Arriving in Menton: Where Italy Meets France

Getting to Menton is wonderfully easy. From Nice Airport, simply hop on the train to Nice-Ville, change platforms, and continue along the coastline. The journey takes about one hour, and it’s breathtaking, you have turquoise water, mountains, pastel towns, and that Riviera sparkle.

Stepping off the train feels like entering a postcard. Warm in May (surprisingly warm!), with palm trees swaying and colourful facades glowing in the sunlight.

We checked into our hotel which was a charming beachside spot perfectly located for slow mornings, balcony Proseccos, and dreamy sunrises.

Why Menton Is Famous for Its Lemons

Menton’s lemons are like little drops of sunshine. Larger, sweeter, and more fragrant than anywhere else in France, they’ve become part of the town’s identity, from its annual Lemon Festival, to lemon-infused cheeses, soaps, liqueurs, ceramics, and pastries.

Wandering through the old town, I discovered the sweetest little lemon-themed shops, the kind you step into “just for a look” and leave with half the store. I came home with a tablecloth, napkins, and a picnic blanket, and now at my dinner parties when friends ask where they’re from, I get to tell the story of Menton all over again! 

These lemons also shape the local cuisine, which is a gorgeous blend of Italian flavours and French technique. Think light, bright, Mediterranean food: fresh seafood, handmade pasta, lemon sauces, Provençal herbs, and the occasional splash of olive oil from across the border.

A French–Italian Fusion Food Paradise

Our meals felt like a celebration of Menton itself, they were simple, delicious, and deeply Mediterranean.

• Pecora Negra – the perfect first-night dinner spot near the harbour. Warm air, great wine, and a true Italian-French coastal fusion.
  
  
• Les Enfants Terribles – where I had the dreamiest spaghetti alle cozze.
  
  
• L’Orange – tucked away in the prettiest little lane, ideal for a romantic dinner amongst the orange trees.
  
  
• Primo – a gorgeous final-night treat with flavour-packed dishes by the harbour.
  
  

Food in Menton is perfect for couples on a romantic escape – think long dinners, wine flowing, ocean views, and that signature Riviera glow.

Exploring the Old Town: Steps, Churches & Lemon Trees

No visit to Menton is complete without wandering up through its iconic old town, a maze of peach and apricot-coloured lanes that lead you towards the famous steps of the Basilique Saint-Michel. The climb is worth every moment because from the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of rooftops tumbling towards the sea, the mountains rising behind you, and that unmistakable Riviera glow that paints everything in soft yellow light.

Beyond the steps, we spent our time exploring some of Menton’s most beautiful corners:

• The Saturday Markets — a vibrant mix of fresh produce, flowers, handmade pasta, boutique clothing, and leather goods. It feels like the town gathers here, and you instantly want to cook a long, lazy lunch with everything you see.
  
  
• La Maison du Citron Lemon Farm Tour — where you can literally breathe in the citrus. Rows of trees heavy with fruit, sun-warmed lemon scent drifting through the air, and stories of why Menton’s golden lemons are unlike anywhere else.
  
  
• The Botanical Gardens — The Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton is lush, serene, and full of hidden pathways. The perfect place for a slow afternoon wander, surrounded by palms, exotic plants, and that quiet Mediterranean stillness.

Why Menton Is a Perfect Honeymoon Destination

As a wedding celebrant and someone who works with couples from around the world, I couldn’t help but look at Menton through the eyes of honeymooners.

It’s intimate.
It’s peaceful.
It’s romantic without trying.

Here’s why I think it’s a dream honeymoon stop:

• Walkable, slow, and relaxed — no rush, no crowds like Nice or Cannes.
  
  
• Beachside bliss — perfect for swimming, strolling, and sunset dinners.
  
  
• Incredible food — where France and Italy harmonise beautifully.
  
  
• Picture-perfect scenery — ideal for honeymoon photos or even a post-wedding shoot.
  
  
• Close to everything — Monaco, Èze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer are short train rides away.
  
  
• Affordable luxury — you get Riviera charm without Riviera price tags.
  
  

It’s the kind of place where newlyweds can truly unwind with long breakfasts, lazy beach days, and lemon-scented evenings.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

On our final morning, we lingered over breakfast on the terrace before catching the train to Villefranche-sur-Mer for one last dose of golden sun. This is another beautiful bay and charming old town to explore, and it was the perfect place to wrap up the trip soaking in the colours and calm before heading home.

Final Thoughts: Menton, You Lemon-Scented Beauty

This trip was the perfect reunion with my friend, a weekend filled with sunshine, delicious food, cocktails, beach swims, and all the time in the world to share the stories we hadn’t yet told.

But it also reminded me of something deeper:

What makes Menton special isn’t a checklist of sights, but the little discoveries, the tucked-away lanes, the lemon-scented boutiques, the calm beaches and secret viewpoints that don’t make the guidebooks.
Menton is a feeling… soft, warm, romantic, and quietly unforgettable.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a pre-wedding getaway, or a slow, scenic escape, Menton deserves a spot on your Mediterranean wishlist.