Hotel Napoleon

the old town

by call_me_rhia

Menton is a beautiful town on the cote d'azur(French Riviera) - and it's also basically the last French town before traveling into italy. It doesn't come as a surprise that most of the traditional architecture is in traditional Ligurian style.

A long time ago, in fact, it belonged to the Repluc of Genova - and after that it also came under the rule of the princes of Monaco. Menton was attached to France during the French Revolution - and then again annexed to Italy for a short time during WWII. Quite a confising history. Though most people go to Menton for the sea and the beaches, it was not my case. I went off-season to savour the old town - which is very beautiful. it is made of narrow old streets with ancient buildings and it's mostly uphill. The good part about it is that you can enjoy excellent views over the port and the beaches - as well as the typical terracotta rooftops.

What I liked aboyt Menton is that it is relatively low-key, copared to other nearby towns and villages: Nice and Monaco-Montecarlo in particular. Though not deprived of tourism - menton, at east, attracts a less flashy and snobbish tourism than other French Riviera towns.

Chapelle de Pénitents Blancs

by call_me_rhia

Long before funeral houses existed, there used to be charities, companies and brotherhoods that helped the sick and the dying. The members of these groups were known as penitents or brothers - hence the name Chapelle de Pénitents Blancs - Chapel of the white penitents.

The white penitents had their headquarter in this chapel in pure Baroque style, which dates back to 1687. Though nothing to write home about if seen from outside, inside it's a true delight: you can see some fine ornate gilt lanterns that the penitents carried in processions and, over the altar, a truly wonderful and large trompe l'oeil. One of the best I have ever seen. Photography, unfortunately, is not allowed.

Mausoleum of Russian aristocracy

by NiceLife

Prince Troubetzkoy of Russia, and others aristocrats are found here in the grandest Mausoleum in the cemetary. Tsar Nicholas and his offspring and hangers on were very favoured, and many found their way to the French Riviera

Russia's aristocracy - their lives and their fate, seems to echo the modern generation of Arab princes, also flaunting wealth and priviledge on the Riviera - it comes to mind that they might meet the same fate in a another political revolution.

This is a reminder how far we have come in the last hundred years. Then there were no "tourists" here or anywhere . The only people who could travel were the idle rich. The riviera was full of royalty and apart from a few simple fishermen, no-one else. No low-cost airlines, no hen nights, no weekend breakers, no VT.

Relax in one of the many parks

by Pavlik_NL

The parks and green places that menton has many of invite you to relax and sit down to enjoy the water from the fountains or a simple lunch in the open air. Do like the inhabitants of the town itself do and take the time to feel the atmosphere in Menton.

Marvelous Menton

by pigletsmom

"This city that has it all"

I truly loved Menton. Menton has everything you could ask for in a city. It has lovely beaches, nearby mountains, fabulous architecture, and great shops and restaurants. Fabulous old hotels line the beaches, and charming courtyards are filled with quaint cafe's and restaurants. My friend and I were very taken with Menton, and both of us decided that we will return for a several day stay next time. The atmosphere is friendly and inviting.

"So much to see in a small city"

I took so many lovely photos in Menton it was hard to choose which ones to post.