Menton

Menton (Italian: Mentone) is "The Lemon Festival Capital of the World". Located in Alpes-Maritimes, France, but next to the border of Italy, it is in many ways more Italian than French. It has its own microclimate, generally milder than the rest of the French Riviera, and became in the late nineteenth century a place where Northern Europeans with tuberculosis came to either regain their health or to die. As a result its cemetery is filled with the graves of notable Englishmen, Germans, and Russians. The old town is largely pedestrianised, which adds to the charm of this sedate resort.

Get in

 * A8 Exit Menton. Follow signs for Centre-Ville.
 * Bas Corniche from Monaco or Italy (Ventimiglia)

Menton has a curious one way system, it is probably a good idea to park near the port and not attempt to drive anywhere else. Although the climb up to the cemeteries is steep on foot it is considerably better than attempting to drive it.

Get around
Menton is reasonably compact and most points of interest are within walking distance.

Attractions such as the cemeteries and the churches are up steep hills and many steps however the views that can be gained are well worth the effort.

Being so close to the Italian border, one can literally walk to Italy. This is definitely more of a novelty than of practical use, as trips into Italy even to the nearby towns are far enough to be made either by rail or by road.

See

 * The charming is compact and largely pedestrianised.
 * Several impressive gardens dotted through the town including those at (Olive trees in Parc du Pian, Jardin Exotique, Villa Fontana Rosa).
 * Casino and the magnificent hotels Royal Westminster and.
 * Several impressive gardens dotted through the town including those at (Olive trees in Parc du Pian, Jardin Exotique, Villa Fontana Rosa).
 * Casino and the magnificent hotels Royal Westminster and.
 * Casino and the magnificent hotels Royal Westminster and.
 * Casino and the magnificent hotels Royal Westminster and.

Events

 * Festival de Musique de Menton is a music festival running through the last day of July to the middle of August. The music is primary classical, with artist and symphony orchestras from all over the world.
 * Festival de Musique de Menton is a music festival running through the last day of July to the middle of August. The music is primary classical, with artist and symphony orchestras from all over the world.

Outdoors

 * Sentier Le Corbusier is a path starting just west of the city of Menton, leading around Cap Martin, with nice views of the sea, and possibilities to go down to beaches or rocks next to the sea. The path continues all the way to Monaco, although the path doesn't have that much of a view after the Roquebrune-Cap Martin train station.

Buy

 * Citrus products
 * Souvenirs

Eat
There are numerous good restaurants in the Old Town and down towards the port, which offer good value for money. Expect to pay €15-20 for the cheapest three course meal set menu. Higher priced menus are, of course, also available.

Sleep




Go next

 * The perched villages inland (Sainte-Agnès and Gorbio).
 * Monaco and Italy are both less than 10 km away.
 * In Ventimiglia (Italy), about 7–10 km east of Menton, the flea market is held every Friday which is located around the main park and the roads by the Mediterrean sea. The vast majority of stalls sell clothes.
 * The town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a few kilometres to the west, features the world heritage listed Cabanon de vacances, the vacation home of the architect Le Corbusier (which he designed).