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©Franck Barbier

What to do in Menton, Riviera & Merveilles? Our 10 must-sees!

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Menton, Riviera & Merveilles is the place to be for a vitamin-rich, sun-kissed cure!

Here, lemons are the order of the day, and our destination is packed with places to explore for the perfect vacation! From museum visits to lazy beach sessions, there’s something for everyone in the South of France. Between culture, nature and heritage, we bring you the 12 must-sees of our destination!

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©Pango Visual

    1- The Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange

    The town of Menton

    See that tall bell tower in downtown Menton? It’s the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange! Since 1639, it has been illuminating the old town with its orange hues. The magic begins at the church square, where the façade and the chapel of the white penitents create a perfect harmony. And keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of the Baie des Sablettes below! In summer, music and good cheer are the order of the day! The Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange is in full celebration, hosting the Festival de Musique de Menton. So, are you in?

    2- Villa Eileen Gray in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

    Are you unfamiliar with “Villa E-1027”? Far from being a house straight out of the Star Wars universe, it’s a veritable modern icon created by architect Eileen Gray! Facing the Mediterranean, in the town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, this little palace is only accessible after a walk along the customs path. Around it, plants and lemon trees thrive in the sunshine of Menton, Riviera & Merveilles, maintaining this bucolic setting.

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    ©Benjamin Gavaudo
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      ©Pango Visual

        3- The Augustus trophy

        The village of La Turbie

        A symbol of Italian power, the Trophée d’Auguste proudly dominates the surroundings of the village of La Turbie from a height of… 35 meters! Spend a day meandering through Menton, Riviera & Merveilles on the Via Julia Augusta, and visit this Italian stronghold. On site, history buffs won’t want to miss the trophy museum, which traces the history of the trophy and the remains discovered on the site. And don’t forget the breathtaking view over the azure beaches of the Bay of Monaco!

        Panorama Depuis Les Hauteurs De Sainte Agnes Isabelle FabrePanorama Depuis Les Hauteurs De Sainte Agnes Isabelle Fabre
        ©Panorama Depuis Les Hauteurs De Sainte Agnes Isabelle Fabre

          4- Sainte-Agnès Fort

          The village of Sainte-Agnès

          The coastline of Menton, Riviera & Merveilles is studded with forts, mysterious buildings whose mission was to protect the town (and even France!). At 800 meters above the sea, but 1000 leagues from revealing all its secrets, Fort Sainte-Agnès defended the town of Menton from attacks from the neighboring country that wasn’t kicking our asses at the time: Italy! It has to be said that the fort is ideally located, as the village of Sainte-Agnès is the highest coastal village… in Europe! As you might have guessed, the view is bound to be magical! On the program: exploration of this charming old village and its rock fort, with its 2,000 m2 of enigmatic galleries and rooms.

          5- Saint-Michel Cathedral

          The Village of Sospel

          Welcome to one of the largest churches in the Alpes-Maritimes: the Cathédrale Saint-Michel! Located in the heart of the sunny village of Sospel, this listed Baroque building never ceases to charm travelers to Menton, Riviera & Merveilles. And if the exterior of the cathedral looks enchanting, wait until you discover the treasures hidden inside… In the chapel or choir, trompe l’oeil, gilding and paintings are the centerpieces of a majestic ensemble! Finally, our highlight: discovering the Agati brothers’ chapel during a concert of Baroque music. Can you hear it? You can hear the melodious tunes of Italy from here…

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          ©Drone de Regard
            Jardin Maria Serena Bassin Ville De Menton Patrick VarottoJardin Maria Serena Bassin Ville De Menton Patrick Varotto
            ©Jardin Maria Serena Bassin Ville De Menton Patrick Varotto

              6- Menton’s exceptional gardens

              In addition to being a true garden city, Menton is home to several exceptional gardens, designated as “Jardins Remarquables” for their diversity of species, the beauty of their landscapes and their uniqueness. Menton’s gardens bear witness to a history dating back to the 18th century, forming a botanical heritage that’s a must-see!

              Notre Dame Des Fontaines Pango VisualNotre Dame Des Fontaines Pango Visual
              ©Notre Dame Des Fontaines Pango Visual

                7- Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines chapel

                The village of La Brigue

                No need to travel all the way to Italy when the Sistine Chapel is within easy reach in Menton, Riviera & Merveilles! And more precisely in the village of La Brigue. In the heart of a natural setting, the Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines chapel carefully preserves some exceptional works: the best-preserved frescoes in the region! A truly immersive experience, created by 15th-century artists Canavesio and Baleison. Over 220 m2, from floor to ceiling, symbolic religious scenes come to life. Admire them if you can find your way around!

