If places like Nice and Cannes feel a bit too loud, glossy, or crowded, Menton is where things calm down. Sitting right on the French-Italian border, this small seaside town is easy to miss if you’re zipping along the coast - and that’s exactly its charm.

Menton is famous for its citrus, especially lemons, and that’s part of its character. Every February the town celebrates the Fête du Citron, a colorful lemon festival, but even outside the festival you’ll catch the faint scent of orange and lemon trees as you wander its steep streets. The old town is a maze of narrow, sun-bleached alleys and stairways that seem to lead you down toward the marina and the beach.

It’s also simple to reach. Menton has a train station with regular connections to Nice (about 35 minutes) and Monaco (roughly 15 minutes), and it’s just a short taxi ride if you’re flying into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. If you have a car, you can drive along the winding coastal roads and enjoy the views - though it’s just as easy to leave the car at home and explore on foot or by train once you arrive.

What you won’t find in Menton are big cruise ships or flashy superyachts: the town’s marina stays small and local. You can spend the morning sipping coffee at a café in Place aux Herbes, pick up bread and cheese at the covered market, then stretch out on one of the quiet pebble beaches for the afternoon. And if you want to cross the border for a day trip, you can be in Ventimiglia, Italy in under 10 minutes by train - perfect if you want to add some Italian flavor without a long trip.

Menton feels like a true getaway. It’s warm, welcoming, and perfect if you want that relaxed Côte d’Azur lifestyle (minus the crowds and the fuss…)

Menton, France: A Slower Riviera Alternative to Nice and Cannes

Menton often gets skipped over by travelers heading straight to Nice or Cannes, but that’s what makes it appealing. It has the same Riviera light and seaside views, just without the cruise crowds or five-star flash.

The rhythm of the town is slower. People really do start the day with a swim, then head to the covered market to pick up groceries. It’s not staged. The stalls are busy with locals buying vegetables, herbs, and fresh fish. Sit down at a café afterward and you’ll notice nobody rushes you; the bill only comes when you ask for it.

Afternoons are simple: time on the beach, a wander through the narrow lanes of the old town, or a climb into the terraced hills where citrus groves stretch above the rooftops. Menton is an ideal place to make a day out of small routines, which is exactly why it works for slow travel.

Morning: Swim, Stroll, and Café Stillness

Start early. The beaches in Menton are calmest before 9am. The water is glassy, clear, and perfectly salty. There are both pebbled and sandy options - head to Plage des Sablettes for a quiet dip with a view of the old town.

Post-swim, towel off and walk the Promenade du Soleil. It’s flat, wide, and framed by palm trees and pastel shutters. Stop at Café des Arts, a charming spot with sidewalk tables shaded by lemon trees. Order an espresso, scribble in your notebook, and settle into the kind of people-watching only real towns (where locals still live) can offer.

Midday: Markets, Lemon Trees & Hidden Gardens

Menton’s old town is built on a hillside, and the deeper you go into its historic quarter, the more it feels like you’ve stumbled into a sleepy village. Tiny alleys twist up between pastel houses, wooden doors swing open into secret courtyards, and you’ll pass terraces with laundry fluttering in the breeze - all in near silence. It’s an easy place to let yourself get a bit lost, knowing you’ll eventually find your way back down toward the sea.

When you do, make a stop at Marché des Halles, Menton’s covered food market. Stalls overflow with olives, local cheeses, ripe peaches and figs, and the town’s famous lemon tarts. Pick up whatever looks good! This is the perfect excuse to put together a picnic and find a quiet bench to enjoy it.

Afterwards, follow the winding streets to the Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh. This tucked-away garden is a lush, tropical surprise filled with exotic trees and plants you’d never expect to see in the Mediterranean. Paths meander past shady benches and fountains, and the whole place feels like a green oasis, just a few minutes’ walk from the center.

And if you’re craving even more quiet, take a short trip up into the hills to Serre de la Madone. This historic garden is less visited and feels even more remote, with stone steps and terraces disappear into greenery - while the air is scented with jasmine and pine. It’s the perfect place to wander slowly, listen to the birds, and feel like you have the hillsides all to yourself.

Afternoon: A Lemon Tart and the Mediterranean

When you’re back down by the water, take a break at Maison Herbin, a small local shop that makes sweets and jams from Menton’s famous lemons. The lemon tart is light and perfectly balanced: tart enough to be interesting, sweet enough to be comforting.

If you’d rather sit down for a proper lunch, wander toward Port Garavan, where cafés face the marina. This part of town feels more relaxed than the main tourist strips - it’s a great spot to take your time with a seafood plate and a glass of rosé, or just order a coffee and write a few pages in your notebook.

Afterwards, walk off your meal along the Sentier du Littoral, the coastal path that winds along the edge of town. It’s an easy walk with big sea views, and there are plenty of benches where you can stop and simply watch the waves. It’s one of those simple pleasures that reminds you exactly why you chose Menton.

Evenings in Menton: Pastel Sunsets and Old-World Charm

As the light fades, Menton glows in warm shades of pink, peach, and gold - especially up by the old town. For the best sunset views, wander up toward the Basilique Saint-Michel or climb a little higher to the steps near the old cemetery. Both spots catch the light beautifully, and there’s usually a quiet breeze up here — along with a few sleepy cats to keep you company.

