Menton, France: Things to Do, Lemon Festival and Day Trip from Nice (2026)

10 best things to do in Menton

1. Climb through the old town

The old town rises steeply from the harbour in a maze of stepped lanes, archways and tall Italian-style houses painted in warm yellows and pinks. Start on the seafront Quai Bonaparte, climb the Rampes Saint-Michel and keep going up for views over the rooftops to the sea.

2. Visit the Basilica of Saint-Michel

At the heart of the old town, the 17th-century Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange is the finest baroque church on the Riviera, with a richly decorated interior. The square in front, paved with a pebble mosaic of the Grimaldi coat of arms, hosts the evening concerts of the Menton Music Festival every summer.

3. See the view from the old cemetery

Keep climbing above the basilica to the Cimetière du Vieux Château, built on the site of the old castle. It has one of the best views in town, over the old town, the harbour and the coast to Italy, and graves of the many British, Russian and other foreign visitors who came here for their health in the 19th century, including William Webb Ellis, the legendary inventor of rugby.

4. Discover Jean Cocteau in Menton

The poet and artist Jean Cocteau loved Menton. The small Bastion museum, a 17th-century fort on the seafront that he restored himself, shows his work and temporary exhibitions (€5, closed on Tuesdays). You can also see the Salle des Mariages in the town hall, the wedding room he decorated with murals. The larger seafront Cocteau museum has been closed for repairs since storm damage in 2018, so check before you plan around it.

5. Come for the Fête du Citron

Every February, The town's lemon festival fills the Bioves gardens with giant sculptures made from tonnes of lemons and oranges, and parades of citrus floats roll along the seafront. The 2027 festival runs from 13 to 28 February, with parades on Sundays. Book accommodation and parade seats well ahead.

6. Explore the gardens of Menton

The mild climate made it a paradise for gardeners. The Val Rahmeh botanical garden, run by the French Natural History Museum, has tropical and subtropical plants around a pretty villa, and the Serre de la Madone, created by the English gardener Lawrence Johnston, is a romantic terraced garden in a valley above the town. Both charge a small entry fee and have seasonal opening hours.

7. Shop at the covered market

The Belle Époque Halles du Marché, near the old town, is the place to buy Menton lemons, olives, cheeses and local specialities such as barbajuan fritters. Go in the morning, when the stalls are busiest, and picnic by the sea afterwards.

8. Swim at the Plage des Sablettes

Most beaches here are pebbly, but the Plage des Sablettes, right below the old town, has sand and calm water, with the basilica as a backdrop. The long Promenade du Soleil, lined with palms and cafés, runs west along the seafront.

9. Walk the coastal path to Cap Martin

West of town, a coastal path follows the rocky shore of Cap Martin towards Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, past luxury villas and wild coves. It passes near Le Corbusier's famous wooden Cabanon, which can be visited on guided tours. Allow two to three hours and bring water.

10. Cross the border to Italy

The Italian border is just a few minutes east, and the train reaches Ventimiglia in about 10 minutes. Its huge Friday market is a favourite day out, and the Italian Riviera's pasta, focaccia and gelato are a fun change. Bring your passport or ID card.