Slow Menton

Stage 1

Go to the Garavan port to rent your electric bikes. Take advantage of the starter to ride effortlessly up the Boulevard de Garavan: 3km long, it could take you all the way to Italy! Here you can admire the fairytale villas built on the French Riviera by some of the great fortunes of the early 20th century.

Stage 2

Continue on to the old castle cemetery. A strange spot to discover a city? Not really. From up here, the view of the Mediterranean is incredible. Crosses, chapels, Madonnas and little angels huddle against the mountain, perched 78 meters above sea level.

With your eyes filled with blue, head for the green. Head for the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, where a guided tour is a must. Palms from Madagascar, coconut palms from Chile, cedars from Java, cherry trees from Brazil… these exceptional plants come from all over the world, but only grow here. Microclimate and exotic atmosphere guaranteed!

Stage 3

Time for a gourmet break at Menton’s Halles market, open every morning. Has the array of local produce made your mouth water? Why not grab a table at Sini to sample the local specialties.

Stage 4

In the afternoon, swap your bike for a paddle. Head for Menton’s nautical center to rent your Stand Up Paddle.

If you’re intimidated by these big boards, don’t panic. Start on your knees to find your balance, then stare at a point far ahead and naturally stand up.

It’s hard to take your eyes off the multicolored facades of the old town right in front of you. Alone in the middle of the bay, Italy beckons. After all, la dolce vita is just a few paddle strokes away. Allow an hour and a half to reach Italian waters.

When you return, you’ll have earned an ice cream and an aperitif with your feet in the sand.