Just less than an hour away from The Mall Sanremo,  the stunning town of Menton – also known as the “Pearl of France” – is not only an exclusive location, but also a town steeped in art, nature and culture.

THE OLD TOWN
After going for a stroll along the elegant Promenade du Soleil, visit the lively Baroque centre of Menton with its narrow streets lit by the colours of the sea and the land. The Basilica of San Michele Arcangelo stands among the buildings from where you can soon reach the picturesque cemetery of the old castle. As you walk down from there, you will also discover the Museum of Regional Prehistory, small but a fascinating exploration of human evolution.

LE SABLETTES BEACH
Gentle waves and shallow water with the lively square of Sablettes and the colourful historic town in the background.

BOTANICAL GARDEN VAL RAHMEH-MENTON
An extraordinary collection of about 1,700 species of plants from all over the world, divided into themes, including tropical and subtropical areas, fruit trees and medicinal plants. A beautiful pond of water lilies with the colour of the blue sea in the background.

HALLES MARKET
It is the historic covered market of Menton located between the fishing port and the baroque city at the foot of the bell tower known as the “Campanin”. It has been more than 120 years that every morning the local people as well as tourists come here to buy fresh products such as fish, cheese, meat, vegetables and wine.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JEAN COCTEAU
The great Jean Cocteau is one of the most distinguished visitors to have fallen in love with Menton. While the artist was busy decorating the town hall’s wedding hall, he noticed a 17th-century bastion. The plan to make it his own museum was accomplished only 3 years after his death. A second museum was dedicated to him in 2011 which houses the Séverin Wunderman collection, a building you cannot fail to miss, but is currently closed.

LA FÊTE DU CITRON
Also known as “Carnival of Menton” with its spectacular floats made from lemons – the town’s typical product – and citrus fruits. It is the most awaited event in Menton, which takes place around the second half of February.

(ph. Canmandawe, Fulvio Ciccolo, Anatoli Nicolae – Unsplash)