Discover Menton

Menton offers a range of ways to shape your stay, from garden history and citrus culture to historic architecture, art and the beach. This makes it easy to compare what Menton has to offer with a particular focus in mind.

Garden history at Serre de la Madone

Serre de la Madone was designed by Major Lawrence Johnston between 1919 and 1939. Its winter garden is located in the Vallon de Gorbio and was created around an enlarged former farmhouse. It was intended for plants brought from East Asia or Africa. The garden’s history and original purpose give it a distinctive botanical character.

Guided tours in French take place at 3 pm on every day the garden is open. As access arrangements vary by season, check them before your visit and factor the tour into your day’s plans.

Experience citrus: festival, route and orchards

The Fête du Citron® features parades with floats decorated with citrus fruit motifs and an exhibition of citrus-themed displays in the Jardins Biovès. In 2019, the festival was recognised by the French Ministry of Culture and added to France’s inventory of intangible cultural heritage. If you’d like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates and programme for that year’s edition.

The Route du Citron starts at the tourist office in the Palais de l’Europe, 8 avenue Boyer. It offers the chance to meet producers and craftspeople of the IGP-certified Menton lemon. Domaine Gannac also offers guided tours of its citrus orchards, including tastings. Check the booking details in advance if you plan to take part.

Old town, monuments and art

Menton’s remarkable and well-preserved architectural and botanical heritage brings together Gallo-Roman, Mediterranean and Renaissance influences. The city received the “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” designation in 1991. In the historic old town, colourful façades and a maze of lanes stretch from the Italian border to Cap Martin. Here, you can trace the city’s history from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period.

Individual landmarks also reflect the city’s history: Saint-Michel Church and the Chapelle de la Conception have been protected as historic monuments by decree of 3 March 1947. The Museum of Fine Arts in the Palais Carnolès is housed in the former summer residence of the Princes of Monaco. Its painting collection spans the 13th century to the present day; the museum also hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists.

Panoramic views and the beach

Vieux Château Cemetery is reached by narrow steps and offers panoramic views across the entire Bay of Menton. Bear the steps in mind when planning your visit to this viewpoint.

Plage Rondelli is located in front of the port of Garavan. This small sandy beach has views of the old town, is easily accessible thanks to the large car park next to it, and is particularly suited to families. Seasonal services may vary. You can choose from different focuses for your trip, such as a day at the beach, a garden tour or a visit to a historic site.

Search for hotels in Menton by travel interest

Whether you’re interested in a citrus festival, gardens, art or the history of the old town, first decide which experiences you want to shape your trip. If you’re planning your stay around the Fête du Citron®, the dates and programme for that edition are important planning details; for a guided tour or orchard visit, check the available times or booking details.

Discover more destinations: Valbonne, La Roquette-Sur-Var, Cipières, Roure, Rigaud, Vence, Saint-Laurent-Du-Var, Saint-Paul-De-Vence.

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.