Menton
Pastel border town near Italy — lemon groves, gardens, a sun-baked old town.
The call
Worth it if you're watching the budget and you only have one day.
Short answer
Is Menton worth it?
Menton deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
The Riviera's gentlest, sunniest town: a cascade of pastel facades, the baroque St-Michel basilica, exceptional gardens, and a famous lemon festival in February.
- 02
It's wonderfully un-flashy and warm even off-season; the trade-off is it's the furthest coastal day-trip from Nice and quietly low-key — there's no single blockbuster sight.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You're watching the budget
Menton earns the spend, even on a tight budget.
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Menton.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Menton is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Menton is an easy yes.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Train ~€6 each way
- Timing
- Lovely year-round thanks to its microclimate; February for the Fête du Citron.
- Allow
- Half to full day
- Accessibility
- Seafront is flat; the old town and gardens climb steeply.
- Getting there
- ~35 min by train from Nice (~€6 each way); the last French town before Italy.