The French Riviera’s Prettiest Beach Town Sits Right on the Italian Border

If you’re looking for the French Riviera at its most charming and authentic, Menton is the town to visit. Set right at the Italian border, it’s a coastal gem. Having been discovered by the European aristocracy in the 19th century as a perfect destination for leisurely breaks, Menton enchants with its photogenic Old Town, long turquoise beaches, fantastic art museums, and breathtaking views of the Prealps.

It’s elegant, yet accessible, offering exceptional gastronomy—Michelin-starred restaurant and Provençal street food go hand-in-hand—and plenty of romantic boardwalk cafes for sunset-watching dates. Menton is my favorite of all the Côte d’Azur towns, and a place where I always base myself when I am exploring this divine French coast. Let me share my fascination with you in this guide.

The climate of Menton is unique to the French Riviera—the high mountains surrounding the town shelter it from strong winds and winter freeze. Menton has a mild subtropical microclimate, or a hot-summer Mediterranean climate to be more precise. The weather here is often compared to that of Southern California. The town is typically the warmest spot on the French Riviera in winter, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 12°C, even during the coldest months.

Menton’s pleasant climate makes it a year-round destination. Still, there are times of the year when I’d recommend visiting for the best experience. Summer is the top choice for beaches; however, expect crowds—the Côte d’Azur attracts tourists from all over the world, making July and August a peak season. The months of May, June, and September are the sweet spot for dry, sunny weather and warm water at the beaches. Late spring and early autumn are also times when you can score good accommodation deals.

March, April, and October are great times to explore the cultural side of Menton and immerse yourself in the local crafts. The lowest prices at hotels are in winter, but the weather may be unpredictable.

Menton beaches are gorgeous—you’ll find the cyan Mediterranean Sea waters, a stunning mountainous backdrop, superb amenities, and plenty of food and drink options nearby. Much like in Nice, the town mostly offers pebbly stretches. In some beaches, such as Sablettes, it’s a mix of gravel and sand. That means that if you’re packing for a Menton beach holiday, the water shoes are a must. Here is a collection of the best beaches in Menton.

One of the French Riviera’s most beautiful beaches, Plage des Sablettes, looks as if it came straight out of the painted 19th-century postcards. The transparent turquoise sea gently rolls onto the shore (gravel and sand). The stunning Old Town cascades behind the beach, making bathing here more alluring. Finally, there are the mountain peaks for more epicness. Plage des Sablettes is the epitome of Mediterranean urban beach beauty. You’re right in the center of the city action, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars steps away. There are lockers, showers, and changing booths. Shallow water access also makes it the top beach for families with kids in Menton. 

Located next to the Bastion Museum, Fossan is a small pebbly stretch with a spectacular vista over Menton’s glorious Promenade de Soleil (or “Promenade of the Sun”), a seaside road connecting the city to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. It’s a non-smoking beach with a park that features a children’s playground. Fossan’s most beloved feature among locals is the wooden platforms, where you can put your towel and enjoy the views. It’s a popular spot for an afternoon chill and watching the sunset.  

If you don’t mind pebbles, Marché Beach is a nice Menton plage between Fossan and Casino. It’s parallel to many seafront hotels and restaurant terraces of the busy Promenade de Soleil. The beach also features entrances for persons with reduced mobility. It’s the ultimate sunbathing stretch close to the city center. 

Dogs are allowed at Plage du Casino, a wide stretch opposite the Moorish Art Deco Casino Barrière Menton. If you’re with a four-legged friend, or simply don’t mind having Fidos playing around, that’s the beach to choose. Keep in mind that the pebbles here are larger than on Menton’s central beaches, so bring the water shoes.

If you crave a dip straight out of your train journey, Plage du Borrigo is the closest stretch to the station. You’ll find pebbles and clear water here. Free showers are a plus. As the farthest beach from the city center, it comes with more peace and fewer crowds. You can either walk here from the Old Town or take a bus. 

Although it belongs to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin administratively, you can easily reach Carnolès by train (a 5-minute ride) or by bus from the city center. And you absolutely should—the beach is among the most scenic on the whole Riviera. It overlooks the lush Cape Martin, dotted with the Belle Époque mansions and high-end resorts. The sea is sapphire-blue. While most of Carnolès is free, there are beach bars, where you can find umbrellas and loungers for rent. If you’re in the mood for hiking, take the uber-scenic 5-kilometer Sentier du Corbusierri trail, which connects Roquebrune-Cap-Martin with Monaco. 

If you’re after Riviera glitz, the five-star Villa Genesis is the right choice in Menton. Set in a Belle Époque villa from 1885, this hotel offers palatial interiors, seafront location, and a stunning swimming pool. 

The four-star Hotel Napoléon is an ideal base for exploring the city. It’s steps away from Garavan Marina, Sablettes Beach, and the Old Town. You will love the sea-facing rooms and a beautiful pool area. There’s also a delightful inner garden with exotic plants. 

It’s Best Western, but the setting is the former barracks. The rooms with balconies overlook the turquoise Mediterranean (the main reason to choose this accommodation). It’s across the street from Plage de Carnolès and very close to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. 

Menton is a culinary jewel of the French Riviera. It’s an ideal destination to savor the many delights of the Alpes-Maritimes region at a relaxed pace. A small size means that everything is easily reached on foot, and you’ve got a great variety of foodie spots within a short distance. 

The city’s most famous product and symbol is the lemon. The lemon trees thrive in Menton’s distinct microclimate—it’s Europe’s northernmost region with lemon production. The citrus is so revered here that Menton organizes the Lemon Festival annually in February. This event alone, gathering hundreds of thousands of spectators, is a great reason to visit the city. The festival’s trademark is the phantasmagoric floats and sculptures entirely made of lemons and oranges. 

Your number one destination for local gastronomy is the Les Halles Market. Here, local farmers sell their fruits and vegetables, allowing you to have as many lemons and oranges as you want. Then, go to Au Baiser du Mitron bakery for traditional Menton foods, such as fougasse (a local variety of focaccia bread) and the lemon tart. Another street food to try is la pichade, a Menton take on Provencal pissaladière flatbread with the addition of a tomato topping. 

If you’re looking for some haute cuisine, Mirazur is among the top restaurants on the French Riviera. Led by Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco, this three-Michelin-starred institution offers unconventional, seasonal cuisine. The hillside setting and stunning sea view from the terrace make the experience even better. For something more affordable, try the tavern-like Le P’tit Resto, featuring a menu of local dishes. Old Town-set Le Petit Port is a top choice for seafood. 

In the drinks department, Menton excels in cozy, small bars. Visit Ferdinand for rum and small bites in a cheerful Caribbean-themed atmosphere. L’Art du Vin and Le Nabucco are two excellent wine bars, offering a varied menu of local wines. 

As easygoing as it is, Menton is still part of the world’s most elegant Riviera. Sightseeing-wise, it packs an impressive list of places to visit. From the world-renowned art museums to magnificent botanical gardens, here’s what to see beyond the beach. 

Transport yourself to the Provençal dream in Menton’s Old Town. It’s pure cinema here: the narrow, labyrinthine streets, the painted old houses, the hidden squares, the abundance of pretty coffee shops, the small local ateliers and galleries. Stop at Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton to admire its stunning Baroque interior, featuring an intricate 17th-century organ. 

Jean Cocteau, one of the most famous avant-garde artists of the 20th century, was a fan of Menton. His decorations adorn the Marriage Hall at the local Hôtel de Ville and redesigned the historic Bastion in the city’s harbor. Apart from these two landmarks, you can learn more about the artist’s connection to Menton and see many of his works at the excellent Jean Cocteau Museum, which houses the Séverin Wunderman collection. 

A tropical retreat in the middle of the Mediterranean, Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh was established in 1905 by Lord Percy Radcliffe, former governor of Malta. Featuring over 1.800 species of exotic plants, it’s a fantastic visit for a natural escape. The most interesting sections of the object are the Victoria amazonica pond and Easter Island-native Sophora toromiro trees. 

Located a bit outside of the city, in a lush valley, Serre de la Madone is a gorgeous historic garden with a villa. Being here feels as if you’re inside one of the impressionist paintings of Renoir or Monet. Although the complex was reconstructed, the territory still retains that “left to nature” look, adding to the allure.