The seaside town of Menton, on the Cote d'Azur, is one of the most elegant and picturesque resorts in the region. Located close to the Italian border, the architecture in both the old city and the sea front areas reflect the influence of the town's nearest neighbours. Italianate buildings, wide promenades and lots of gardens give Menton a very different feel to the other holiday destinations on the French Riviera. Even if you are not staying in the town, it is worth jumping on the train and making your way there for the day, whether you spend the day on the beach, exploring the old town and gardens or enjoying one of Menton's many interesting museums.
The Promenade area in Menton is the heart of the town, now that tourism has arrived. This is the place to be seen, especially on an evening when the whole population seems to turn out for a walk before dinner. In the summer, there are often craft stalls, musicians and performers on the Promenade on an evening and there are plenty of bars and restaurants if you want to enjoy a drink or a meal with a sea view. There are several beaches in Menton and most have some public areas if you want to sunbathe for free. If you would rather pay a few Euros for a sun lounger and parasol, there is no shortage of private beach bars either. The beaches are a mixture if sandy and pebbled, but they are immaculately maintained, and there is even an underground water purification system to keep the sea water clean for swimming!
The old town in Menton winds its way up the hill behind the beach, with great views along the coast once you reach the top. There are a number of intriguing religious buildings in the old town, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, built in the 19th century to cater to the increasing numbers of Russian exiles making their homes in this area of France. The Cemetery of the Old Chateau is the final resting place of many Russian and British aristocrats, including William Webb Ellis, the inventor of Rugby. You can take a guided tour of this huge cemetery every Thursday during the summer months.
If you are unlucky enough to be in Menton on a rainy day, there are several museums in the town that will help you pass the time, including several art galleries. One of these galleries is dedicated to the works and life of the French artist Jean Cocteau who lived in Menton and created many of his finest pieces there. If you aren't interested in art, there is also the Regional Pre-Historic Museum which features some of the fascinating artefacts that have been found in archaeological digs in Provence and the Cote d'Azur.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Menton? Then below is a selection of gites in Menton and villas in Menton that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
