Things to Do in Menton: Gardens, Museums and Must-See Attractions
Lire en françaisthings to do in Menton
Menton, 30 km from Nice and right on the Italian border, is home to some of Europe's most remarkable botanical gardens, a UNESCO-listed Baroque heritage, and unmissable sights. The team at Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée has handpicked 11 must-see addresses in Menton — exotic parks, museums, photo spots and restaurants — all within walking distance or a few minutes by bus from the hotel.
Gardens and parks to visit in Menton
Make the most of your stay at the Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée to explore Menton's botanical gardens, among the finest on the Côte d'Azur thanks to the town's exceptional microclimate.
Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden
This garden, part of the National Museum of Natural History, is home to nearly 1,800 subtropical, tropical and Mediterranean species across 1.1 hectares. The estate dates back to 1875; from 1905 onwards, Sir Percy Radcliffe, former Governor of Malta, settled his wife Rahmeh here and enriched the collection with rare exotic plants.
Serre de la Madone Garden
Listed as a Historic Monument and owned by the Conservatoire du littoral, this terraced garden spread across six levels was created by Lawrence Johnston from 1924. It holds three national plant collections of rare species, including Araliaceae and Proteaceae with their striking flowers.
Jardins Bioves & Lemon Festival
Located in the heart of Menton, these gardens host the famous Lemon Festival every year, with monumental sculptures built entirely from citrus fruits. At Christmas time, illuminations transform the park into a spectacular setting.
Museums and monuments in Menton
Menton boasts an internationally recognised cultural heritage, showcased through events such as the Music Festival and the Lemon Festival. Discover the town's main museums and tourist attractions:
Musée Jean Cocteau Le Bastion
The world's first museum dedicated to the Prince of Poets, inaugurated in 1966 inside this 17th-century fort that Cocteau entirely designed and decorated — pebble mosaics, tapestries, embrasures. The collection now brings together more than 2,000 works from the Wunderman donation. Exhibitions change each season in keeping with the artist's wishes. Open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 6pm.
Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange
A jewel of Baroque architecture, built by Genoese architect Laurent Lavagna. Its forecourt, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, hosts the celebrated Menton Music Festival every summer — one of the most prestigious classical music events on the Côte d'Azur.
Old Castle Cemetery
A Russian Orthodox cemetery dating from 1880, steeped in history. It offers an exceptional panoramic view over the town of Menton, the old harbour, the Bay of Garavan and the Italian border.
To plan a full day in Menton, our guide "Visiting Menton in One Day" offers an optimised itinerary starting from the Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée.
Best photo spots in Menton
Capture your most beautiful moments on the Côte d'Azur during your stay in Menton. Here are the three most photographed spots in the town:
Plage des Sablettes
From the Quai de l'Impératrice Eugénie that extends alongside the beach, the panoramic view of Menton's colourful façades, the picturesque harbour and the mountains is one of the most photographed views on the entire Riviera.
Old Menton Alleyways
A true maze of ochre and pastel-coloured lanes, the old town offers vibrant, atmospheric shots around every corner — the perfect place to capture your most memorable holiday photographs.
Rooftop of Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée Menton
The hotel's panoramic rooftop offers a 180° view over the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains — ideal for a sunset drink with friends.
Restaurants and gastronomy in Menton
Menton offers a rich food scene ranging from a lively Provençal market to the Mediterranean cuisine of the hotel's own restaurant.
Restaurant "Le M-Sens"
During your stay at Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée, our restaurant "Le M-Sens" serves lunch and dinner with a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavours and Provençal traditions. In summer, you can enjoy the view from the hotel rooftop.
Municipal Market Hall
This century-old covered market brings together around thirty local producers every day — market gardeners, cheesemakers, charcutiers and florists. A true immersion in the flavours and aromas of the South of France. Open from 8am to 1pm, Monday to Sunday.
Practical tips for your stay in Menton
Getting around
Menton is best explored on foot. Most attractions are between 5 and 20 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Best time to visit
The gardens are at their peak in spring (April–June). The Lemon Festival takes place each year in February. The beaches are ideal from May to September.
Getting from Nice
Menton is 30 km from Nice. By TER train from Nice-Ville station: approximately 40 min, direct. By car: 45 min to 1 hour depending on traffic.