Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Menton offers all the advantages of a beautiful French Riviera town: quality restaurants, culinary traditions, wide beaches and fantastic landscapes of the Mediterranean Basin. All of this without the tourist crowds of Nice or Marseille. But what can you do to entertain yourself once you're there?
Living the best experiences in Menton involves unusual and memorable activities.
Under its tranquil appearance, the town holds secrets of (sometimes) well-kept activities. If you enjoy cultural activities or nature excursions, infiltrating crowded places or visiting without being rushed... Our selection of the best Menton activities comes at just the right time!
Menton's beaches, close to the city center and on-the-go specialties, could well keep you for a while. Once your "sunbathing" phase is over: time for discoveries. Thanks to our selection of activities, enjoy Menton like never before. You're just a few clicks away from your ideal activity in Menton!
What to do in Menton? 5 activity ideas
The town can boast of having more pleasant beaches than its Nice neighbor! Nevertheless, the call of adventure will be felt sooner or later. Test your limits in the depths of the sea or typical flavors during a food tour... There will be something for all tastes and all ages.
1. Take part in the Lemon Festival
Category: Free / Unusual / Culture
Description: Every year in February, the tourist office celebrates the production of lemons (and oranges) from Menton by organizing the famous Lemon Festival. This festival was born in the early 19th century as an exhibition. The people of Menton were then the first European lemon producers. The arrival of fruit-decorated floats evolved it into the Menton Carnival, then into the "Lemon Festival" in 1934. This winter highlight par excellence of Menton attracts visitors from around the world.
Good to know: The quantity of fruit used for parade decoration is astronomical! Thus, at the end of the festivities, most citrus fruits are sold at low prices to visitors. Bring back a full basket to avoid waste and consume high-quality citrus fruits.
2. Explore the seabed
Category: €€€ / Thrills / Sport
Description: In Menton, one activity can hide another! Here, live a timeless experience in the bluish depths of the French Riviera. To reach the exceptional spot, board a sailboat for a sea excursion. This outing will offer you the majestic panorama of the city on a platter. Then, everyone in the water! Whether as an introduction or for improvement, diving in Menton is a promise of fabulous memories.
Good to know: For this sailboat diving excursion, you'll need to leave Menton. Head to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, only 25 kilometers from the city to take part! Rest assured, the experience is worth the detour.
3. Discover the Jean Cocteau museums
Category: € / Culture
Description: Want a cultural break during your stay? In Menton, enjoy two museums dedicated to Jean Cocteau. You'll discover more than 2000 pieces and temporary exhibitions. Then, head to the famous Bastion Fort, near the seafront. From the outside, the splendor of this former military building could be sufficient in itself. Yet, once you pass through the door, a whole museum entitled "the prince of poets," designed by the artist himself, awaits you.
4. Navigate the bay by kayak
Category: €€ / Sport
Description: Menton reveals all its beauty from the sea, so why not approach it seated in a kayak? Independently – or as a pair – in your small craft you'll face the multicolored old town. The calm waters of Menton bay are ideal for a kayak introduction. As a bonus, the contrasting landscapes surrounding the city will be fully revealed before your eyes. Between sea and mountains, the nautical outing is worth the sight!
5. Taste specialties at the Halles market
Category: € / €€ / Gastronomic / Culture
Description: A place of life and meeting par excellence, the Halles market is a Menton institution. You'll reach this covered market at the entrance to the Old Town, by the sea. During your stay in Menton, it's the ideal place to organize a food tour of local culinary specialties. Wander from stall to stall to discover good products, must-haves and chat with merchants. Taste citrus jams and still-warm barbajuans, grab a bottle of lemon wine or limoncello... And any other delicacy that passes under your nose.