Menton
The old town of Menton, the historic heart of the city, is famous for its narrow streets that cascade down to the seaside. Medieval streets and Baroque churches await you in the old walled enclosure. The Rue Longue represents its backbone and links the Place Saint-Julien to the Place du Cap. Let yourself be captivated by the splendor of the Baroque of the Saint-Michel square with its church, a true symbol of the city. Every summer, the prestigious Music Festival takes over this exceptional location. In the extension of the Old Town, you will find the essential pedestrian street of Menton, with its shops, restaurants and ice cream parlors
Monaco Monte-Carlo
Worldwide recognized for its Formula 1 Grand Prix and one of the Jet set’s privileged resorts, Monaco is also a city full of history and charm, where the Grimaldi family has reigned for hundreds of years. Discover the Rocher, the beating heart of the city, which is located on the heights of Monaco. With its pretty houses dating from the 16th to the 18th, its alleys and its ramparts, this district will dazzle you with its beauty. A timeless visit, which will allow you to discover the chapel of the Visitation, the cathedral and the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the prince since 1927. Take advantage in particular of the changing of the prince’s guards. You can also admire the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.
For any lover of marine flora and fauna, the Oceanographic Museum is a treasure to discover with its huge aquarium bringing together 6000 varieties of the marine world.
Do not forget to also visit the Exotic Garden, which brings together more than 900 species of flora from the semi-arid climate: cactus, aloes and fig trees, among the oldest and rarest on our planet. A beautiful walk, which you must punctuate with a visit to the Observatory Cave, a natural underground cavity which will surprise you.
For the players, visiting Monaco is also going to the Casino! The Monte-Carlo Casino, also renowned for the beauty of its salons, is magnificent and very a prestigious place. Don’t miss its theater-opera, which is definitely worth a look.
The Surroundings Villages
Roquebrune Cap-Martin: Located between Menton and Monaco, the village and its castle overlook the coast and offer a breathtaking view of the Principality. The village has attracted many artists and you can visit the Cabanon de Le Corbusier there. Distance: 2km from Menton
Saint-Agnès: The highest coastal village in Europe, Saint-Agnès offers a 360 ° panorama view of the sea, the coasts of the Riviera and the first mountains of the Alps. You will spend a pleasant afternoon in its narrow streets dating from the middle Ages. Distance: 10km from Menton
Gorbio: Small village perched between Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-martin, you can visit in Gorbio its 4 chapels, its castle as well as the small streets of the old town. Distance: 9km from Menton
Castellar: In Castellar, a medieval village and a former stronghold of the Lascaris family, you will find turreted houses, fountains and no less than 5 chapels. The village is also the point of departure or passage for many hikes in the heights of Menton. Distance: 7km from Menton
Castillon: Built in 1157, Castillon has been destroyed several times and permanently rebuilt in 1951.Its charm and its stone houses with green shutters attract artists and craftsmen. If you are sensitive to art, you will find what you are looking for among workshops and galleries, engravers, sculptors, painters etc. Distance: 12km from Menton
Sospel: Located near the Italian border, to the south of the Mercantour Park and the Vallée de Merveilles, Sospel was part of the “salt road” of the middle Ages. You will enjoy spending a peaceful day there, surrounded by the hills. Distance: 15km from Menton
Eze Village : Located between Menton and Nice, it is a charming Provencal village, perched in an eagle’s nest at the top of an imposing and superb cliff offering a superb panorama of the sea and the coast.
Dolceacqua : Located about 20 kilometers from Menton, Dolceacqua is a medieval village in the Nervia Valley. It is the ideal place to spend a pleasant afternoon and dine in one of the restaurants which offer good local cuisine.
Gardens of Menton
Jardin Maria Serena : A veritable open-air greenhouse, renowned for being the most temperate in France, the Jardin Maria Serena offers a large collection of palm trees and tropical plants. Located at the foot of the cliffs on the Italian border, the garden also offers a superb view over the bay of Menton.
Jardin Serre de la Madone : Was created on 1924 by the American Major Lawrence Johnston, who was looking for a site to accommodate rare plants brought back from his travels around the world. Besides the original olive and fig trees, you will find plants that have arrived from the Himalayas, Mexico and all corners of the planet.
Jardin Fontana Rosa : This garden was created from 1921 by Vicente Blasco Ibanez, who sought to replicate a bit of his native Valencia. The result is one of the rarest and most original gardens in Menton. The design of the place, the scent of the flowers and the rustling of the fountains will appeal to those who seek peace and rest.
Exotic Garden of Val Rahmeh: Covering an area of one hectare, the Garden of Val Rahmeh has sought excellence in a few exceptional collections and offers tropical and subtropical trees that are its pride. Its layout and the choice of its components meet aesthetic criteria that should make the garden a green setting.
Jardin du Palais Carnolès: The objective of this garden is to bring together one of the largest citrus collections in Europe and there are in fact 137 different varieties, including lemons, oranges, etc. from all over the Mediterranean basin. The garden is first and foremost a place of calm and is now used as a setting for the Museum of Fine Arts.
Jardin Bioves: Located in the heart of Menton opposite the Tourist Office, this 800m long promenade features flowery lawns, exotic plants and fountains throughout the year. At Christmas and during the Lemon Festival, they take on a special decoration not to be missed.
Handbury Gardens : Located near Ventimiglia, the Handbury Garden is one of the largest and most important gardens in all of the Italian River. Created in 1867 by Thomas Handbury, the garden covers 18 hectares occupied by Mediterranean and exotic species.
Restaurants
Solenzara (Carnolès):: Located on the private beach of the same name, the restaurant serves generous Mediterranean and international cuisine. The setting is exceptional, directly on the sea.
Cote Sud : A very nicely located restaurant where you will find good food and unique atmosphere.
La Trattoria : Restaurant not to be missed if you like Italian cuisine, you will love the pasta. In season it is better to book, thanks to its reputation the restaurant is often full.
Le Petit Port : Quality local cuisine, especially fish, in a pleasant setting.
Fellini (Roquebrune Cap Martin) : Facing the sea, an Italian restaurant offering excellent cuisine in a friendly atmosphere and good pizza.
Le Due Palme (Ventimiglia) : In a friendly atmosphere you will eat a very good pizza in this restaurant located in Ventimiglia (town famous for its market).
