'''Menton''' is the "The Lemon Festival 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 pedestrianised which adds to the charm of this sedate resort.

Get in

  • 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.

    Get around

    See

  • '''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.
  • '''Cimetiere du Vieux Chateau''' Russian Orthodox chapel, grave of William Webb Ellis - founder of Rugby football, view over town.
  • The perched villages inland (Ste Agnes and Gorbio).
  • The '''Mare Nostrum brewery''' in Castillon.
  • '''Fete du Citron''' There's a lemon party and you're invited! Lemon-related festivities over several days in February.
  • Do

    Buy

  • Citrus products
  • Souvenirs
  • Eat

    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 aux Herbes in the Old Town tel: 04 93 41 66 99. Closed Tuesday(?). Local Menton Cuisine - menus €20-€50 plus a la carte.
  • '''Le Nautique''' 27 Quai de Monleon by the port tel: 04 93 35 78 74. Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday(?). Seafood speciality - menus _20-_50 plus a la carte.
  • Drink

    Behind Menton in the village of Castillon is the "Mare Nostrum" microbrewery. A rather yuppie sort of place but the beer is very good.

    Sleep

  • Best Western Hotel Prince De Galles. Avenue General De Gaulle. 3 4 93282121. 3 4 93359291. ttp://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=93278. PM. 2PM.

  • Hotel Napoleon. 9 Porte de France. 33 4 93 35 89 50. nfo@napoleon-menton.com. 33 4 93 35 49 22. ttp://www.napoleon-menton.com/uk/. PM. 2PM.

  • Royal Westminster. 510 promenade du Soleil. PM. 2PM.
  • Residence Maeva Les Citronniers. ttp://www.pv-holidays.com/scripts/fiche_produit.php?id_ofr=196&id_sai_passe=1&date=2009-03-15&duree=7&code=01L14. Located in the heart of the town centre and 500 m from the old town and old harbour. Air-conditioned, self-catering apartments. 300 m from the beach.

    Get out

  • French Riviera