Day Trip to Menton from Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)

I stayed in Nice while exploring the French Riviera, and from the beginning I knew I wanted to visit Menton. I’d seen photos of the colorful Old Town for years, and it looked exactly like the kind of place I’d love.

It ended up being one of my favorite villages on the French Riviera.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to get there. Menton is only around 40 minutes from Nice by train, which makes it one of the easiest day trips you can do while staying in the city.

I visited Menton for the day, explored the Old Town, walked along the beach, got lost in the little streets (as usual), had lunch by the sea and was back in Nice that same evening without feeling rushed at all.

If you’re thinking about doing a day trip to Menton from Nice, here’s exactly how I’d do it.

Day trip to Menton: My Quick Answer

If you are planning a trip to Nice and the French Riviera, you should defnitely add a day trip to Menton to your list.

I’d leave Nice in the morning, take the direct train to Menton (around 8€), spend the day exploring the village on foot, have lunch by the sea, enjoy the beach if the weather is good, and head back to Nice in the evening.

It’s easy, affordable, and one of my favorite day trips on the French Riviera.

How to Get from Nice to Menton

There are three easy ways to get from Nice to Menton: train, bus or car.

I took the train, and that’s the option I’d recommend to almost everyone. It’s direct, takes around 40 minutes, costs about €8, and you don’t have to worry about traffic or parking. The journey itself is also really nice because it follows the coastline, so if you can, grab a window seat.

The bus is usually a little cheaper, but it also takes longer and can get delayed by traffic, especially during the summer months when the French Riviera gets much busier.

Renting a car is a good option if you’re planning to visit several villages like Èze, Monaco or Antibes on the same trip. It gives you much more flexibility, although parking in Menton can be difficult during peak season.

If you want a more detailed comparison of all the transport options, ticket prices and tips, I’ve written a complete guide about getting from Nice to Menton.

→ Read my full Nice to Menton transport guide

→ Check train tickets here

My Suggested Day trip to Menton Itinerary

Leave Nice in the Morning

I actually didn’t go straight from Nice to Menton.

Instead, I combined Monaco and Menton in the same day, and it worked out really well because they’re so close to each other. If you’re short on time and want to see more of the French Riviera, I’d definitely recommend doing the same.

If you’d rather only visit Menton, simply take the direct train from Nice. The journey takes around 40 minutes, costs €8, and is by far the easiest way to get there.

Explore Menton’s Old Town

Once you arrive, don’t worry about following a strict route.

The best part of Menton is simply walking around. Wander through the colorful streets, stop at the little squares, climb up to the viewpoints, visit the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, and don’t be afraid to get completely lost for a while. That’s honestly what I enjoyed the most.

→ Read my full guide to the best things to do in Menton

Have Lunch

By lunchtime you’ll probably be ready for a break, and Menton has plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating.

Since you’re so close to Italy, you’ll find a mix of French and Italian food everywhere. Whether you feel like fresh seafood, homemade pasta or just grabbing a pizza with a sea view, it’s honestly hard to go wrong.

If the weather is nice, I’d definitely recommend sitting outside. Half the experience of visiting Menton is just slowing down for a while and enjoying the atmosphere.

Walk Along the Seafront

After lunch, head down to the promenade.

This was one of my favorite parts of Menton. The sea is right there, the colorful buildings sit behind you, and it’s just a really nice place to walk without any plan.

If you’re visiting during summer, this is also the perfect time to spend a couple of hours at the beach.

And if you’re like me… there’s a good chance you’ll end up stopping for ice cream somewhere along the way.

Spend the Rest of the Afternoon Exploring

If you’re visiting in summer and the weather is good, I’d stay at the beach for a while before heading back.

If you’re visiting outside the summer months, just keep wandering around the village. Menton is small enough that you don’t need to constantly check the time, and that’s honestly what I liked most about it.

Grab One Last Drink Before Heading Back

Before catching the train back to Nice, I’d stop for one last coffee or aperitif by the sea.

There’s no better way to finish the day than sitting outside for a bit, watching the beach and soaking in the atmosphere before heading back.

Head Back to Nice

I headed back to Nice in the early evening, and it was the perfect way to end the day.

The train ride is short, so even after spending the whole day exploring Menton, you’ll still be back in Nice in time for dinner if you want.

How Much Does a Day Trip to Menton Cost?

One of the reasons I think a day trip to Menton is such a good idea is because it doesn’t have to be expensive.

Here’s roughly what I spent:

• Train: around €8
• Lunch: around €15–30
• Coffee: around €3–5
• Ice cream or a snack: around €3–5

That means you can easily enjoy a full day in Menton for around €30–50 per person, depending on where you decide to eat.

If you’re planning your own trip, I’d recommend booking your train tickets in advance, especially during summer when trains can get busier.

→ Check train tickets here

Is a Day trip to Menton Enough?

For most people a day trip to Menton is enough and it is a very popular way of visiting this French Riviera town.

That’s exactly what I did, and I never felt like I was rushing. I had enough time to explore the Old Town, walk along the promenade, enjoy lunch, spend some time by the beach and simply wander around the village.

The only reason I’d stay longer is if I wanted a slower trip with more beach time or if I was planning to use Menton as my base for exploring places like Monaco, Nice or even Ventimiglia in Italy.

If you’re still trying to decide, I’ve written a full guide about exactly how many days I think you should spend in Menton.

→ Read my guide on How Many Days in Menton Do You Need?

FAQS

Is Menton worth a day trip from Nice?

Yes, absolutely. That’s exactly how I visited Menton, and I honestly think it’s one of the best day trips you can do from Nice. The journey is short, it’s affordable, and you have enough time to explore the village without feeling rushed.

Can you do Menton in one day?

Definitely. I spent one day in Menton and managed to explore the Old Town, walk along the seafront, have lunch, spend some time by the beach and still return to Nice in the evening. For most people, one day is enough.

How do you get from Nice Airport to Menton?

The easiest option is to take the tram from Nice Airport to Nice-Ville train station and then catch the direct train to Menton. The whole journey usually takes just over an hour.

Is there a bus from Nice to Menton?

Yes. There are regular buses between Nice and Menton, and tickets are often a little cheaper than the train. The downside is that buses usually take longer because of traffic, especially during the summer months.

What are the best beaches in Menton?

The most popular beaches in Menton are Plage des Sablettes, right next to the Old Town, and Plage du Casino, which is larger and perfect if you’re looking to spend a few hours by the sea. During summer, I’d definitely recommend bringing your swimsuit because the beaches are one of the highlights of visiting Menton.

Final Thoughts: Is a day trip to Menton worth it?

If you’re staying in Nice, I genuinely think a day trip to Menton is one of the best things you can add to your itinerary.

That’s exactly what I did, and I left wishing I’d visited sooner. It’s easy to get there, doesn’t cost much, and it’s completely different from Nice while still giving you that classic French Riviera feeling.

If you’re short on time, I’d absolutely recommend spending one day in Menton. And if you end up loving it as much as I did, you can always come back and stay a couple of nights next time.

Read my other Menton Guides

Is Menton Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

Is Menton, France Safe? My Honest Experience as a Solo Female Traveler (2026)

Best Time to Visit Menton: A Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

How Many Days in Menton Do You Need? My Honest Recommendation (2026)

Nice to Menton: Best Ways to Get There (Train, Bus, Car & Day Trip Guide) (2026)

Where to Stay in Menton: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget (2026)

10 Best day trips from Menton you shouldn’t miss (2026)

Menton Itinerary: how I’d spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Menton (2026)