Menton is the most western resort on the Cote d'Azur. It is located between the Italian Riviera and the possessions of Monaco. The city is a quiet and picturesque seaside resort that can offer not only a beach, but also a cultural holiday. The sights of Menton (France) deserve the attention of tourists.
A bit about the city
The city of Menton (France) impresses with truly French elegance and Italian cheerfulness. It is dominated by pastel and terracotta shades of buildings, and in the city center you can see beautiful Baroque palaces and cathedrals, as well as shady boulevards, laid in the second half of the nineteenth century. On the streets of Menton you will be met by typical Italian houses with dark yellow facades, olive and citrus groves, picturesque boardwalks, manicured parks, as well as sand and pebble beaches. In the city you can walk for hours and admire its beauties.
It is worth saying that the city of Menton (France) is the last settlement in front of the Italian border. It is famous not only for sightseeing, but also for the international music festival and casino. In February, in Menton, residents cheerfully celebrate the feast of lemons, which is accompanied by carnival processions. Such magnificent celebrations are connected with the fact that Menton is the only European city in which culture blooms and bears fruit throughout the year. The mild climate of the region contributes to the growth and fruiting of lemon trees. Excellent weather conditions are the reason for the prosperity of lush city gardens and parks, which are considered real wealth. Of greatest interest to guests of the resort is the Old Town. Its winding streets with gardens and small shops, markets and aristocratic ateliers have a special charm. The city is attractive and entertainment facilities: there are many nightclubs, casinos and restaurants. The resort offers water sports: sailing, water skiing or canoeing. Here you can also go mountain climbing, horse riding, scuba diving.
Historical excursion
In France, Menton (photo is given in the article) was inhabited in prehistoric times, as evidenced by finds in caves near the city. In the Middle Ages, the local lands belonged to the Vento family, and already from 1346 the city passed under the rule of the Monaco Grimaldi dynasty. And only in 148, Menton declared himself free and left the principality. And in 1860 he joined France.
Since ancient times, local residents were engaged in the cultivation and sale of citrus fruits. For some time they competed strongly with neighboring Italian regions. Later this area of activity became less relevant, and residents began to grow flowers for the perfumery factories of Provence and Grasse. As a resort, Menton began to develop in 1880, when it began to visit the Russian and English aristocracy.
During the Second World War, the palaces and hotels of the city were turned into hospitals. Then invaders from Germany and Italy came to Menton. The city was almost destroyed. It was fully restored only in the 60s of the last century. Many talented landscape designers and architects had a hand in the modern look of Menton.
Weather
According to reviews, Menton (France) has gained such great popularity due to its mild climate. It is difficult to imagine, but in January the air temperature in the city sometimes reaches +20 degrees. Convenient geographical location is the reason for such warm weather. Menton is reliably sheltered by mountain ranges from cold winds. The region is dominated by a subtropical Mediterranean climate, thanks to which the city has warm, non-hot summers and damp mild winters.
The coldest month is January. At this time, the thermometer never drops below +10 degrees. But mostly the weather is much warmer. The hottest month is July, at which time the air temperature reaches +25 degrees. The summer breeze saves residents from the heat.
Jean Cocteau Museum
Among the sights of Menton (France) it is worth highlighting the Jean Cocteau Museum, which houses a large collection of contemporary drawings, mosaics, carpets, ceramics, made by a French writer, artist and playwright Jean Cocteau.
He was one of the most significant figures in the literary circles of France in the 20th century. The museum’s collection is housed in the bastion in the Menton Port area.
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Most of the sights of Menton (France) are located in the historical center. Here you can see the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. It was founded in 1880 by the Russian charity. For the future temple, the organization acquired a mansion in a very beautiful place - Karnole quarter. The community itself was called the “Russian House”. The acquired four-story mansion had 32 rooms. Only Russians lived here. Later it was decided to build a temple. Its foundation was laid in 1892. During the Second World War, the church building was badly damaged. Repair work on the restoration was completed only in 1958. The temple has a ninth-century iconostasis made of Carrara marble in the Byzantine style. The church still holds revered relics to this day.
Grieving Chapel
The sights of Menton (France) include the Sorrowful Chapel, built in the Russian cemetery at the highest point of the city. The construction was carried out with the money donated by Russian emigrants in memory of Alexandra Teplyakova (sister of mercy), who helped the Russians during the Russo-Turkish war.
The project of the temple was created by Yurasov, and the interior decoration was painted by the Russian artist Kramsky. In the fifties several new icons appeared in the chapel, painted by V. Tsevchinsky. Inside the building, a crypt has been preserved, into which the remains of demolished Russian graves were transferred. For a long time the chapel was in ruins. Local authorities were even planning to demolish it. But in 2010, restoration work began.
