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Description
Menton is the "The Lemon Party Capital of the World", located very close to the border of France and Italy and in many ways is more Italian than French. It has its own microclimate, generally milder than the rest of the French Riviera, and became in the late Nineteenth Century a place where Northern Europeans with TB came to either regain their health or to die. As a result its cemetery is filled with the graves of notable Englishmen, Germans, Russians. The old town is largely pedetrianised which adds to the charm of this sedate resort.
Access
- A8 Exit Menton. Follow signs for Centre Ville.
- Bas Corniche from Monaco or Italy (Ventimiglia)
- Train from Monaco/Nice or Ventimiglia
Menton has a curious one way system, it is probably a good idea to park near the port and not attempt to drive anywhere else. Although the climb up to the cemeteries is steep on foot it is considerably better than attempting to drive it.
Activities and Sightseeing
- Jean Cocteau Museum In a bastion near the port, this small museum displays drawings, ceramics, tapestries and a large mosaic by the artist.
- Salle des Marriages In the town hall, the civic wedding hall is decorated completely in murals by Jean Cocteau.
- The charming old town is compact and largely pedestrianised.
- Several impressive gardens dotted through the town including those at Garavan (Olive trees in Parc du Pian, Jardin Exotique, Villa Fontana Rosa).
- Casino and the magnificent hotels Royal Westminster and Ambassadeurs.
- Cimeti̬re du Vieux Chateau Russian Orthodox chapel, grave of William Webb Ellis Рfounder of Rugby football, view over town.
- The perched villages inland (Ste Agnes and Gorbio).
- The Mare Nostrum brewery in Castillon.
- Fête du Citron There's a lemon party and you're invited! Lemon-related festivities over several days in February.
Restaurants
There are numerous good restaurants in the Old Town and down towards the port, which offer good value for money. Expect to pay €15-€20 for the cheapest three course meal set menu. Higher priced menus are, of course, also available.
- Le Balico Place auy Herbes in the Old Town tel: 04 93 41 66 99. Closed Tuesday(?). Local Menton Cuisine – menus €20-€50 plus à la carte.
- Le Nautique 27 Quai de Monléon by the port tel: 04 93 35 78 74. Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday(?). Seafood speciality – menus ?20-?50 plus à la carte.
Nightlife
Behind Menton in the village of Castillon is the "Mare Nostrum" microbrewery. A rather yuppie sort of place but the beer is very good.
Lodging
See the listing of the Hotels in Menton
Examples:
- Best Western Hotel Prince De Galles, 4 Avenue General De Gaulle,
- Hotel Napoleon, 29 Porte de France
- Royal Westminster, 1510 promenade du Soleil.