Dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Riviera‘, a lovely border town boasts one of the warmest climates along the coastline, thanks to its unique microclimate, ideal for growing beautiful lemon trees.
The lovely microclimate, which grants the southern France town over 300 days of sunshine each year, allows Menton’s famous lemon trees to flourish even in winter, and the town experiences very few rainy days.
Tourists can marvel at rare plants in the Serre de la Madone garden or wander through the medieval old town’s winding cobblestone streets.
This seaside gem offers an ideal escape for those seeking the culinary delights and romantic allure of Nice and Cannes, minus the throngs of tourists.
Visitors are treated to a visual feast of pastel-hued buildings, a sun-kissed harbour, and sprawling lemon groves that paint a picturesque landscape.
Historically, Menton was ruled by the Princes of Monaco before breaking free alongside the town of Roquebrune in hopes of joining the Kingdom of Sardinia, whose rulers in the House of Savoy later became the reigning family of the Kingdom of Savoy.
Holidaymakers can also explore the Jean Cocteau Museum, dedicated to the influential artist, playwright, author and film director.
With a population of approximately 30,000, Menton is the last major town on the France-Italy border, offering a variety of attractions designed with tourists in mind.
No trip to Menton would be complete without sampling the local lemons. Tourists can pick up all sorts of lemon-themed souvenirs from the local market.
For those who can’t make it this summer, there’s always February when they can experience Menton’s incredible Fete du Citron or Lemon Festival.
Menton basks in sunshine for most of the year, earning it the reputation of being the warmest town along the French Riviera.
Its largest beach, Les Sablettes Beach, attracts sun worshippers with its shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for younger holidaymakers.
Showers and toilets are conveniently available at the beach during the summer months. For those seeking respite from the sun, the promenade is adorned with palm trees, pergolas and water fountains for a refreshing cool down.
A variety of restaurants, shops and cafes are within easy reach, offering a taste of the local cuisine.
The pebbled Marche Beach is another highlight, equipped with showers and multiple entrances to accommodate visitors with mobility issues.
Menton is easily reachable, being just a 45-minute drive from Nice Airport. Affordable flights are available via Ryanair and easyJet, flying from London Stansted and London Luton respectively, with prices starting from around £30.
Direct flights are also available from other London airports, as well as Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Leeds.