Visit Menton: citrus capital of the Côte d’Azur

Visit Menton for year-round sunshine, Mediterranean beaches and the allure of its Côte d’Azur surroundings. Just 40-minutes from Nice Airport, it’s perfect for short breaks and if you’re a festival loving family, Menton has one of the most colourful in early spring.

Why you should visit Menton with kids?

Menton enjoys a subtropical microclimate. Citrus fruit and exotic gardens have thrived here for centuries and it has long been on the map for its 365 days of sunshine a year. The main bay sweeping round from the Italian border, on the Porte de France, has a pretty promenade with informal places to eat, as well as a number of hotels. 

The town’s narrow, cobbled streets are filled with fruit sculptures, bright colours and the sound of marching bands. It also has two lovely town beaches with shallow, clean water, and there’s plenty to explore.

Visit Menton for year-round family activities

When you’re not mingling with lemons and oranges, there is plenty more to see in this vibrant town. There are cafés in the main square, and for families it’s a convenient place to relax, because it’s accessible and very buggy friendly.

Street markets showing off all of the locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables are a must-see – a good way to tempt reluctant toddlers to try something a little more exotic than apples and bananas.

• Menton has four French markets and three Italian markets every week, so you’ve plenty of variety.
• Don’t miss the town’s beautiful gardens and both its imposing baroque churches.
• Two Mediterranean beaches minutes from the town centre.
• The annual Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) makes February or March one of the most exciting times of year to visit Menton.

Visit Menton in spring for the Fête du Citron

Each spring, Menton bursts into life as the locals celebrate the town’s citrus fruit production. An endless surge of families and masked revellers in fancy dress advance through the town. It’s a visual spectacular with something for everyone and the festival has been pulling crowds since 1895. 

Highlights include a Moonlit Parade; the Parade of the Golden Fruit; a citrus display in the Jardin Biovès; a light and sound show and an orchid festival. It’s also a chance to see local Menton artisans in action, carving wood, engraving glass, and showing off their ceramics, pottery and local cuisine. Kids will love the festive atmosphere.

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