Menton Town
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Menton - by Norbert Széplaki on Unsplash
Description
Menton is a town at the eastern end of the French Riviera, next to the Italian border, just across from the Ligurian town of Ventimiglia. In fact, it was part of the Republic of Genoa since the 13th century then was ruled by the Princes of Monaco from the 14th century until the French Revolution and seceded from Monaco in 1848 (together with Roquebrune) so that it only became part of France in 1860. Highlights of the town include the baroque basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, its various gardens such as the Jardin Serre de la Madone and the Jean Cocteau collection.
Access & Transport
Menton is on the train line between Nice and Ventimiglia in Italy - respectively 40mins and 20mins rides. The closest airport is Nice, 35km away.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining this activity with a visit to Monaco, if you have not been already. San Remo, in Italy, is 35km / 40mins drive away if that is of interest as well. At the time of this review, the Jean Cocteau collection is still currently housed in Le Bastion after the flood that damaged the "Jean Cocteau collection Séverin Wunderman" Museum in October 2018.
Environmental & Social
The main activities in town have a low carbon footprint. Tourism is a welcome injection of activity and revenues in the local economy and helps preserve the town's architectural, historical and artistic heritages.
Conclusion
Menton is charming and colourful with plenty to see and a pleasant atmosphere so we would strongly encourage visitors on a regional itinerary to make a stop there or visit as a day-trip from Nice.
Key positive
Very agreeable old town and seaside environment
Several attractions worth discovering
Key negative
A little time consuming to get to, except from Nice
Suitability
Most of the key attractions are fully or at least partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 50m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo