Menton

Introducing Menton

To the east of Monaco, the pastel-shaded, palm-lined seaside town of Menton is within walking distance of the Italian border.

Bordered by lush gardens and lemon groves, Menton has a pretty pebbled beach and a charming old town. Overall, it’s a lot less touristed (and, hence, generally less expensive) than other spots on the Côte d’Azur. And it’s warmer. Thanks to the surrounding hills, which trap the warm air from the Mediterranean within the town, Menton is said to have the highest temperatures on the coast; it’s not unheard of for it to be snowing in Ventimiglia a few kilometres away while the sun’s shining in Menton.

Menton’s mild subtropical microclimate makes it ripe for cultivating lemons, which take centre stage during the town’s exuberant annual Fête des Citrons (Lemon Festival).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009