ByKyra Heenan Updated on

The Perfect Menton Day Trip: Things to Do + Tips for Your Visit

The vibrant seaside town of Menton (which has rightfully earned the nickname of “the Pearl of France”) is famous for its citrus-hued buildings, warm weather, and crystal-clear blue water. Thanks to its location right on the Italian border, you’ll also spot touches of Italy in the architecture, food, and culture.

Speaking of citrus, Menton has a long history of growing an abundance of lemons, as the Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal spot for producing this fruit. The lemon is the official symbol of the city, and you’ll see lemon motifs sprinkled throughout town!

Since it’s fairly small, you can easily see the best of Menton in a day. It’s a super popular day trip destination for travelers staying in Nice (like I was!) or other nearby towns on the French Riviera. 

I had such a fun time wandering through the old town area, seeing the beautiful architecture, and indulging in lemon treats. I highly recommend carving out some time in your South of France itinerary to visit this idyllic town…even if just for a few hours.

This Menton day trip guide includes everything you need to know for your visit. I’ve included all of the spots to add to your itinerary, as well as key things to keep in mind for a fun and seamless day trip!

A slightly curved narrow street in Menton, with greenery growing up some of the yellow buildings
A view between two yellow and rust colored buildings looking at the beach and sea in Menton
A woman standing towards the bottom of the stairs in Menton, looking up. The spire of the church is peaking out above the stairs at the top of the image.

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Quick Tips for Visiting Menton, France

  • Expect Crowds on Public Transportation – if you’re visiting during peak travel season and plan on taking the train to Menton, be ready to deal with some crowds!
  • Wear Appropriate Shoes – the walkways in Menton (particularly around Old Town) are uneven, and you will be climbing stairs and walking up some hills. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
  • Visiting in Mid-February to Early March? Get Ready for the Lemon Festival – the biggest annual event in Menton is the Fête du Citron, a colorful and lively celebration of the town’s symbol.

How Much Time Do You Need in Menton?

One and a half to two hours is the perfect amount of time for walking around the old town of Menton, shopping and getting a few treats, and going out to the viewpoint of town. Add an extra hour to an hour and a half if you plan on getting a meal while in town, as well as some extra time if you want to hang out at the beach. 

Since you don’t need to dedicate a full day to Menton, I’ve included a few suggestions on additional things to do before or after exploring this idyllic seaside town. My top recommendation is to spend the rest of the day in Èze!

I’ve included Menton in my both my 10-day French Riviera itinerary and 3-day Nice itinerary! Check them out if you’re putting together your South of France itinerary.

How to Get to Menton from Nice

If you’ll be taking a day trip from Nice to Menton, you can travel via train or by car: 

  • By Train – you will take the train to the Menton station (not the Menton Garavan station!). This ride will be about 40 minutes (or less, depending on what station you’re coming from in Nice). Once you arrive at the Menton train station, it’s about a 15 to 20 minute walk over to the old town area. 
  • By Car – if you have a car, the drive to Menton from Nice is about 35 minutes (and is incredibly scenic!). There are numerous places around town to park, including this garage just west of the center of town and this garage closer to the beach. 

The Perfect Day Trip to Menton: A Stop-by-Stop Itinerary

Here is a look at the top things to do in Menton during your day trip. These are what I consider to be the “must-dos” during a short visit…perfect if you want to enjoy the best of this charming seaside town with just a few hours!  

For those planning on staying in town longer (or if you want to customize this itinerary), I’ve also included recommendations for additional things to do in and around town at the end of this guide.

If you’d prefer to explore Menton with a guide, here are some cool experiences to consider booking: 

Explore Menton’s Old Town & See the Iconic Stairs

Begin your day in Menton by exploring the beautiful old town area. This is where the iconic Menton stairs (or “escaliers”, called Les Rampes Saint-Michel) are located. These stairs date back to the mid-18th century.

The golden hue of the stairs glows beautifully in the sunlight – you’ll definitely want to snap a few pictures! You also get amazing views of the Mediterranean as you climb up the stairs. 

Make your way all the way up these stairs, and you’ll find yourself at a scenic square, right in front of the gorgeous Basilique Saint-Michel Archange (built in 1653). It’s open for a few hours every day (except for Sundays), but even if it’s closed, it’s still worth admiring the exterior. Just past the Basilica is the equally as beautiful Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs.

