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Things To Do in Menton
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Menton Attractions
Mentonnaise are lucky devils. They can choose to hang out in the historic Old Town, on a very long beach, or on the seaside boulevard (the Promenade du Soleil). The resort’s world-famous gardens all lie just behind this ocean walk. Meanwhile, Jean Cocteau’s artist legacy is spread out along the seafront.
- Garden
Jardin Serre de la Madone
A garden so enchanting that it’s protected as a French National Monument. Like many of Menton's gardens the Serre de la Madone was planted by an eccentric Englishman, this time Lawrence Johnston who created Britain's Hidcote Manor. Fountains and pergolas are shaded by strawberry… - Park/Garden
Jardin Val Rahmeh
Even if you loathe botanical gardens, and even if you only visit one in Menton, we beg you to come here. Menton’s microclimate has reared a leafy wonderland within its protective walls. Fragrant paths weave past giant Amazon water lillies, Buddha’s Hand citruses from Thailand, and…Around Town
- Museum
Musée Jean Cocteau
When not judging the Cannes Film Festival or chasing ballet dancers from the Monaco stage, bon viveur Jean Cocteau turned his artistic hand to painting on a grand scale. Many of his finest works were displayed in this oceanfront museum. Most of the 1,800 exhibit pieces were donated…Around Town
Menton Shopping
Menton has an Italian heart, with the taste buds to match. The best place to start is the pedestrian-only rue Saint Michel. Try Famille Mary at no. 10 (tel. 04-92-09-19-43) for flowery honey; or Menton-based Oliviers & Co at no. 5 (tel. 04-89-74-19-76) for olive oil tastings. The town’s most venerated product, its home-grown lemons, are sold by two rival stores at no. 22 and no. 27. From the former, Au Pays du Citron (www.aupaysducitron.fr, tel. 04-92-09-22-85), purchase lemon soap and citrus liqueur. From the latter, Coté Citron (tel. 04-89-74-19-76), find limoncello and marmalade. Pasta Piemonte, 34 rue Partouneaux (tel. 04-93-57-26-21) sells fabulous fresh Italian ravioli, as well as cheeses, salamis, and truffles wrapped for the airplane home. One of Menton’s most charming stores is Maison Herbin, 2 rue Vieux Collège (www.confitures-herbin.com, tel. 04-93-57-20-29). Visitors can see local citrus turned into jams, chutneys, and candies in their adjoining sweet factory.
Menton Nightlife
Sunny Menton hosts the highest number of retirees in France, so the resort doesn’t exactly dance until dawn. However, the town buzzes all August during the Menton Music Festival (www.festival-musique-menton.fr), where evening classical concerts occupy almost every Old Town square. Gamblers may also test their luck at the Menton Casino, at 2 av. Félix Faure (www.casinosbarriere.com; tel. 04-92-10-16-16). It boasts a traditional poker room as well as a vast seaview gaming terrace.
