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Wide waterfront area and colorful houses overlooking the sea, Menton, France.

Things to do in  Menton

Land of the lemons

The easternmost Cote d’Azur town, Menton sits so close to the border that it almost seems Italian. With a long history of citrus production, however, it’s lemons that the place is famous for. Its fruit pride is reflected in its looks, with old town buildings painted in a sunny citrus palette of ochre, terracotta, and sherbet lemon. Visitors keen to capture will find photography tours and photo shoot opportunities, while the annual Menton Lemon Festival brings quirky things to do with citrus sculptures, parades, parties, and markets.

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When to visit

The Menton Lemon Festival is the major date in Menton’s calendar, running for two weeks between mid-February and early March. Aside from this, the town is great for visiting year-round, with a stable, warm climate. For swimming, the peak summer months between June and September are ideal. For winter charm, visit in December to catch the Christmas market on the Esplanades des Sablettes.

Getting around

For a town surrounded by steep hills and coast, getting around is easy. Two train stations service the town: Menton is the main station, closest to the walkable (yet steep) old town and pedestrian zone, while Menton Garavan is closer to the gardens, and boasts impressive old town views from the promenade. Nearby coastal towns, including Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, and Sanremo, are easily reachable by train.

Traveler tips

The giant citrus sculptures in Les Jardins Biovès are free to see, but if you want to watch the parades, you’ll need to buy tickets as soon as they become available. Tickets are normally released in the fall each year, and you may need to book Menton accommodation even before this. If it’s booked up, don’t fear: Nice and Antibes are within a half-hour train ride and offer a wide choice of accommodations.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see attractions in Menton?
A:

Gardens are what Menton is known for, with many of them among its top attractions. The Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh, La Ferme des Citrons, and Les Jardins Biovès are popular attractions, along with historical landmarks such as the Basilica St. Michel, a symbol of the town.

Q:When is the best time to visit Menton for the Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron)?
A:

Over the 2-week period when the Menton Lemon Festival is held, the most popular days are those of the processions. On Sundays, the processions are held in the day, so you need to arrive in the morning before the road closures. For evening procession days, arrive by late afternoon.

Q:What are the best beaches for relaxing in Menton?
A:

Plage des Sablettes near Menton old town is a popular white-sand beach with a restaurant that’s one of the town's most popular. If you want a slightly quieter, family-friendly vibe, head west to Plage de Fossan, where a sandy bay stretches to a children’s play area.

Q:What makes the old town of Menton so special?
A:

Ochre, amber, and lemon buildings frame the lanes of Merton's old town, giving way to striking views of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains. It’s a special place with landmarks, like the Basilica St. Michel and the view from the Cemetery of the Old Chateau, adding historic touches to the backdrop.

Q:Is Menton a good destination for hiking?
A:

Yes. Menton is a great base for hikers, with access to hills and the rocky coastline. Expert hikers can tackle the steep, scenic Plan du Lion to Castellar loop from the Garavn neighborhood, while walkers looking for more accessible paths will find coastal routes around the Point du Cap Martin.

Q:Are there any famous gardens to explore in Menton?
A:

Yes, Les Jardins Biovès is where huge lemon structures are displayed during the Menton Lemon Festival. Otherwise, it’s a low-key yet pleasant park. More exciting options include the hilltop Jardin Serre de la Madone and the seafront Jardin Maria Serena in the Petite Afrique neighborhood.

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