When you’re ready for dinner, try Le 31, a small, tucked-away restaurant that feels like a neighborhood secret. The menu leans on seasonal produce and local flavors, the outdoor tables are cozy, and there’s never a sense of being rushed. Another lovely option is Fleur de Sel, which offers a more polished take on regional cooking without losing that easygoing, welcoming feel that Menton is all about.

As you wrap up the day with a glass of wine and a slow dinner, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stumbled onto one of the most peaceful spots on the coast. And one you won’t be in a hurry to leave.

Where to Stay in Menton: Small, Beautiful, and Balconies

La Dolce Vita - This small hotel is all mid-century charm with breezy rooms and sea views. It’s especially good for solo travelers who appreciate a cozy, friendly place to come back to at the end of the day.

Villa Genesis - A boutique option that feels modern and stylish without losing its warm atmosphere. You’re close enough to walk to the beach or into the old town, so it’s a perfect base if you want something comfortable and central.

An Airbnb in the Old Town - Look for one with a tiny rooftop terrace or a balcony over the narrow streets. Staying up here means you can have your morning coffee while watching the town slowly wake up. A small touch that makes every day feel a little more special.

Independent Shops and Boutiques in Menton

Menton isn’t about luxury shopping sprees - that’s what Nice and Cannes are for. Here, the shops are smaller, more personal, and often a little quirky. You won’t find endless designer brands, but you will find antique stores with shelves full of French curiosities, boutiques selling lemon-themed goods that remind you of Menton’s orchards, and bookshops where you can duck in from the afternoon heat. If browsing is part of your travel routine, Menton has got you covered.

Citrus-Inspired Shops

Menton is famous for its lemons: they’re larger, more fragrant, and slightly sweeter than most varieties. Around town, you’ll spot little shops dedicated to them. Expect shelves of lemon liqueur (Limoncello de Menton), marmalades, candied peel, soaps, and even ceramics painted with citrus patterns. Au Pays du Citron, just off Rue Saint-Michel, is one of the best-known, and while it’s geared toward visitors, the quality is high and the flavors really do capture Menton. Even a small jar of jam or bar of soap makes an easy keepsake that smells and tastes of the Riviera.

Antique and Brocante Stores

Menton has several antique and secondhand shops tucked into its side streets. They are often a bit cluttered, with mismatched furniture, old books, glass bottles, and vintage postcards stacked in boxes. That’s part of the charm. A shop like Brocante du Marché, near the covered market, is the kind of place where you can flip through piles of sepia photographs, sift through enamelware, or come across a quirky French sign that once hung on a café wall. Prices are friendlier than in glitzy coastal towns, and the browsing itself is half the fun.

Local Boutiques in the Old Town

The narrow streets winding up behind the seafront are dotted with small boutiques, some run by younger designers, others by families who’ve been there for decades. You’ll find handmade sandals, linen clothing, pottery, and embroidered linens - often inspired by the colors and light of the coast. These aren’t polished “concept stores” but more traditional shops, where stock spills out onto the street and the owner is usually behind the counter ready to chat.

Bookshops for a Quiet Pause

If you love the smell of old paper, step into Librairie Arts & Livres on Rue de la République. It’s a classic French bookstore with new and secondhand titles stacked high, plus postcards and art books that make easy take-homes even if you don’t read French. It’s the kind of shop that feels just right for an unhurried browse on a hot afternoon, when you want to duck out of the sun. Grab something slim to read on the beach or on the train ride to your next stop.

Market Stalls Around Les Halles

The covered market (Les Halles) is already a daily ritual in Menton, but outside the main food stalls you’ll often find vendors selling crafts, olive-wood utensils, lavender sachets, or handmade soaps. Some days, there are small antique tables with silver cutlery or vintage kitchenware. The atmosphere is very local (people stopping by after their grocery shopping) so it feels more authentic than the curated “artisan markets” you sometimes find elsewhere on the Riviera.

More Slow Travel Food & Shopping Inspiration

If exploring Menton’s cafés and shops sparks your curiosity, you might enjoy a few of our other guides that combine good food, cozy mornings, and authentic browsing experiences:

Restaurants and Cafés with Incredible Views in Scandinavia - From mountaintop coffee stops to harborside restaurants, here’s where to slow down with a meal and a view up north.
The Best Breakfast Spots in Copenhagen - If breakfast is your favorite travel ritual, these cozy Copenhagen cafés make mornings worth lingering over.
Authentic Small-Town Markets in Italy - Skip the tourist markets and discover Italian towns where weekly stalls are still part of everyday life.

FAQ: Slow Travel in Menton, France

Is Menton a good alternative to Nice or Cannes?
Yes. It’s smaller, calmer, and has a more authentic feel with fewer crowds.

What’s the best time to visit Menton?
Late April to early June is ideal - everything is in bloom, and it’s not yet peak season.

Can I swim in Menton?
Absolutely. Plage des Sablettes is a favorite, and the water is clean and clear.

Is Menton walkable?
Yes. You can walk from the beach to the old town to the gardens in under 30 minutes.

Are there good cafés to write or read in?
Yes! Edmond’s, Le Petit Port, and even some market corners are perfect for notebook moments.

What should I pack?
Light clothes, a good hat, sandals for wandering, and something you can swim in on a whim.

Can I visit without speaking French?
Yes. Most locals are kind and used to visitors, especially if you try a few basic phrases.

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Things to Do in Menton, France: A Slow Travel Guide to the Riviera