Menton, the pearl of France: a day trip
The last town before Italy, Menton cultivates a dolce vita charm: ochre alleys, baroque basilica, pebble beaches and botanical gardens. 40 minutes by train from Nice.
They say Menton "faces Italy": ochre facades, cool alleys, the scent of lemon trees — and the border a few kilometres away. Less crowded than Monaco or Èze, it offers a day that is both peaceful and exotic, 40 minutes by train from Nice.
The train: 40 minutes flat
The TER line 4 links Nice to Menton in about 40 minutes (65 return services a day, from 5:50 am to 10:20 pm), for €7.70 full fare. The line continues to Ventimiglia, in Italy: a chance, for the curious, to push to the border in 10-15 extra minutes.
The old town and Saint-Michel basilica
Menton's old town climbs in narrow alleys and stairways towards the Saint-Michel-Archange basilica, a 17th-century baroque masterpiece: first a look at its pebble forecourt bearing the Grimaldi coat of arms (250,000 pebbles!), then the gilded interior. Its 53-metre bell tower dominates the town — and the Menton Music Festival takes place on the forecourt every summer.
Coming back down, the ochre facades and sunny little squares give that unique feeling of "Italian holidays without crossing the border".
The Promenade du Soleil and the beaches
Menton has its pebble beaches, more family-friendly than Nice's: public to the west and centre (Sablettes, Fossan, Casino) with lifeguards in July-August, private beaches along the seaside promenade. The water is often slightly warmer than in Nice — the town is sheltered from the winds by its mountains.
The Lemon Festival: the February event
Every winter, Menton celebrates its emblematic fruit: the 93rd Lemon Festival will run from 13 to 28 February 2027, on the theme "Douce France". Golden fruit parades, giant citrus designs in the Biovès gardens, evening events: more than 250,000 visitors flock there. 2026 prices: grandstand €30, promenade €16.
The botanical gardens
The Serre de la Madone botanical garden (6 hectares created by Lawrence Johnston in the 1920s, owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral) is the essential garden visit, open every day except Monday in season. Exotic plant lovers will find one of the Riviera's finest collections.
Pushing on to Italy
From Menton-Garavan station, the last before Italy, the train reaches Ventimiglia in about ten minutes: an express Italian escapade (Friday market, gelato, cross-border atmosphere) that turns the Menton day into a real double destination.
FAQ
How long is the Nice-Menton journey?
About 40 minutes on the TER (line 4), with 65 return services a day. Full-fare ticket €7.70.
What to see in Menton first?
The old town and Saint-Michel basilica, the Promenade du Soleil, the Serre de la Madone gardens, and the covered market for local produce.
When is the Lemon Festival?
In February: 93rd edition from 13 to 28 February 2027, theme "Douce France". Grandstands €30, promenade €16.
Can you go to Italy from Menton?
Yes, Ventimiglia is about ten minutes by train from Menton-Garavan station, the last before the border.
Does Menton have sandy beaches?
No, like the whole Niçois coast, the beaches are pebbly. More family-friendly and often less crowded than Nice's.
Is Menton suitable for children?
Yes: family beaches, a pedestrian old town and the bonus of the Lemon Festival in February.
