Menton, France: The French Riviera's Best-Kept Secret (Until Now!)

Forget the millionaires, superyachts and overpriced cocktails. There's a little corner of the French Riviera that has stolen my heart more than once.

I've been fortunate enough to visit Menton several times, and there's a reason I keep going back.

The first was with my wife, when we'd recently become engaged. The second was years later, with our three young daughters, all aged six or under. Different stages of life, very different holidays, but the same conclusion: Menton is something special.

Its that special to us as a family that my kids have been back there a few times now as teenagers and adults, and the intent is to head back in the not too distant future to ‘renew’ our wedding vows, provided the missus still wants me!

Tucked between Monaco and the Italian border, this colourful Mediterranean town is frequently overlooked by travellers racing between the Riviera's more famous destinations.

And frankly, they're missing out.

A Little Bit French, A Little Bit Italian

Menton feels like someone took the best bits of France and Italy, mixed them together and added a generous helping of sunshine.

Pastel-coloured buildings tumble towards the Mediterranean, narrow cobblestone streets wind through the old town, and the magnificent Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange watches over everything.

There's a wonderful Italian influence here, particularly in the food, architecture and relaxed approach to life.

The beaches are beautiful, the waterfront is made for wandering, and unlike some Riviera hotspots, you don't need to arrive in a Ferrari to feel welcome.

Where to Stay and Eat

Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels and beachfront apartments to family-friendly holiday rentals and luxury retreats.

My pick is Hôtel Napoléon (opens in a new tab), a stylish four-star property near the waterfront, with a swimming pool and Mediterranean views. It's particularly appealing to couples and families wanting comfort without Monaco's price tag.

For something special, Menton is home to Mirazur (opens in a new tab), the internationally acclaimed restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.

For something a little more relaxed, **Le Petit Port** (opens in a new tab) is a lovely little restaurant tucked away near Menton's old harbour. It's the sort of place where Mediterranean flavours, seafood and a welcoming atmosphere take centre stage, without all the fuss of fine dining.

Perfect for couples wanting a leisurely lunch or families looking for a proper sit-down meal after exploring the old town. And sometimes, a good meal near the harbour is all the luxury you need.

Lemons, Gardens and a Few Surprises

Menton is famous for its lemons, celebrated each year during the extraordinary Fête du Citron, when enormous sculptures are created using citrus fruit. Yes, entire sculptures made from lemons and oranges. Apparently, a normal fruit bowl wasn't ambitious enough.

Another surprise is the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab), an extraordinary collection of tropical and subtropical plants thriving in Menton's unusually mild climate.

And don't miss wandering the old town towards the basilica. The views alone justify the climb.

Getting There Is Half the Fun

Driving along the coastal roads into Menton is a wonderful introduction to the French Riviera. The Mediterranean appears around bends, colourful villages cling to hillsides, and every second corner tempts you to stop for a photograph.

Once you've arrived, park the car and explore on foot.

Menton works beautifully for romantic escapes, young families and older travellers who appreciate a slower pace.

After several visits, I still reckon it's one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets.

Well, it was until I wrote this.

Pro Tips

• Visit in May, June or September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Book accommodation with parking; Menton's older streets weren't designed with modern SUVs in mind.
• Try local lemon products, particularly preserves and limoncello.
• Bring comfortable shoes for the steep, cobbled old town.

Menton isn't somewhere you simply pass through. It's somewhere you come back to.

Find out more - MENTON, FRANCE, FRENCH RIVIERA