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Vue sur la vieille Ville de MentonVue sur la vieille Ville de Menton|
The Dolce Vita
Awakening at dawn
The first catch of the day
It’s early in the morning, on the Quai Impératrice Eugénie, the pier, north of the old port, and the fishermen are already hard at work. Under the protection of a statue of Saint-Michel wearing a fisherman’s hat, bargain hunters, tourists and early risers are busy chatting and negotiating. The return of the fishing catch is a special moment, displaying the fishermen’s work, the sea’s generosity, and a respect for its produce. A sea bream catches my eye and I slip it into my basket. Going from the sea to the plate couldn’t be quicker. Something to contemplate…
A morning stop-off
at Les Halles covered market
It’s 8 o’clock, I head off to Les Halles Market on Quai Monléon, which is open every day of the week. I love this covered market which was built at the end of the 19th century and tells the whole story of the Menton region.
I take my time, wandering around the stalls, absorbing the aromas, inspired by colourful fruit and vegetables, and caressing the fresh flowers. Citrus fruits take pride of place, and naturally the lemon is supreme. I can’t resist the special Menton fougasse, a sweet delicacy to snack on. Delicious…
Breakfast
at Esplanade des Sablettes
Hunger gets the better of me. I head for the cafés on Esplanade des Sablettes which offer an incredible view of the Bay of Menton. Taken by its wonder, I find a place to sit. Time seems to stand still. While I enjoy a piece of toast with lemon jam, I watch as the town comes to life. Under the morning summer sun, the sea breaks into blue. Breathtaking…
Sunbathing
at Les Sablettes
The sun begins to rise. A dip in the sea is essential and I prefer to go in the morning. Les Sablettes Beach is in easy reach, and will give me the chance to have the rest that I need. The beach is nestled in the city centre, as if running into the sea, and I admire the traditional facades in varying ochre shades with the Italian countryside in the distance. Mesmerizing…
Lunch on
a private beach
I’ve built up an appetite after my swim. I head over to one of the private beach terraces that run along Les Sablettes, each one more colourful and exclusive than the next. This little break is in an enchanting location, allowing me to regain my strength before setting off to explore one of Menton’s “Jardin Remarquable” labelled gardens. Mouth-watering…
Daydreaming
in the garden
The gentle Menton climate has led to some stunning gardens, each more inspiring than the last. I walk up to the Jardin Serre de la Madone, listed as a “Jardin Remarquable”. I feel as if I have stepped into another world, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a moment to relax by the water, a stroll along the pathways lined with tropical plants, and a chance to admire the green, lush, and peaceful view. If time were to stand still, this is where I’d surely like to be. Enchanting…
A charming
stroll
It’s time to join my friends for a drink. I walk along the Promenade du Soleil. It is already buzzing with people. The atmosphere at the end of the day, when the heat is less intense, is very lively and the locals and holidaymakers are already filling the streets. Then, I branch off towards the little alleyways I like best, which lead me along winding, narrow steps to the Place aux Herbes. These little lanes reveal the history of this old quarter of the city. Endearing…
An authentic sensory
experience
The Place aux Herbes is instantly appealing, as the Menton fountain, shaded by plane trees, slowly trickles. It whispers its secrets to those who, sitting on the stone benches, are willing to listen. The temperature is getting cooler. The square, lined with terraces, gradually comes alive. I join my friends for a well-deserved drink. Time gently passes by; laughter can be heard all around as the square is filled with merriment. Bliss…
