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Menton
[Presentation]
[History]
[Surrounding area]
[Visit]
[Virtual Tour]
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Presentation |
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The most "Italian" of the towns on the French Riviera
(logically, as it's
the last town before the border),
Menton is a quiet city with indisputable
charm.
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Capital of the Lemon (Citrus Festival held every year in February),
the town is blessed by a particularly mild and sunny climate.
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In the Old Town, narrow sloping streets climb up to the Church of
Saint Michel, while the mellow colors of the façades and washing hung
out to dry from one window to the other reminds us that we're just
a stone's throw from Italy. The lower town is centered around its pedestrian area and the
covered hallways where the market opens every day.
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History |
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In 1346, after belonging to Genoa for many long years, Menton became part
of the territory governed by the Principality of Monaco. It was to stay
"Monégasque" until the mid-19th century. In 1860, after a 12-year period
under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Menton was annexed to
France, along with the rest of the County of Nice.
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It was again an Englishman, Mr. Henry Bennett who, at the beginning
of this century, launched Menton and its sun-blessed bathing resort
onto the tourist scene.
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The
surrounding area |
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West of Menton, the ancient village of Roque-brune looks down at the shoreline,
giving a superb view of the Principality of Monaco.
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This medieval village is built on a gigantic landslide which stopped halfway down the hill, which explains the presence of huge rocks scattered throughout the village and towering above certain houses. The Castle, dating back to 970, stands over the village and overlooks the whole coastline. It is one of the few Carolinian castles in France that has remained intact: you can still see the drawbridge, the great hall, the prison, the guardroom, the kitchens, the dining room and the dungeon which has been restored and which affords a view over the whole village.
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Surveying Menton, Cap Martin
also offers lovely views of the coast. Cap Martin, a beautifully preserved site, offers magnificent viewpoints. On the eastern side, take the coast road and enjoy the view over Menton and the Italian Riviera. To the West, wander along the "Le Corbusier" path which will lead you to Monte Carlo in a little under two hours. In 1952, Le Corbusier designed, had built, then furnished an "artist's home" in an exceptional position by the water's edge, according to the theory of "modular habitats". Le Corbusier drowned in the bay at the age of 78. Stop and pay homage to his talent when you visit this enchanting site.
Sainte Agnès : Nicknamed the "Balcony above the French Riviera", Sainte Agnès is the highest coastal village in Europe (nearly 800 metres above sea level), standing proudly over Menton and the surrounding area. Thanks to its military fortress - nothing short of a labyrinth hewn out of the rock - and its exceptional location, the village of Sainte Agnès ensured the bay was effectively defended during the Second World War.
Admire the view from the 12th century castle-fortress and as the sun goes down, enjoy the scenery and drift into your dreams...
Explore the village dating back to the Middle Ages: cobbled streets, crafts, boutiques, ancient doors, vaulted gateways... and in July, take part in the Lavender
Fête, unless you prefer mushrooms... in which case you should come back at the end of September...
On the steep hillsides not far from this medieval village, discover Mount Agel (1200m above sea level) and the Gorbio Peak (nearly 1000 m above sea level). Numerous tiny squares, fountains, narrow streets and vaulted passages welcome you into this charming village surrounded by luxuriant greenery: there is even an elm tree dating back to the 18th century, numerous cacti and Mediterranean plants...
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East of Menton, Italy boasts its own Riviera with Vintimiglia and its famous
market, and further along the coast, San Remo : Back in the 19th century San Remo began to develop its tourist activities. Located in a pretty gulf (between Cap Noir and Cap Vert), with the advantage of a very pleasant climate, San Remo is paradise for plant lovers: many varieties of tropical species, a host of palm trees, fields of cultivated flowers...
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Visit |
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The many tropical gardens in and around Menton, and the
Cocteau Museum.
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Strolls
2-hour tour - 1-day
tour - 2-day tour
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