25 Best Things to Do in Menton, France (2026 Guide)

I visited Menton while exploring the French Riviera, and I’ll be honest—I thought I’d spend a couple of hours there before moving on to the next town.

That definitely didn’t happen.

Menton ended up being one of my favorite places on the Riviera. It’s colorful, relaxed, right on the Mediterranean, and it feels completely different from places like Nice or Monaco. I could easily picture myself coming back just to spend a few slow days here.

Even though it’s a small town, there are actually plenty of things to do in Menton. You can wander through the Old Town, spend the afternoon at the beach, eat some amazing Italian food, or even use Menton as a base to explore the rest of the French Riviera—and even Italy.

In this guide, I’m sharing all my favorite things to do in Menton, plus a few tours, nearby day trips, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

Best Things to Do in Menton: My Quick Picks

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, these are the things to do in Menton I wouldn’t skip:

• Wander around the colorful Old Town
• Visit the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange
• Walk up to the cemetery viewpoint
• Go on French Food Tour
• Relax at one of Menton’s beaches
• Stroll along Promenade du Soleil
• Browse Marché des Halles
• Go Wine Tasting
• Eat Italian food just steps from the border
• Watch the sunset by the sea

1. Wander Around Menton’s Old Town

If there’s one thing you absolutely have to do in Menton, it’s simply wandering around the Old Town.

Don’t worry about following a map or ticking attractions off a list. The colorful buildings, narrow alleys, little staircases, and hidden squares are what make this place so special. I honestly had the most fun just getting lost and seeing where I’d end up.

If you enjoy photography, make sure your phone or camera is fully charged because every corner feels photo-worthy.

→ Read my full Menton Itinerary for the walking route I recommend.

2. Visit Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange

One of the most iconic landmarks in Menton is the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange.

Even if you’re not into churches, it’s worth stopping by. The architecture is beautiful, and the square in front of it is one of the prettiest spots in town. From here, you also get some great views over the colorful rooftops and the Mediterranean.

3. Walk Up to the Cemetery Viewpoint

This ended up being one of my favorite viewpoints in Menton.

Right behind the basilica, you can continue walking uphill to the old cemetery. Besides being peaceful, it offers one of the best panoramic views over Menton, the coastline, and the sea.

It doesn’t take long to get there, and it’s 100% worth the extra climb.

4. Relax at the Beaches in Menton

One of the best things to do in Menton—especially during summer—is simply spending a few hours at the beach.

There are several beaches in Menton, and most of them are public, making them perfect if you’re traveling on a budget. Bring a towel, jump in for a swim, or just relax with a book while enjoying the Mediterranean.

I loved how much quieter the beaches felt compared to places like Nice.

5. Walk Along Promenade du Soleil

After the beach, take a walk along Promenade du Soleil.

The seafront is lined with cafés, palm trees, and benches, making it a great place to slow down for a while. Whether you stop for a coffee, an ice cream, or just enjoy the view, it’s one of those simple things to do in Menton that makes the town feel so relaxed.

6. Visit Marché des Halles

If you enjoy visiting local markets when you travel, don’t skip Marché des Halles.

It’s not huge, but it’s a nice place to walk around for a bit and see what locals are actually buying. You’ll find fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, seafood, and plenty of little stalls selling local products.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth stopping by just to soak up the atmosphere.

7. Eat Italian Food

One of my favorite things about Menton is that you’re literally a few minutes from Italy.

Because of that, you’ll find some amazing Italian restaurants all over town. Whether you’re craving fresh pasta, pizza, or a good gelato, Menton is a great place to take advantage of being so close to the border.

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever complained about eating Italian food.

8. Try French Pastries

Before leaving Menton, stop by one of the local bakeries.

Grab a croissant, a pain au chocolat, or one of the little fruit tarts and enjoy it with a coffee. It’s a simple thing to do, but it somehow always makes me feel like I’m actually on vacation.

9. Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum

If you’re into art, you might want to visit the Jean Cocteau Museum.

It’s one of the best-known museums in Menton and focuses on the work of the French artist, writer, and filmmaker Jean Cocteau. It’s not a must-do for everyone, but it’s worth adding to your itinerary if you enjoy museums.

10. Walk Around the Old Port

The Old Port is another nice place to slow down for a bit.

You’ll find colorful fishing boats, yachts, and plenty of places to sit while looking out over the water. I ended up spending longer here than I expected because it was just one of those relaxing spots where you don’t really feel like rushing off to the next attraction.

11. Explore Garavan Marina

If you’ve already explored the Old Town, keep walking towards Garavan Marina.

This side of Menton feels much quieter, with boats, palm trees, and fewer people around. It’s a nice excuse to stretch your legs if you’re spending the whole day in town.

12. Watch the Sunset Over the Mediterranean

This was probably my favorite part of the day.

There’s nothing complicated about it. Just find somewhere along the seafront, sit down, and watch the sun disappear behind the coastline. Sometimes the simplest things end up being the best.

13. Have an Aperitif by the Sea

After the sun goes down, grab a drink at one of the bars facing the water.

This quickly became one of my favorite ways to end the day in Menton. Good weather, sea views, a drink in hand… honestly, not much else is needed.

14. Join a Walking Tour

If you prefer learning about a place instead of wandering around on your own, joining a walking tour is a great option.

→ Go on a Walking Tour of Menton

15. Join a Food Tour

One of the best ways to experience Menton is through its food.

A food tour lets you try local specialties while learning a bit more about the town at the same time.

– Join a Local Food Tour

16. Go Wine Tasting

If you’ve got a little more time, a wine tasting is a fun way to slow things down.

I always think local wine tastes even better when you’re drinking it on vacation.

→ Go Full Wine Tasting in Menton

17. Visit Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden

If you need a break from the beach, head to Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden.

It’s home to tropical and exotic plants from all over the world and feels completely different from the rest of Menton.

18. Walk to the Italian Border

How many places let you casually walk into another country?

One of the coolest things about Menton is that Italy is literally right there. If you’ve got the time, it’s fun to walk towards the border just because… well, you can.

19. Visit Ventimiglia, Italy

If walking into another country isn’t enough, just take the train and properly explore one.

Ventimiglia is only about 10 minutes away, making it one of the easiest international day trips you’ll probably ever do. Go for the markets, the Italian food, or simply to say you visited another country before lunch.

→ Read my guide to the Best Day Trips from Menton.

20. Take a Day Trip to Monaco

And if Italy isn’t enough, why not visit a second country?

Monaco is less than half an hour from Menton by train, making it ridiculously easy to combine with your trip. The contrast between relaxed Menton and glamorous Monaco makes it one of my favorite combinations on the French Riviera.

→ See my full guide to the best Day Trips from Menton.

21. Visit Èze

If you’ve got another day available, I’d definitely add Èze to your itinerary.

It’s one of the prettiest villages on the French Riviera, with tiny medieval streets and incredible views over the coastline.

22. Spend a Day in Nice

Nice is another easy day trip from Menton and definitely worth visiting if you haven’t already.

The city has a completely different vibe, with bigger beaches, museums, shopping streets, and plenty of restaurants. It’s a nice contrast after spending time in the quieter streets of Menton.

23. Join a French Riviera Tour

If you don’t want to organize trains or buses yourself, joining a French Riviera tour is another option.

Just keep in mind that most organized tours leave from Nice rather than Menton, so you’ll usually need to take the train there first before joining the tour.

24. Stay Overnight Instead of Rushing Through

A lot of people only visit Menton as a day trip.

I get it—I almost did the same.

But if you’ve got the time, I’d honestly recommend spending at least one or two nights here. Once the day trippers leave, the town feels even more relaxed, and you can actually slow down instead of trying to see everything in a few hours.

→ Read my guide on Where to Stay in Menton.

→ Find Hotels in Menton

25. Slow Down and Enjoy Menton

One of the best things to do in Menton is… honestly, doing less.

Not every destination needs a packed itinerary from morning until night. Some of my favorite moments here were just sitting by the sea with a coffee, watching people walk past, wandering around without checking Google Maps every five minutes, and enjoying how relaxed everything felt.

Sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

My Suggested Menton Itinerary

How many days you spend in Menton really depends on your trip, but this is what I’d recommend:

• 1 day: Explore the Old Town, visit the main viewpoints, relax at the beach, and enjoy dinner by the sea.
• 2 days: Spend one full day in Menton and use the second for a nearby day trip like Monaco, Nice, or Italy.
• 3 days: Use Menton as your base and spend a few days village hopping around the French Riviera without constantly changing hotels.

If you’re planning your trip, these guides might help:

→ Menton Itinerary

→ Day Trip to Menton from Nice

→ Best Day Trips from Menton

→ Where to Stay in Menton

Where to Stay in Menton

If you’re staying overnight, I’d recommend looking around the Old Town, Promenade du Soleil, or Garavan.

They’re all within walking distance of the main attractions, so you won’t need to worry about transport once you’re there.

→ Read my full guide on Where to Stay in Menton.

→ Check Menton Hotels Here

Practical Information

Getting around Menton is honestly really easy.

• Train: The easiest option if you’re planning day trips to Monaco, Nice, Italy, or other French Riviera towns.
• Bus: Usually a bit cheaper, but slower than the train.
• Walking: Menton itself is small enough to explore entirely on foot.
• Car: Worth considering if you want maximum flexibility or plan to visit several villages in one trip.

→ Check for Train tickets Here

→ Check for car rentals here

Don’t Forget Your eSIM

If you’re planning to visit France, Monaco, and Italy during the same trip, I’d also recommend getting a regional Europe eSIM instead of buying one for each country.

It’s much easier, and you won’t have to worry about losing connection every time you cross a border—which can literally happen in less than 10 minutes around here.

→ Get you Europe eSIM here

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Menton?

Some of my favorite things to do in Menton were wandering around the colorful Old Town, relaxing on the beach, visiting the Basilica Saint-Michel, walking along Promenade du Soleil, and taking day trips to nearby places like Monaco, Nice, and even Italy.

What are the best beaches in Menton?

Menton has several public beaches, with Plage des Sablettes being the most popular. If you’re visiting in summer, it’s the perfect place to swim, relax for a few hours, or just enjoy the Mediterranean.

Is Menton worth visiting?

Absolutely. I honestly thought I’d spend a couple of hours there before moving on, but it ended up being one of my favorite places on the French Riviera.

Can I visit Menton in one day?

Yes. One day is enough to see the main highlights, but if you have two or three days, you’ll have time to enjoy the slower pace and visit a few nearby villages too.

What food should I try in Menton?

Since Menton sits right next to Italy, don’t leave without trying some Italian food. Fresh pasta, pizza, seafood, and of course, gelato by the sea.

What are the best day trips from menton?

Monaco, Nice, Èze, Ventimiglia, Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Grasse are all fantastic day trips from Menton, and most are really easy to reach by train.

Final Thoughts: Best things to do in Menton

I honestly expected Menton to be a quick stop while exploring the French Riviera, but it ended up being one of my favorite places.

Between the colorful Old Town, the beaches, the food, and the fact that you can literally hop on a train and be in Monaco or Italy in no time, there are so many amazing things to do in Menton.

If I came back tomorrow, I honestly wouldn’t change much. I’d spend the morning wandering around the Old Town, grab something good to eat, relax by the beach for a while, and finish the day with a drink by the sea. That’s exactly the kind of place Menton is.

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)

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

Menton Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know before visiting the most Beautiful Village of the French Riviera