Dear Readers, My wife and I had the delightful experience of exploring the beauty of Menton, a city nestled along the French Riviera’s Mediterranean coast. Let me share our journey with you!
Our adventure started on August 12th when we arrived in Nice airport (Cannes/Nice International Airport), about an hour drive to Menton via N5 highway and A8 motorway, which was quite breezy yet enjoyable. We took a taxi from the airport straight into downtown Menton – it felt like stepping right out of history books!
We arrived in this charming city. It sits on hills overlooking blue waters. We were drawn to its old town. The old town is called Vieille Ville. It has elegant mansions and narrow cobblestone streets. We loved how the houses seemed frozen into time as they stood proudly against Menton’s azure skyline.
Our first meal in Menton was at Le Pizzette, a quaint pizzeria located just across from our hotel (Hôtel de l’Estaque). We indulged ourselves with their famous Margherita and Prosciutto & Aubergine pie. The fresh ingredients were absolutely scrumptious! It cost us around €20 for two, but it was worth every penny – the food alone made our trip memorable!
During this sun-soaked afternoon we explored some of Menton’s world-famous sites. Our first stop was Monaco Casino and Hotel – just minutes away from downtown by car (about 10 mins drive). It took us back to our childhood when the Monte Carlo casinos were in movies! We had a quick tour before heading for lunch at L’Enfant Prince, where we tried their delicious Croque Monsieur and Frites. The total bill came up to €45 – not too shabby considering Menton is relatively expensive compared to other French towns around it.
After our brunch in Monaco Casino Hotel’s café, we drove down the coastal road. The café was very cozy and had a great view. We headed towards La Turbie. This ancient Roman town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Augustus Caesar once visited La Turbie on his trips to conquer Gaul. The ruins were fascinating – it felt like time had stopped since then, just as they do here in France!
We took a small detour back into the city. We visited Musée du Petit-Palais, an art museum built during World War II. It now houses spectacular pieces of French Art. Our visit lasted about two hours. The cost was €8 per person. We agreed that this was an experience every traveler should have at least once in their life.
In the afternoon, my wife and I decided on a leisurely stroll to Cap d’Arolnes – an area known as “The Pearl of Menton”. This secluded beach is nestled among pine trees overlooking sparkling turquoise waters. We spent about three hours here relaxing under the sun, swimming and having fun with our local guide who provided valuable safety tips for water activities – to always follow lifeguard directions carefully when in doubt of one’s abilities!
As dusk approached (we love French cuisine), we decided it was time for dinner. We headed towards La Fête à la France, a restaurant popular among locals and tourists alike serving traditional Provençal fare alongside innovative contemporary options – perfect to end our day of adventures! The meal cost us about €120 for two people (including wine), but it was beyond delicious.
On the last night in Menton, we treated ourselves with a visit to La Grotte di Pertici – an underground salt mine where tourists can explore its stalactites and crystal formations along dimly lit corridors that stretched for over 7 kilometers! We spent three hours wandering through these ancient tunnels, marveling at the natural beauty formed by pure water seeping into cracks in limestone rock. It was an enchanting experience – truly a highlight of our trip to Menton!
In conclusion, we would like to advise future visitors that while exploring Menton’s charming streets and beaches, always follow local customs when it comes to greetings – the French love their ‘Bonnes soirées!’ as much as they do a good meal. We highly recommend buying souvenirs from artisans along Rue de la Grotte or visiting one of Menton’s quaint shops for some unique keepsakes that truly reflect its beauty and charm!
Our trip to this enchanting city on the French Riviera was amazing. We had unforgettable moments. We watched sunsets by La Turbie cliffs. The vibrant blue waters below were stunning. We explored exciting underground tunnels. These tunnels revealed Menton’s ancient past. I hope you find these tips and experiences as helpful for your travel plans!
Bien à vous, my dear friends – until our next adventure awaits!