Menton, a town steeped in history, sits on the Mediterranean coastline of Southern France. It is the last town to the east of the French Riviera before the border with Italy. Certain areas of Old Town Menton provide glimpses of Italy.
Our journey began with a scenic drive along the seafront, where we found parking and walked across the road to a restaurant for lunch. The sight of the beautiful beach with its stunning, crystal-clear turquoise waters was breathtaking. The natural beauty of Menton’s coastline is incredibly inspiring.

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.

We came across several streets branching out from Rue Longue, or the square in front of the Basilica, weaving through the rest of the Old Town. As we went further into the Old Town, we encountered narrower streets and pretty alleys.
Unfortunately, we didn’t quite make it to the top of the hill to the Old Castle Cemetery (built on the ruins of the castle), but we had read it is a lovely place to visit. The views from here are spectacular, offering panoramic views of the town and the azure sea. Evidently, the tombs are large, ornate, and intricately decorated with statues, busts, and medallions, adding to the beauty of the landscape.

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.

The Jean Cocteau Bastion Museum is located in Menton. This abandoned fort is dedicated to the works of the renowned French painter Jean Cocteau. He played an active role in establishing the museum within the Bastion and furnishing it with his and others’ works. Since I’m not a fan of his paintings, we decided not to enter.
Menton is an excellent day out from Niece, Cannes, Antibes, or Monaco.