Vieux Château Cemetery

It might feel a little unexpected to find yourself in the middle of a cemetery during a tour—but there’s a good reason for it: this is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in all of France. You’ll instantly understand why, once you see the breathtaking 360-degree view over the town and the sea. This spectacular viewpoint was once home to Menton’s château, perched 78 metres above sea level in a location chosen for its strategic advantage. By the time the town acquired the land in 1807, only ruins remained. The decision was made to transform the site into a cemetery, laid out across several levels—the highest of which offers incredible views over the Bay of Menton. People of many nationalities are buried here—British, Russian, Polish, German—reflecting the town’s long history as a haven for foreigners. From the early 1800s, Menton began attracting visitors not just for its beauty, but for its mild climate, which many hoped would help them recover from illnesses sweeping across Europe. Sadly, not everyone made it—and many found their final resting place in this peaceful, sunlit cemetery. Among the most remarkable graves is that of Polish princess Janina Jelowickich Lewandowska, whose tomb features a striking statue of a woman rising from her coffin. You’ll also see a chapel dedicated to Russian prince Pierre Troubetskoy, who came to Menton in 1924 seeking treatment while seriously ill. So as you walk through this extraordinary place, know that you’re not only visiting one of France’s most scenic cemeteries—you’re also stepping into a space of memory, where the stories of remarkable people from across Europe now rest, facing the endless blue of the Bay of Menton.