Hotel Riva Menton

History of Menton

by TRimer

Menton is located between the Côte d'Azur and the Ligurian Alps. The Menton seigneury first appeared in the 12th Century. At this time Menton belonged to the Genoan Family, Vento.

By 1346, Menton fell under the ownership of Charles Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco. Thereafter, Menton's history became intertwined with that of the principality of Monaco.

It was not until 1848 that Menton was able to break away from the principality of Monaco and proclaim itself a free city under the protection of Sarde. Menton chose to become part of France in 1860 and Charles III of Monaco released all rights of the city to Emperor Napoléon III.

During WWII Menton was annexed first by the Italians, then the Germans. Menton was liberated on the 8th of September 1944. The town was completly devastated and it was not until the 1960's that the city was fully rebuilt.

Today Menton is a much favoured tourist destination both in winter and summer.

Le Vieux Port

by TRimer

The Bastion, home to the Jean Cocteau Museum, is situation at the port's entrance. The restaurants along the water offer a wonderful variety of fresh fish which are caught daily by the local Menton fishermen.

The beach right next to the port has a lot of restuarants and activities for both tourists and locals. There are even trampolines for the children here.

Narrow alleys, steep streets and stairs

by Pavlik_NL

The labyrinth that one finds in the old part of Menton is a true criss-cross of streets, alleys, going steep up and down with many stairs and pressed in between high building. The streets are shadowy and sometimes little chaotic with laundry hanging from the windows and stairs being half maintained. Still, the streets breath a very speific style and the pastel teints bring colour here and there. Sometimes a palmtree or like in the picture a huge cactus, brings nature back in the street scenery.

Val Rameh - Jardin Exotique de Menton

by NiceLife

Another fabulous garden, open in season Wednesday to Monday ie not Tuesdays,

Runs down from Boulevard de Garavan to short of the railway. Spectacular exotic arrangements in a perfect setting. Bamboos, exotica, all really interesting

Admission 4 Euro for an adult

Menton: Laid-back Riviera

by alloquisha

"A lush, laid-back city"

Menton is right near the Italian border, making it a bit more off the beaten path than other Cote D'Azur destinations (ok, well, as off the path as places can get in this region!) I went on a Tuesday, which was unfortunate, as many of the sights were closed. However, it is a lovely place to wander around. It is reknown for its beautiful lush gardens (both private and public) and has some colorful architecture. If you are up for a challenging walk, there is a pathway that leads to an overlook of this small city (the source of this page's photo). Definitely worth a day-trip at the very least!