Menton Old Town Nice
A pastel-hued gem on the French Riviera, Menton charms with its lemon legacy, Italian flair, and relaxed Mediterranean pace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Menton Old Town Nice
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pastel-hued gem on the French Riviera, Menton charms with its lemon legacy, Italian flair, and relaxed Mediterranean pace.
"Menton is a surprising gem! A must! Just stop reading and go. Explore!"
Train is King 🚆
Easy and affordable train rides from Nice (approx. 30-40 mins). Coastal views are a bonus!
Wes Anderson Vibes 🍋
Embrace the colorful, quaint streets that feel like a movie set. Perfect for photos!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pastel-Colored Old Town
Vieille Ville
Wander through narrow, picturesque alleys lined with colorful buildings. A true fairytale setting!
Basilica of Saint Michel Archange
Old Town Square
Climb the iconic 'escaliers' for breathtaking views from this Baroque beauty.
Menton's Lemon Legacy
Throughout the town
Discover lemon boutiques and taste the famous 'Citron de Menton' in local treats.
Sablettes Beach
Seaside
Enjoy a relaxed vibe on this beach, offering lovely views of the town's skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lemon Charm
Day Trip or Overnight?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Train is King 🚆
Easy and affordable train rides from Nice (approx. 30-40 mins). Coastal views are a bonus! 
Wes Anderson Vibes 🍋
Embrace the colorful, quaint streets that feel like a movie set. Perfect for photos!
Lemon Lover's Paradise 🍋
Don't miss lemon-themed shops and treats. The 'Citron de Menton' is a local specialty.
Explore Beyond the Beach 🏘️
Climb to the Basilica for stunning views and get lost in the charming old town alleys.
Tips
from all over the internet
Train is King 🚆
Easy and affordable train rides from Nice (approx. 30-40 mins). Coastal views are a bonus!
Wes Anderson Vibes 🍋
Embrace the colorful, quaint streets that feel like a movie set. Perfect for photos!
Lemon Lover's Paradise 🍋
Don't miss lemon-themed shops and treats. The 'Citron de Menton' is a local specialty.
Explore Beyond the Beach 🏘️
Climb to the Basilica for stunning views and get lost in the charming old town alleys.
Quiet Gem 🙂
Menton is less crowded than Antibes, offering a more relaxed experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Menton is widely praised as a surprising gem and one of the most beautiful cities on the French Riviera, offering a lovely climate, gardens, and a blend of French and Italian cuisine. Visitors are captivated by its colorful old town, charming port, and relaxed atmosphere, often wishing they could stay longer. While some mention crowds during fairs, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.
"There was a fair going on near the port, but once you were through that, it was a beautiful port town. The streets are full of the hustle and bustle of town life, but the views and architecture are undeniably stunning. I wish I could have spent longer exploring. I will definitely be back in this town. There are so many places for you to choose from for coffee, food, and ice cream on a warm day. I'd recommend making a visit here for the day. It's beautiful 😍"
Emily Emz
"One of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen"
Jamie Tatum
"A surprising gem! A must! Just stop reading and go. Explore!"
James Nguyen DMD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest and most popular way is by train from Nice. It takes about 30-40 minutes and trains run frequently. The bus (Line 600) is also an option, offering scenic coastal views but taking longer (around 1 hour). Driving is also quick, about 26-30 minutes.
No, the train is quite affordable. A return trip from Nice to Menton can cost around 5 euros, making it a budget-friendly option for a day trip.
Yes, it's manageable to visit Eze, Monaco, and Menton in a single day if you start early and are efficient. Many travelers combine these destinations for a packed but rewarding day.
Yes, Menton is situated right on the Italian border. You can easily pop over to Italian towns like Bordighera for lunch or explore nearby Italian areas.
The train is highly recommended for its speed, affordability, and convenience for traveling between towns like Nice, Monaco, and Menton.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Menton's Old Town is a public area, so there are no tickets required to wander through its charming streets and alleys. You can explore freely.
Most of Menton's charm lies in its public spaces like the Old Town, beaches, and squares. Specific attractions like museums or gardens may have entrance fees, but exploring the town itself is free.
As Menton's Old Town is a public area, it's accessible at all times. Individual shops, restaurants, and any museums will have their own operating hours, which can vary.
Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or on weekdays can help you avoid the peak summer crowds. Early mornings are also generally quieter.
Yes, Menton can be a budget-friendly destination, especially if you utilize the affordable train travel from Nice and enjoy exploring the free public spaces like the Old Town and beaches.
📸 📸 Photography
Menton is incredibly photogenic! Key spots include the pastel-colored buildings of the Old Town, the 'Escaliers' (stairs), the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, the seafront, and the charming 'staircase street'.
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 the vibrant colors still pop.
Yes, views from the port or the beach offer fantastic perspectives of the colorful town cascading down to the Mediterranean Sea.
Menton's distinctive pastel facades are a result of its unique history and architecture, blending French and Italian influences. The vibrant colors create a picturesque and almost fairytale-like atmosphere.
Absolutely! Menton is known for its lemons. You'll find lemon boutiques selling various products, and the citrus groves themselves offer great photo opportunities, especially during harvest season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Menton is famous for its lemons, so try anything with 'Citron de Menton,' like lemon tarts, sorbets, or limoncello. Local specialties also include barbajuan (a fried ravioli) and fresh seafood.
Yes, the Old Town and the port area are filled with charming restaurants offering both French and Italian cuisine. Many provide lovely views and a delightful atmosphere.
For authentic local specialties, look for restaurants that highlight regional dishes. JR Bistronomie is recommended for relaxed French fare, and Sini is known for local specialties like barbajuan. +1
While traditional French and Italian cuisine can be meat and seafood-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. Fresh salads and vegetable-based dishes are usually available. It's always best to check menus or ask.
Menton offers a delightful dining scene with a mix of casual cafes, traditional bistros, and more upscale restaurants. The influence of both French and Italian cuisine is evident.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't extensive dedicated children's attractions, the novelty of the colorful buildings and the chance to try unique lemon-flavored ice creams or pastries can keep kids engaged. The train journey itself can also be an adventure for children. Remember to bring sun protection and stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for smaller cafes and bakeries for more reasonably priced meals and snacks. While some restaurants can be pricey, many offer good value, especially if you opt for daily specials. Staying overnight in Menton can also be more economical than in larger Riviera cities, offering a chance to experience its charm at a slower pace and lower cost.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best light, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset, which cast a warm glow on the colorful facades. The seafront and harbor also provide excellent vantage points for capturing the town's picturesque setting against the Mediterranean. Even the local lemon boutiques and produce stalls offer colorful and interesting subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Menton: The Scenic Train Route
+1Beyond the train, the bus (Line 600) provides an even more leisurely, albeit longer, coastal journey. For those who prefer to drive, the route is direct and takes about 26-30 minutes. However, parking in the Old Town can be challenging, so the train remains the most recommended mode of transport for ease and enjoyment.
The proximity of Menton to the Italian border also means that venturing into Italy for a day trip is a simple addition to your itinerary. Towns like Ventimiglia are easily accessible by train, allowing you to experience two countries in a single day.
Exploring Menton's Old Town: A Pastel Paradise
As you wander, you'll discover hidden squares, charming boutiques, and local eateries. The town's unique blend of French and Italian influences is palpable in its architecture and ambiance. Menton is also renowned for its 'Citron de Menton' – a special variety of lemon. You'll find numerous shops selling lemon-themed products, from soaps and perfumes to delicious lemon-infused treats and drinks.
While Menton is a popular day trip destination, many visitors suggest that staying overnight allows for a more immersive experience. This allows you to enjoy the town's slower pace, explore its markets, and savor its culinary offerings without the rush of a day trip.
Menton's Culinary Delights: Lemons and Beyond
+1 Beyond citrus, Menton offers a delightful mix of French and Italian flavors. Look for local specialties like 'barbajuan,' a savory fried pastry filled with chard and ricotta, a recommendation from Reddit users. The town boasts a variety of dining options, from casual seaside cafes to more traditional restaurants tucked away in the Old Town. The port area also offers great spots for enjoying fresh seafood with a view. For those seeking authentic local experiences, restaurants like Sini are praised for their regional specialties.
While exploring, you'll find numerous lemon boutiques selling everything from soaps and liqueurs to jams and candies, all featuring the town's signature citrus. This focus on local produce and traditional recipes makes dining in Menton a truly flavorful experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit