If you love the Côte d'Azur, you will know that it always contains some detail that will amaze you: discovering the splendid and sunny Menton!
I have always been in love with Côte d'Azur because, despite being so many years that I go there, every time, it amazes me with new beautiful villages.
Today I want to talk to you about one of the best known places on the French Riviera, very close to Italy and easy to reach: Menton.
Trip to Menton
Menton is known for its beautiful carnival, La Fête du Citron, where tons of citrus fruit materialize in the form of beautiful floats: the theme changes every year.
Menton is small and very pretty, suitable for one trip or weekend out of town.
Walking around the city is very pleasant, the main street full of shops will make you waste a lot of time among typical products, souvenirs and goodies.
Menton, what to see in one day
I had read that, from the Menton Cemetery, you could enjoy a spectacular view.
So, after a walk in the center, before arriving at the port, we made a detour and started climbing.
We got lost in the beautiful alleys of Old Town, we went from Basilica of Saint Michel (founded in 1640 and consecrated in the same year) and its neighbor Penitents Blancs with its facade full of flowers and garlands (built in 1687); beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, overlooking the sea.
1. A breathtaking view
After a thousand photographs and the purchase of an excellent bottle of Limoncello made with local lemons, we arrived at the cemetery of the old castle; it was like being in an open-air museum, the tombs are really beautiful. Going up, you arrive at the hill on which the Castle once stood; from here the view is truly breathtaking.
2. Botanical Garden of Menton
Once we left the cemetery, we decided to continue our walk to reach theBotanical Garden of Menton, the Jardin Botanique et Exotique Val Rahmeh. I absolutely recommend you to visit it, you will be amazed by the beauty of this place and the multitude of plants you will find.
It was created in 1905 by the governor of Malta and purchased by the state in 1966 to be used for the Natural History Museum.
3. Walk along the seafront
After our visit, we got off and reached the port for a nice one promenade along the sea, called "Promenade Du Soleil".
Here is the old fortress, dating back to the seventeenth second, which today houses the small Museum of Jean Cocteau wanted by him, where, inside, the artist's works are kept, such as his paintings and his beautiful ceramics.
4. Sablettes beach
If you go in a hot time, don't miss it Sablettes beach, under the old part of the city.
5. The Market of Les Halles
Another thing we liked is definitely the Les Halles market, which takes place every morning in the old city, in an enclosed space that certainly does not go unnoticed. Here you can find excellent French products, in a riot of smells and colors.
Menton, where to eat during your trip
During your trip, you absolutely cannot give up a good meal.
If you love fish and mussels in particular, I recommend the Les Enfants Terribles restaurant, in Quai Bonaparte, in the center of Menton; you could enjoy 1kg of mussels with fries or the classic platters of oysters, truly a pleasure.
If even abroad you lack the flavors of home, however, you cannot not go to the Ischia restaurant family-run, always in Quai Bonaparte. Here too we eat fish but with the classic and wonderful flavors made in the south. A tip: don't miss the lemon cake, it's something unique !!
Obviously don't miss a good one Crepes in the many stalls present or the desserts covered with cream, they are really excellent.
What to say? Go to Menton!
As I said, I love the Côte d'Azur more and more, with its unique scents and colors, where the French are very kind and there is (almost) always the sun.