From here, you can get lost wandering through the narrow passageways of Menton’s old town. Every street is beautiful, but there are a few highlights worth saving:

View looking up at a church from the middle of the stairs in Menton. The stairs are painted a golden yellow, and they make a criss-cross pattern
A narrow street in Menton, with buildings painted yellow and orange. There is a black lamp hanging from a building in the foreground.
Two churches next to each other at a square in Menton.

Go Shopping on Rue Saint-Michel

On the south end of the old town is Rue Saint-Michel, a bustling pedestrian street lined with small shops, cafes, and eateries. Many of the stores are definitely a touch touristy, but you’ll find a few gems as you stroll through the area! It’s the spot to visit if you want to pick up a lemon-themed souvenir or do a bit of window shopping. 

Here, you’ll also find plenty of great places to grab a sweet treat, which leads us to the next must-do activity…

Get a Lemon Treat in Town 

You can’t visit Menton without indulging in a lemon treat! One of the must-visit spots is Mitron Bakery, located right off Rue Saint-Michel. Here, you can get a sweet and tangy lemon tart (or “tarte au citron”). I’m usually not the biggest fan of lemon desserts, but this was seriously delicious! 

In addition to the tart, you can also pick up a lemon ice cream. Tutti Frutti is one of the most popular ice cream spots in town, but if they happen to be closed, you’ll see plenty of other places along Rue Saint-Michel. 

A small cart in front of a gift shop in Menton. The cart has yellow and white stripes, and there is a box of lemons, a straw bag, and perfume bottle samples on top. There is a yellow and white umbrella next to it.
An assortment of lemon-themed gifts outside of a gift shop in Menton
A display case of pastries at Mitron Bakery in Menton. The lemon tarte is seen on the right side of the case.

Walk Along Plage des Sablettes & Take in the View of Town

Before leaving Menton, be sure to make your way down towards the water. You can get picture-perfect views of the colorful buildings dotting the hillside from Quai Impératrice Eugénie on the south end of the main beach, as well as Port des Sablettes on the north end. 

It’s also worth walking down the path along Plage des Sablettes. If you want to spend the rest of your day at the beach, this is the place to do it! Enjoy swimming in the clear water while taking in the views of the colorful town. 

A woman sitting on a barrier looking back at the colorful buildings of Menton, right behind the beach.
A view looking across the sea out at the mountains of Menton. There is a white ferris wheel on the beach.
Beach goers on the sand and in the water in the foreground, and the yellow, orange, and pink buildings of Menton in the background

Additional Things to do in Menton 

The above activities are what I consider to be the must-dos…but there is more that Menton has to offer! Here are some additional attractions and activities you can add to your Menton itinerary: 

  • Check Out The Bastion Museum – this small waterfront museum celebrates the work of Jean Cocteau.
  • Explore a Local Botanical Garden – Menton boasts numerous botanical gardens, including Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh and Serre de la Madone.  
  • Visit Cimetière du Vieux Château – situated just above the old town area, this peaceful cemetery offers beautiful views of the sea and town. 
  • Indulge in an Italian Meal – if you’ll be in Menton for lunch or dinner, you’ll want to indulge in some delicious Italian food! Some of the best restaurants in town include L’avenue, Primo (great for a waterfront meal!), and Bar Brasserie Rino. 

How to Spend the Rest of Your Day on the French Riviera 

Here are a few additional suggestions on things to do before or after exploring Menton: 

  • Make a day trip to Èze, a hilltop medieval village. I suggest starting in Eze in the morning and then heading over to Menton in the early afternoon. This is exactly what I did during my French Riviera trip! 
  • Spend half a day exploring Monaco. 
  • Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and swim at Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
  • Head to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and take a boat tour around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. I highly recommend doing this at some point during your Côte d’Azur trip! I did this exact tour, and it was a highlight of my trip.

Enjoy Menton! Here are additional travel guides to help you plan your French Riviera trip: 

Posted In: France, Europe

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Kyra is a travel writer and the founder of Sea to Sequoia, a site she launched in 2020. A California native who has lived in San Diego, the Bay Area, and now Los Angeles, she shares comprehensive itineraries and curated travel guides for the Golden State and dreamy destinations around the world. As a type A traveler and meticulous planner, she gives readers all they need to know to effortlessly plan their next adventure.

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