Menton Travel Guide: the perfect day trip from Nice
The day after my arrival in Nice, I couldn’t wait to explore the region. Since I work during the week, I wanted to take advantage of my only full day off in the city by taking a day trip somewhere. There are dozens of beautiful small towns on the French Riviera to choose from. Plus, the SNCF makes local travel super easy!
So, I hopped on the train and decided to stop off in a town called Menton. I had seen a few pictures online but otherwise, didn’t know very much about this little seaside town. Boy was I in for a delightful surprise…
Menton turned out to be one of the most beautiful cities I had ever seen in France!
How to Get to Menton From Nice
Menton is east along the coast from Nice. Here a few options to get from Nice to Menton:
Train: Take a train from Nice Ville station to Menton. This takes around 35-45 minutes and there are frequent trains running throughout the day. Tickets cost around €8 one-way. The train station is about a 10-15 minute walk from the shoreline, and then you walk east to get into town.
Bus: You can take bus line 100 from Nice to Menton. The journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes. Tickets cost around €1.50. Buses run every 30 minutes during the day.
Drive: It’s about a 30 km drive from Nice to Menton via the A8 motorway. Take exit 65 from A8 to reach Menton. The drive takes around 40 minutes without traffic.
Taxi: A taxi from Nice to Menton costs around €60-70 one-way and takes 30-45 minutes.
The train is probably the fastest and most convenient public transport option. I’d recommend checking the train timetables online and booking your ticket in advance if you can. The journey is very scenic along the coastline!
What to Do in Menton
I walked along the shore and noticed a long stretch of marina jutting out into the bay.
This is where you get a stunning view of Menton’s old town!
Looking at the town from a distance, you really get the full picture of the layers upon layers of pastel-colored buildings with terra-cotta roofs in every color you can imagine!
The Basilique Saint Michel stood tall, forming a focal point in the city center.
The sea sparkles a beautiful sea green and sometimes the clouds are low enough to touch the mountains in the distance.
Menton, you are such a dream!
After taking in the magnificent views, I decided to explore the little town center. Bikers passed by as I crossed the main palm-tree-lined boulevard, and fuchsia bougainvillea framed my view.
Thanks for the information and beautiful pictures, the colorful homes on the hills over looking the sea reminds me of Nice. I’ll be in Menton on the 17th of May.
Stunning photos, thank you!
I’m planning a trip to Nice next May and this sounds like a perfect day trip.
Love your photos – really capture the place! – I was in Menton several years ago and it was so pretty – I mostly remember walking on the smooth stones on the beach.
Thanks so much, Anne! The beach was so peaceful :)
The colours are absolutely incredible! I am coming to Europe in spring and will definitely be putting this on my list. I can’t believe even the beautiful purple flowers along the promenade. You captured it perfectly!
xx Carla
http://www.thestrawberrystory.com
Thanks so much, Carla! Menton and Arles were two of my absolute favorite towns in France, so definitely try to check them out while you are here! x
amazing pictures! Love all of them!
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Thanks, Rakel! :)
Wow; these photos are gorgeous. I love the South of France so much; and the weather is normally so sunny and warm :)
Thanks, Sophie! It was my first time visiting the south of France, and totally fell in love! :)
WOW, the photos are so gorgeous and colorful!
love from Grace Says ♥
It was truly stunning, Grace! :)
I adore the colourful buildings that line the sea front! Gorgeous piece and great photos xx
http://www.mimazine.co.uk/
Thanks Mimi! It was truly stunning to see in person. Highly recommend a visit if you find yourself in the south east of France :)
Wow, Menton is so beautiful! I love coastal cities in general, but I love all the color.
It was unlike any town I’ve ever seen, Esther! Thanks for reading, I love your blog, and hope you enjoyed your Airstream trip!! :)
Great article and pics. Love day trips :-)
Thanks Rosi! :)