After our meal, we headed towards the Old Town, strolling through the delightful Place aux Herbes, a square adorned with restaurants and a quaint carousel. We continued along Rue Saint Michel, a lovely pedestrian street flanked by various shops and boutiques. This is an ideal place to explore and purchase Menton’s speciality lemon products, such as lemon-infused olive oil, lemon candles, and lemon-scented soaps.
Rue Longue is the “main street” that goes through the Old Town and is the closest street to the sea. It is one of the must-see destinations in Menton, known for its stunning Old Town. The area is a picturesque blend of buildings painted in shades of pink, red, yellows, peach, and tan, set against cobblestone streets and walls. The streets are decorated with potted plants, and delightful archways and pretty corners can be found throughout the Old Town. This street also crosses paths with the zig-zag stairs leading up to the Basilica, adding to its allure.
The Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel is a grand church that overlooks the city of Menton and commands attention with its striking presence. Built in the late 1600s, this Basilica shares the same golden hue as the rest of the town and features a tall spire and a lavishly decorated interior.
Menton’s old town has unique zig-zagging stairs that lead from the street to the square in front of the Basilica. These stairs blend in with the Mediterranean atmosphere of the city and draw more attention to the grand Basilica at the top of the hill.
There are a few small gardens right by the town centre. These tiny spots, filled with vibrant flowers, bushes and trees, are beautiful to stop by and rest in the shade. They offer a peaceful respite from the bustling streets and a chance to appreciate the delicate beauty of nature.