Top 5 activities in Menton

Menton offers all the advantages of a beautiful Côte d’Azur town: quality restaurants, culinary traditions, wide beaches and the fantastic scenery of the Mediterranean basin. All without the tourist crowds of Nice or Marseille. But what can you do to enjoy yourself once you’re there?

The best experiences in Menton involve unusual and memorable activities.

Beneath its tranquil exterior, the town holds some (sometimes) well-kept secrets. Whether you like cultural activities or nature excursions, infiltrating crowded places or visiting without being rushed… Our selection of the best things to do in Menton comes just at the right time!

Menton’s beaches, close to the town centre and to the town’s specialities on the go, may well hold you back for a while. Once your “lounging in the sun” phase is over, it’s time to make some discoveries. Thanks to our selection of activities, enjoy Menton like never before. You’re just a few clicks away from your ideal activity in Menton!

What to do in Menton? 5 ideas for activities

Menton boasts more pleasant beaches than its neighbour Nice! Nevertheless, sooner or later the call of adventure will be felt. Test your limits in the depths of the sea or sample the typical flavours on a food tour… There’s something for all tastes and all ages.

1. Take part in the lemon festival

Category: Free / Unusual / Culture

Description: Every year in February, the tourist office celebrates Menton’s lemon (and orange) production by organising the famous Fête du Citron. This festival originated at the beginning of the XIXᵉ century, as an exhibition. At the time, the people of Menton were Europe’s leading lemon producers. The arrival of floats adorned with fruit led it to evolve into the Carnaval de Menton, then into the “Fête du citron” in 1934. This highlight of Menton’s winter par excellence attracts visitors from all over the world.

Good to know: The amount of fruit used to decorate the parade is astronomical! At the end of the festivities, most of the citrus fruit is sold to visitors at low prices. Take home a full basket to avoid wastage and consume high-quality citrus fruit.

2. Explore the seabed

Category: €€€ / Sensations / Sport

Description: In Menton, one activity can hide another! Here, enjoy a timeless experience in the blue depths of the Côte d’Azur. To reach this exceptional spot, climb aboard a sailing boat for a sea excursion. This outing will offer you a majestic panorama of the city on a plateau. Then it’s off to the water! Whether you want to try diving for the first time or perfect your skills, diving in Menton is a promise of fabulous memories.

Good to know: For this diving trip on a sailing boat, you’ll have to leave the confines of Menton. Head for Beaulieu-sur-Mer, just 25 kilometres from the town, to take part! Rest assured, the experience is well worth the diversions.

3. Discover the Jean Cocteau museums

Category: € / Culture

Description: Fancy a cultural break during your stay? In Menton, take advantage of two museums dedicated to Jean Cocteau. You’ll discover over 2,000 exhibits and temporary exhibitions. Then head for the famous Fort du Bastion, close to the seafront. From the outside, the splendour of this former military building could stand on its own. However, as you pass through the door, a whole museum entitled “The Prince of Poets”, designed by the artist himself, awaits you.

4. Kayak around the bay

Category: €€ / Sport

Description: Menton reveals all its beauty from the sea, so why not tackle it from the comfort of a kayak? On your own – or as a couple – in your little boat, you’ll take in the colourful old town. The calm waters of the Bay of Menton are ideal for an introduction to kayaking. As an added bonus, the contrasting landscapes surrounding the town will be revealed before your very eyes. Between the sea and the mountains, this water sports excursion is well worth a visit!

5. Taste the specialities at the Halles market

Category: € / €€ / Gastronomy / Culture

Description : A lively meeting place par excellence, the Halles market is a Menton institution. You will reach this covered market at the entrance to the Old Town, on the seafront. During your stay in Menton, this is the ideal place to organise a food tour of local culinary specialities. Stroll from stall to stall to discover the best products, the must-tries and chat to the shopkeepers. Taste the citrus jams and barbajuans while they’re still warm, grab a bottle of lemon wine or limoncello… And any other delicacy that comes your way.