Menton

The Riviera's fragrant lemon town

Nestled into the last curve of the French Riviera, Menton is a balmy idyll. The town is warmer than almost anywhere else on the coast – sheltered by the mountains behind it. That gentle climate has shaped everything here, from the lush gardens to the famous lemons that grow on hillside terraces above the sea.

Menton was part of the Principality of Monaco for 5 centuries, and before that it belonged to Genoa in Italy. You can feel this blended culture in the food, the architecture, and the way life unfolds on the waterfront. Half the conversations you overhear might be in Italian.

The old town, Vieux Menton, climbs over the hillside, all ochre-coloured buildings. It’s very walkable and doesn’t feel overwhelming. Follow the waterside to find the museums and gardens tucked along the way: the Botanics, Jean Cocteau Museum, Jardins Biovès, the Fine Arts Museum at Palais Carnolès.

The Baie du Soleil (literally “Bay of the Sun”) softly throws its waves onto the pebbly beaches. Come on down to enjoy the water. Or relish the views and sea air from the Promenade du Soleil.