Historical sights
The most famous building in the city is the Basilica of Saint-Michel, which is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The temple is known for its rich interior decoration, beautiful frescoes, pebble mosaics. At the end of summer, the famous Chamber Music Festival is held on the square near the cathedral.
Tourists should also visit the Menton Bastion, erected by the Prince of Monaco. City visitors are eager to take photos from the observation deck of the building.
The Museum of Fine Arts, located in the palace of Carnole, which was once the residence of the princely family from Monaco, is very interesting. The exposition of the institution presents paintings by famous masters of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent garden where you can see the richest collection of citrus plants in Europe.
Beaches
Like any resort town, Menton attracts tourists with beaches. The local coast is incredibly beautiful and picturesque. Moreover, the fact that the beaches in Menton (France) is pebble and sandy is interesting. All of them are incredibly clean and well maintained. Entrance to the beaches is free, but you will have to pay for using umbrellas and sun loungers. But you can relax on the coast with your beach accessories. The sea in Menton has an amazing sky blue hue, swimming in its waters is a real pleasure. Maintain the cleanliness of the sea coast in the city helps modern treatment facilities.
Among the beaches of Menton, Hawai is worth highlighting. A small stretch of coastline attracts guests who love active sports. Especially a lot of surfers here.
The beaches of des Sablettes and du Fossan are pebbled. They are good for families, as they are covered by breakwaters and equipped with playgrounds. Locals love spending time on du Borrigo. The beach does not have developed infrastructure, but it is less crowded.
Shopping
Shopping in Menton (France) can not be compared with Paris. There are not many brand boutiques in the city, there are no shopping malls and shopping streets. The largest store is considered the Galeries Lafayette department store, which presents the most famous French brands. It makes sense to visit the establishment during the sales period, which are organized twice a year: from January to February and in July. In the sales season, you can buy designer clothes with a discount of up to 70%.
In Menton (France), according to travelers, you can buy wonderful souvenirs. To do this, go to the market. He works every day from early morning until one in the morning. Here you can also buy seafood, vegetables and fruits.
From Menton, organized shopping tours to Nice, where you can visit the whole shopping streets, which are boutiques of all famous brands. It even sells jewelry and luxury perfumes.
Menton (France) Hotels
In the city, oddly enough, you will not find five-star hotels. But they are successfully replaced by luxury villas on the coast. No less beautiful is the four-star Napoleon Hotel. The resort boasts only one hotel with four stars on the sign. It is located right on the waterfront. The hotel has a fitness room, an outdoor pool, a garden and a wonderful breakfast terrace.
Most hotels in the city have three stars. They are located in the center of Menton. A very popular establishment is the Quality Hotel Menton Méditerranée. The hotel is located three minutes from the coast. The complex won the love of tourists at affordable prices and a wonderful restaurant in which guests are offered the most exquisite dishes of Mediterranean and Provencal cuisine. Among budget hotels, Hôtel Narev's, Kyriad Menton and Hotel Aiglon are recommended.
Menton room rental prices delight guests. Standard double rooms cost about 100 euros per day. Apartments with a view of the coast are a little more expensive.
In three-star hotels, double rooms cost 60-80 euros. The most budget apartments can be found in institutions that do not have stars on the sign.
Parks
Rest in Menton (France) is impossible to imagine without walking in local parks and gardens. In addition, it is worth visiting the Garavan quarter, famous for its yacht harbor and game entertainment complex. The elite area of the city is surrounded by olive groves. Gardens and parks of the city are worthy of close attention of travelers.
Vacation with children
Menton is a good place to relax with children. There are beautiful beaches, the azure sea, clean air, fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, local hotels make significant discounts for young tourists. Animators work in hotel complexes of the city.
A local attraction is Coaland Park, which is located near the Museum of Fine Arts. It is of interest to the youngest guests. The park has trampolines, carousels, pools, a pirate island and a citrus grove.
Another interesting place in the city is an amusement park called Maryland. According to tourists, this is one of the best places on the Cote d'Azur. The entertainment complex has many water attractions, a dolphinarium and a water park. Here you can have a great time with the whole family.
Tourists reviews
According to tourists, Menton is a small and very cozy town with an incredibly comfortable climate. On its coast you can spend a vacation enjoying the natural beauties and swimming in the sea. Despite the modest size of the town, it has a lot of interesting places and entertainment. Our compatriots are trying to visit the local casino. Entrance to it is free, and there is no dress code. The gambling establishment has roulette, slot machines and blackjack. There is a good restaurant on the outdoor terrace.
Tourists recommend visiting one of the city’s discos to visit young people. Foam parties are held here for guests. The program of obligatory activities must include walking along the streets of the city.
In addition, it is worth pampering yourself with the gastronomic delights that are offered in local cafes and restaurants. According to tourists, if you do not visit such establishments, then you will not be fully imbued with the spirit of the resort. There are so many attractions and attractions in Menton that it is simply impossible to see and try everything in one trip.