An Afternoon Itinerary- Exploring Menton
A quaint retirement city close to the France-Italy border lies one of the most underrated and underexplored areas.
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Welcome to Menton (mawn-tawn, french accent*), France!
Often known for its coastline with clustered colorful apartments and the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (more information), Menton is a quiet city with many gorgeous views and preserves European history through its architecture. Take any SNCF train headed East and get off at Menton-Garavan NOT Menton. It makes the trip way better, I promise. If you’re going to from Nice, depending on the station it costs between 5-7 euros one way. You can buy your tickets on the SNCF website (these are the departures from Nice-Ville) or at the station, it costs the same. Also, you can use Google Maps or Apple Maps to see upcoming departures on your mobile device! So now that we have arrived…
when should you go?
Menton has to be one, if not my favorite places in the Côte d’Azur (French Riveria). Menton is a simple town on the Côte d’Azur near Italy. To preface, it’s not always about what to do but when to do it. Menton is one of those places that are so magical- at certain times. I would HIGHLY recommend going anywhere from the end of August-the end of November (when summer ends in the Côte d’Azur/France). Menton, like some other cities on the Côte d’Azur are only busy during tourism peaks, so June and July I would avoid in order to experience what it has to offer without the bother of crowds. How nice would it be to have an entire beach facing the Meditersranean sea to yourself? Or would you rather compete with swarms of people to absorb the sun? The beautiful thing that tourists, especially non-Europeans don’t know is that you can go swimming in November. The sun keeps the ocean warm even in December, it isn’t cold enough where it’s unbearable (in the winter the weather average is 6.4°C or 44°F). This key piece of information will save you on flight expenses, housing expenses, and time.
The downside to these “tourist”/retirement towns is that while you may have quiet beaches, most restaurants are closed. It really depends on your priority; I personally prefer quiet historical places with nature over food and shopping. Monaco is an example of the opposite. I think people who prefer a more “up class” food and urban experience would enjoy Monaco, whereas for me, I don’t (which is why I don’t have an article on it). I love history and tranquility, so my choices of itinerary are geared towards that. If you prefer restaurant and shopping experience, Menton might not be for you. Regardless, I encourage every reader and friend to explore both because you never may know what you’ll find, and it isn’t always black and white. Now, top things to do…
Top places to visit in Menton in an afternoon
1. Climb to the Cimetière du Vieux Château (Cemetery of the Old Château)
This cemetery being one of the highest vantage points of Menton is a MUST SEE. You have to go through the village, but make sure to plan ahead because the roads are close together so your GPS location will most likely be…wrong. From what I know the only access point to these is via the village and it can be very tiring going up steep, wide, cobblestone steps. I would advise taking a water or two (SWEAT EMOJI). This old European style cemetery was founded in 1783 and has technically 4 levels to it (all by stairs but it is a gentle incline). You can see Menton on one side and then watch the sunset fall over the mountain to the other side of Menton. The cemetery has many beautiful statues and mausoleums. It’s a truly breathtaking view and worth every drop of sweat to get there.
Directions and day plan flexibility-
To start with this location, the easiest is to get off the SNCF train at Menton-Garavan and follow the main promenade (there’s only one)-“Prte de France” on Google Maps- towards the iconic clock tower. Now if you want to do the beaches first and then the cemetery, they are along the promenade (on the way to the cemetery). My blog is your guide, not a strict schedule. You can check those out first and then see sunset from the cemetery, it is up to you of course. Per my blog though, here are the directions to the cemetery via straight from the train station. Download (here is one way) the directions or take screenshots and do not rely on your current GPS when you are taking on the path. It can take you longer than 20 minutes if you don’t pay attention to every fork in the road and street names painted on the buildings. The same advice I give to you for any of the directions that go through the village.
