Menton France has sunny days and beautiful beaches like the other communities along the Côte d’Azur, but it has a style all its own. Its location along the France-Italy-Monaco border has informed the history and atmosphere of this small town along the French Riviera. Over the centuries, this land has changed hands many times, finally becoming a part of France in the 1860s. For a few brief years during World War II, Italy annexed the land, until it was liberated by the American and Canadian Allied troops in 1944. These days, the port city across the border from Ventimiglia, Italy, proves every day why it is nicknamed the Pearl of France. Its warm climate is ideally situated for growing citrus. Every February, the town gathers to celebrate the Citrus Festival, complete with food and live entertainment. The gardens in the center of town are decorated with lemon displays, each reflecting the year’s theme. 

Menton France Beaches

With warm weather year-round and the Mediterranean Sea close at hand, Menton is an ideal beach town. Split in two by the rocky outcroppings of the Bay of Peace, Menton has its collection of beaches, which tend to be quieter than the beaches a half hour away in Nice. One of its biggest beaches, Baie du Soleil, is a wide-open stretch of white sand, perfect for soaking up the sun—"soleil" is the French word for sun after all. Not far from the beaches, you’ll find the Musee Jean Cocteau. Opened in 2011, the museum honors the poet, artist, and filmmaker, one of the Côte d’Azur’s favorite sons.  

Menton France Hotels

If you are not going to make a daytrip from Nice or Italy, you could stay in Menton. Its collection of French hotels includes beachfront resorts, which offer the advantage of great views and easy access to all of the cool things to do. You’ll also find big hotels, with familiar international names as well as locally run inns, so it’s not difficult to find a hotel to suit your style and budget in the town with the lemon-scented air.

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