A beautiful and much overlooked town on the border between France and Italy has been dubbed the “Pearl of the Rivera”, with sun 300 days of the year.
Seaside town Menton is an ideal getaway for holidaymakers seeking the cuisine and romance of Nice and Cannes without the legions of tourists.
Visitors can enjoy its pastel-coloured buildings, sunswept harbour and colossal lemon groves in this picturesque hidden gem.
Menton was once part of Sardiania and Monaco before before officially becoming part of France in 1860.
Lemon production has long been a pillar of the town’s economy, and it holds an annual festival celebrating their trade in citrus fruits.
Menton has a population of around 30,000, and is the last large town on the France–Italy border meaning there are various attractions laid on with tourists in mind.
Travel blogger Sophie Nadaeu said the town is “the pearl of France because of its sheer beauty”. It’s the kind of destination that you’ll be thinking of for years to come after departure and is often touted by visitors as one of the towns that they would most like to return to along the French Riviera,” she added on her website Solo Sophie.
Mention enjoys sun through much of the year and is purportedly the warmest town along the French Riviera. Sunseekers flock to its largest beach Les Sablettes Beach, with shallow waters perfect for younger holidaymakers.
Showers and toilets are also available at the beach during the summer. And then you need a break from the sun, its promenade is dotted with palm trees, pergolas and water fountains where you can cool off.
There are also a number of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby, where you can sample some delicious local cuisine. The pebbled Marché Beach is also a highlight, and has showers and mutiple entrances to the beach, making it easier for visitors with mobility issues.
There’s also plenty of local culture to enjoy, including the Jean Cocteau Museum, which celebrates the life of the French poet and playwright.
Menton is also easily accessible, just 45 minutes from Nice Airport by car. Flights are also affordable, with the likes of Ryanair and easyJet offering flights to the airport from London Stansted and London Luton, respectively, from round £30.
You can also get direct flights from other London airports, in addition to Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Leeds.