Menton — The Pearl of France

Hugging the Italian border, 35 minutes from Nice by TER (from €5.20), Menton is France's easternmost town — and the Côte d'Azur's most surprising. Nicknamed 'the Pearl of France', it is renowned for three closely linked specialities: its lemons (the world's sweetest per confectioners), its gardens (the Côte d'Azur's most luxuriant thanks to France's warmest microclimate) and its Italian architecture (the old town resembles neighbouring Ventimiglia far more than Old Nice).

Menton's old town — a labyrinth of narrow streets with yellow, orange and pink pastel facades — is one of the Côte d'Azur's most photogenic. The Saint-Michel Archange church dominates the main square. The Vieux-Château cemetery, perched on the hill, offers exceptional panoramic views over the old town and sea.

The Gardens

Menton holds the Côte d'Azur's most exceptional gardens — the Serre de la Madone Garden (Lawrence Johnston), the Val-Rahmeh Garden (National Botanical Conservatory, tropical collections). Menton's microclimate allows growing tropical species normally impossible in France.

Lemon Festival

Every February, the Lemon Festival transforms Menton — giant lemon and orange sculptures, corsos with tonnes of citrus, city-wide entertainment. The Côte d'Azur's most original winter event.

And Just After: Ventimiglia

From Menton, Ventimiglia (Italy) is 10 train minutes away — Italian markets, culinary specialities and Italian-price shopping.

Pricing

TER Nice–Menton €5.20 return. Val-Rahmeh Garden €9. Old town: free.

Guest Reviews

Highlights: Menton described as the most 'off the beaten track' and least touristy destination from Nice. Italian-coloured old town photographed at every corner. Gardens cited as the Côte d'Azur's finest. Lemon Festival described as a unique event. 10 min Ventimiglia access is a much-appreciated bonus.

Areas for improvement: Menton is less spectacular than Èze or Monaco in terms of immediate 'wow'. Some gardens have restricted hours. Calm city — not suited to those seeking animation.

Overall: Menton is the Côte d'Azur's secret discovery — a town that rewards those who visit with a different, gentler and more intimate Mediterranean beauty.