafront
Beautiful gardens, especially vibrant during the annual Lemon Festival, showcasing citrus artistry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pastel Charm
Lemon Capital of the Riviera
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone streets and stairs are everywhere in the old town. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
Get lost in the alleys :map:
The charm of Menton's old town is in its hidden corners. Don't be afraid to wander off the main paths.
Lemon treats are a must :lemon:
Try the local lemon specialties, from lemonade to pastries. They're famous for a reason!
Capture the pastel hues :camera_with_flash:
The colorful buildings are incredibly photogenic. Visit during golden hour for magical shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Cobblestone streets and stairs are everywhere in the old town. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
Get lost in the alleys :map:
The charm of Menton's old town is in its hidden corners. Don't be afraid to wander off the main paths.
Lemon treats are a must :lemon:
Try the local lemon specialties, from lemonade to pastries. They're famous for a reason!
Capture the pastel hues :camera_with_flash:
The colorful buildings are incredibly photogenic. Visit during golden hour for magical shots.
Easy day trip from Nice :train:
Menton is only about 35 minutes from Nice by train, making it a perfect day trip destination.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Menton Old Town's picturesque pastel buildings and charming, winding streets, often comparing it to a fairytale. The town's unique lemon heritage and its beautiful setting on the French Riviera are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find the climbs a bit strenuous, but the stunning views and authentic atmosphere are consistently praised.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Menton Old Town from Nice is by train. The TER train line runs frequently and the journey takes approximately 35-45 minutes. You can catch the train from Nice-Ville station. Once you arrive at Menton station, the old town is a short walk away.
While you can drive to Menton, parking in the old town itself can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited spaces. It's often recommended to park in designated car parks outside the immediate old town area and walk in.
The best way to explore Menton Old Town is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be navigating cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and staircases.
Absolutely! Menton Old Town is a very popular and easily accessible day trip destination, especially from Nice and other nearby French Riviera towns.
Yes, Menton is situated right on the French-Italian border, making it a unique destination with influences from both cultures.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entrance fees to explore the streets and public areas of Menton Old Town. You can wander freely through its charming alleys and squares.
Menton Old Town is always open as it's a public area. However, individual shops, cafes, and attractions within the old town will have their own operating hours. It's best to check specific venues if you have particular places in mind.
While the old town itself is free to explore, attractions like the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange are generally free to enter, though donations are appreciated. Some museums or gardens might have admission fees.
Yes, there is a tourist information office located near the old town that can provide maps, brochures, and assistance with your visit.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or on weekdays. Early mornings are also generally quieter than midday.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spots include the colorful streets of Vieux Menton, the yellow staircase 'Les Rampes Saint-Michel', and panoramic views from the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange.
The 'golden hour' just after sunrise or before sunset offers beautiful, soft light that enhances the pastel colors of the buildings. Midday can be harsh, but still offers vibrant scenes.
Drone usage is subject to strict regulations in France, especially in populated areas. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over Menton Old Town.
Menton Old Town is renowned for its unique pastel-colored facades, narrow winding streets, and its picturesque setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
While not as common as in larger cities, you might find local guides offering photography walks. It's worth checking with the local tourist office for recommendations.
🍽️ 🍋 Food & Drink
Menton is famous for its lemons! Don't miss trying local lemon-infused dishes, pastries, and especially fresh lemonade. You'll also find a blend of French and Italian influences in the cuisine.
The old town has many charming restaurants and cafes tucked away in its alleys. Look for places offering local Provençal and Niçoise dishes, often with a Mediterranean flair.
Yes, Menton hosts an annual Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in February, which is a major event celebrating the town's prized lemons with elaborate floats and citrus-themed displays.
You can find more affordable options by looking for bakeries (boulangeries) for sandwiches and pastries, or casual cafes offering daily specials. Socca (a chickpea pancake) is also a delicious and budget-friendly snack.
Besides local wines and aperitifs, be sure to try the refreshing Menton lemonade and other lemon-based beverages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Menton's Old Town
Exploring this area involves a bit of a climb, particularly if you're heading towards the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange. The iconic Les Rampes Saint-Michel, a series of vibrant yellow stairs, leads you upwards, offering increasingly stunning vistas. This ascent is not just a path but an experience, with hidden courtyards and charming nooks to discover along the way.
The town's proximity to Italy is palpable, influencing its architecture, cuisine, and overall atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly get lost and stumble upon delightful surprises at every turn, making it a photographer's and wanderer's paradise.
Menton's Famous Lemons
Beyond the festival, the influence of lemons is evident throughout Menton. You'll find lemon-themed souvenirs, local products like lemon-infused olive oil, and of course, delicious culinary creations. Trying a glass of fresh Menton lemonade or a lemon tart is a quintessential experience for any visitor.
The Jardins Biovès are particularly significant in relation to the lemons, often serving as a venue for the festival's displays. These gardens, along with others like the Serre de la Madone, showcase the region's horticultural richness, with citrus trees being a prominent feature.
Getting Around and Best Views
For the most rewarding views, make your way up to the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange. The climb via Les Rampes Saint-Michel (the yellow stairs) is well worth the effort, offering panoramic vistas of the colorful old town tumbling down to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Consider visiting during the late afternoon for the golden hour, when the pastel buildings are bathed in a warm, soft light, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit