Holiday in Menton

What makes Menton special as a destination?

Menton is the pearl of the Côte d'Azur – a charming coastal town at the French-Italian border, blessed with the mildest climate in France, baroque pastel facades, and a lemon tradition that has earned it the nickname Lemon City. While neighboring Monaco focuses on glamour and Nice on hustle and bustle, Menton captivates with an authentic, almost Italian-like serenity that immediately enchants German holidaymakers. The old town of Menton is a masterpiece of baroque architecture: closely stacked houses in warm ochre, terracotta, and pastel tones climb the hill towards the Basilique Saint-Michel, creating one of the most photogenic city views along the Riviera. The stairs and alleys of the old town lead past small squares with orange trees, hidden chapels, and viewpoints overlooking the rust-colored roofs and the azure Mediterranean Sea. The cemetery du Vieux-Château at the top offers one of the most beautiful views of the Côte d'Azur. Menton's unique climatic position – protected by the Maritime Alps from cold northern winds – allows for the cultivation of tropical and subtropical plants that otherwise only thrive much further south. The gardens of Menton are legendary: The Jardin Botanique du Val Rahmeh, the Jardin Serre de la Madone, and the Jardin de Maria Serena host exotic collections that attract botanists from around the world. In February, the city transforms during the Fête du Citron into a citrus spectacle with giant sculptures made of oranges and lemons. For German holidaymakers, Menton is ideal as a quiet alternative to Nice and Monaco – all three places are reachable by train in just a few minutes. The proximity to Italy is also noticeable in the culinary scene: The Mentonaise cuisine uniquely combines Provençal and Ligurian influences. The beaches are smaller and more tranquil than those in Nice, and prices are significantly lower than in Monaco.