                8- Water activities

                The village of Breil-sur-Roya

                Dive (literally!) into the heart of nature at Menton, Riviera &
                Merveilles! In the Roya Valley, a multitude of water sports activities await both budding and seasoned sportsmen and women. Whether canyoning, rafting, kayaking or simply walking, the crystal-clear waters of the Roya are a favorite playground for sports enthusiasts in Menton, Riviera & Merveilles! So, are you ready to jump into the deep end?

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                ©Roya Evasion
                  Monastere Franciscain De Saorge Isabelle Fabre MinMonastere Franciscain De Saorge Isabelle Fabre Min
                  ©Monastere Franciscain De Saorge Isabelle Fabre Min

                    9- The Saorge monastery

                    The village of Saorge

                    At the gateway to the Mercantour Park, the village of Saorge (one of France’s most beautiful villages) seems to be suspended in mid-air! Between heaven and earth, discover the Franciscan monastery with its sun-drenched facade in the heart of Menton, Riviera & Merveilles. In the heart of the gardens, enjoy a veritable interlude of serenity… with a view of the mountains, if you please!

                    10- Valley of Wonders

                    The Vallée des Merveilles takes you back to the Bronze Age, where the beauty of our destination is worth its weight in gold! It’s THE perfect place to combine history, heritage and hiking, where the first humans lived… nearly 5,000 years ago! On a hike, explore Mont Bégo and its rock engravings, as well as its colorful landscapes. Green, ochre or blue… the Vallée des Merveilles near Menton is a sight to behold!

                    Lac Noir Vallee De La Valmasque Parc National Du Mercantour Pango Visual MinLac Noir Vallee De La Valmasque Parc National Du Mercantour Pango Visual Min
                    ©Lac Noir Vallee De La Valmasque Parc National Du Mercantour Pango Visual Min

                      Frequently asked questions about what to do in Menton, Riviera & Merveilles

                      • What to do in Menton

                        Be sure to visit one of Menton’s exceptional gardens: Val Rahmeh or La Serre de la Madone. The Musée Jean Cocteau, the square in front of the Basilica and the esplanade des Sablettes are also emblematic places in Menton. The Port de Garavan is also a pleasant place to admire the boats and enjoy a panoramic view of the sea. At Menton’s Vieux Château cemetery, you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of the old town and the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re hungry, head for the Halles de Menton! This lively indoor market is located right in the heart of town. Here you’ll find a wide variety of fresh local produce, including delicious Menton lemons.

                      • What is Menton best known for?

                        Menton is famous for its lemons, and every year it organizes the Fête du Citron to celebrate this crop. Menton lemons are renowned for their flavor and are used in many local dishes and artisanal products.

                      • Which garden to choose for a walk in Menton?

                        Menton is renowned for its superb gardens, including the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, the Palais Carnolès Citrus Garden and the splendid Jardin Serre de la Madone. These verdant spaces offer a wonderful escape in the middle of the city, inviting you for a soothing stroll! Want to find the garden that suits you? Discover Menton’s most beautiful gardens for a stroll!

                      • Can you visit citrus gardens in Menton?

                        Menton is famous for its citrus fruits. You can discover different varieties of lemon and other citrus trees. The garden of the Palais Carnolès houses an impressive collection of citrus trees and is well worth a visit. But in Menton, you can also visit private citrus groves. So it’s time to get to the source of this tangy nectar!

                      • What are the best beaches in Menton?

                        Menton’s most popular beaches are Plage des Sablettes and Plage du Fossan. Both offer shallow, azure waters, ideal for family bathing.

                      • What water sports activities are available in Menton?

                        Menton is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. You can scuba dive, kayak, sail, or simply relax on the sandy beaches in and around Menton.

                      • What family activities are available in Menton?

                        Menton is an ideal destination for families. You can spend a fun-filled day at Parc du Pian, a magnificent olive grove, or at Koaland, a small amusement park that will delight young and old alike! In downtown Menton, opt for a family stroll through the gardens and the old port, with an obligatory ice cream break in the old town!

                      • What cultural festivals are not to be missed in Menton?

                        In addition to the Fête du Citron, don’t miss the Festival de Musique de Menton, which features renowned artists in a spectacular setting.

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