There are just so many beautiful places that are easily accessible by public transport from Nice that we were able to select a different destination each day. Our plan for the day was to visit Menton, the pearl of France which lies close to the Italian border. It’s possible to reach the town by either train or bus and we chose the latter to enjoy the beautiful coastal views along the way. Do try and sit on the right hand side of either the bus or train to make the best of the passing scenery. We caught Bus 100 from Port Lympia (the same bus as we used to visit Monaco) single fares only €1.50 and included in our one week travel card.
The pleasant journey took around 45 minutes and our first glimpses of this beautiful coastal town were impressive and we knew instantly that we would enjoy spending several hours there.
Our first stop was at the market hall as its opening hours are 6.00 – 12.00 noon and we wanted to get there before it closed. This was yet another of the French Riviera’s attractive indoor markets with row upon row of fresh produce all beautifully displayed. As Menton is just 8 km from the Italian border we noticed lots of Italian foods too, including wine, cheese and olives. Bakery stalls were in abundance too so the market would be a good place to pick up some items for a picnic to take down to the beach on a warmer day.
Talking about the weather, Menton with its location on the eastern French Riviera enjoys Europe’s mildest climate on the shores of the Mediterranean as it is sheltered by the high Maritime Alps behind.
After visiting the market we explored the surrounding streets with the buildings looking charming painted in colourful shades of cream, yellow and pink. Strolling along, we gazed in shop windows taking a special interest in lemon products such as lemon infused olive oil, lemon liquor and lemon scented soap.
Menton is considered to be the ‘capital of lemons’ and both high on the surrounding slopes and around town this citrus fruit can be seen growing. There’s even a huge two week festival ‘Fête du Citron’ that takes place at the end of February each year celebrating Menton’s connection with lemons and how it became a symbol of the town.
After finding a sunny terrace to enjoy our morning cappuccino’s we were ready for the steep climb through the old town up to the cathedral. A magnificent zig zag staircase leads to the historic medieval town above.
Wandering the labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways was a delight seeing all the ochre coloured houses with their pale wooden shutters. I was constantly pausing to take photos as at every turn the view seemed to become even more beautiful.
After clambering the steep steps we reached the top of the old town and visited the Basilica Saint Michel Archange. This stunning Baroque cathedral has a magnificent ceiling mural, several ornate side chapels and some magnificent works of art.
The 17th century Cathedral is unusual in that it boasts two towers, a 35 m clock tower as well as a 53 m steeple. Lying at right angles in the same square is the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
A further short climb took us to the Cemetery of the Old Chateau which stands on the site of the former castle. We had hoped to take a look in this cemetery which Google informed us was open but on arrival both of its entrances were firmly padlocked. One of the most visited tombs is that of Reverend William Ellis Webb, founder of Rugby Football at Rugby school in 1823. He was born in Lancashire in the United Kingdom but died on the Côte d’Azur. The Webb Ellis Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the men’s Rugby World Cup and named after the man credited as being the inventor of rugby football.
Despite the cemetery being closed there were some spectacular views to be had over the town and its idyllic coastline. A stiff breeze had developed by the time we had retraced our steps back down to sea level and it was bracing to say the least as we strolled along the elegant palm tree lined promenade adorned with fountains, ornamental flowerbeds and ample seating.
Along here we had lovely views of the marina, the surrounding hillsides and of the delightful pastel coloured houses clinging to the cliffs.
Continuing from the marina, we climbed several steps up onto the harbour wall which took us along to the fort. This bastion was constructed in 1619 by the Prince of Monaco in order to defend the Bay of Menton.
A museum dedicated to the famous artist and film director Jean Cocteau has been developed inside the old fort as he fell in love with the town and built his own studio there. More recently a second museum on the seafront incorporates the collection of Severin Wunderman, an American Cocteau enthusiast who was the sole manufacturer of watches for Gucci.
The Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) has a beautiful façade and its ‘Salle des Mariages’ is sumptuously decorated by Jean Cocteau taking him two years to paint its frescoes from when he started in 1957. When wedding ceremonies are not taking place this hall is usually open to the public to view for a small charge but disappointingly was closed on the day of our visit.
Our tour of the town concluded with a stroll along the Plage des Sablettes with its crescent shaped bay and light shingle beach.
It had been a lovely day out exploring beautiful Menton with its charming old town, picturesque harbour and sweeping bay. It’s less touristy than some of it’s close neighbours but an elegant resort which is certainly definitely worth visit during a stay on the Côte d’Azur. After spending the day there ourselves it’s not difficult to see why Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill were regular visitors to this refined seaside resort.