Fun fact! The style of these village buildings is often found in the Côte d’Azur, stretching into the west coast of Italy because their height creates shade earlier in the day. A structural design is made for the old buildings that lacked AC and most still do. With the heat and moisture coming off the ocean this structure protects the buildings from cracking and keeps them cooler through the day. They’re extremely close together in Menton to keep heat away and prevent the structural damage that comes with.
Photography note– if you want to take this kind of picture on the right make sure you do it EARLY in the day or at noon because if you wait too late you end up with this dark, shadowy lighting. 😬 –>
2. Visit Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel
Most cities in the Côte d’Azur have one main basilica or church that is known around the world. This goes for most European cities, but there’s a pattern in the Côte d’Azur I’m still trying to crack.
This Basilica in particular is a must see as it is the staple of Menton’s coastline (pictured right).
There’s a few ways to get there. The easiest simplest way to get there from the cemetery is https://goo.gl/maps/QhbPr6BHu9DzqoEU6, but please check before you go. Like I said before, download the directions or take screenshots and do not rely on your current GPS when you are taking on the path. It can take you longer than 3 minutes if you don’t pay attention to every fork in the road and street names painted on the buildings. You will find that path is simple than getting to the cemetery itself.
Alternate route & plan-
Now, if you want to go through the maze of iconic southern Mediterranean architecture or you don’t go to the cemetery first, you can go via the village but there are many routes because there are many entry points. If you have time, it’s an adventure I think you should check out, but if not, I would take the first route. The thing is PLAN AHEAD, this way you know where you are going and in what order.
Back to the Basilica,
I would spend about an hour in here maximum however you can reserve private tours to go inside the watch tower and see other parts of the Basilica normally closed to the public. Sadly, after scouring the internet (updated Dec. 2022), I believe you have to contact the church privately. The group I saw going on the tour was a group of students in primary school. It is truly breathtaking and (in my bias) the best Basilica in the Côte d’Azur. Tik tok below for demonstration.
Fun fact #2– the Archangel St. Michael is always featured stepping on a monster (allegory for sin or anything relating to satanism) and he is also featured on one of the domes on the Sacré-Cœur in Paris (The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris)!
3. Walk along the Plage des Sablettes
This beach is a bit more popular, but also a lot larger. There is more foot traffic here (compared to none, especially in the ends of summer I mean maybe a few groups if that) because there are a few shops here and also clubs. I don’t know if “clubs” are the right word, but there’s a dance studio, classes for sailing, surf lessons, etc. These are mostly provided by the city to give the retirees something to do. This beach is perfect for walking right under the famous Basilica and also near the port. You can see Italy from here + there are really nice public bathrooms. The water is really calm in Plage Rondelli but even calmer here.
*Be aware, Menton’s angle to the west is blocked by a mountain so the sun will actually set behind it. The closer you get to the Basilica the less you will see of the sun unless you go to the cemetery towards the end of your day instead of the beach.
4. Swim at the Plage Rondelli
This is a bit straightforward- go to this beach. As you come down from the Basilica, the promenade is at its base. Make your way left, cross the street and head down to the beach access. Walk along this path until you see the line of small trees (you’ll be coming from behind them)…
Here’s another reason I love Menton, the city is currently adding sand to this beach because it is a rocky beach. Unlike Nice, the rocks are more like pebbles than the large black-grey rocks your mom might by to decorate her fake plants within the bathroom (no ankle injuries in Menton!). If you go when I recommend, there is usually no one here and if there is than it would be a group of older women if that. Menton is a very safe city, and I love going to this beach because I have never had an issue with my backpack laying on the beach when I’m swimming. I don’t recommend leaving your things anywhere when you travel, but in Menton, since I’m alone I do. I AM NOT saying nothing will happen, but I have been to many beaches and this is one I feel safest at. Also beware of nude old women (it’s a European thing). I love this beach because you can see the coastline and also see some of the sailers go out to sea. The water is calm, and the sun shines down on this quiet haven.
Here is a general itinerary I made from this article. You can follow it as is or use it as a general guide to locations- Interary on Google Maps
– good luck and safe travels<3!
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