| 
Welcome to Menton, a charming French city on the border with Italy, of which it preserves the typically Ligurian aspects. Starting point, or arrival, of a fantastic tour to discover the wonderful Provence and the Côte d’Azur.
Whether for one, or several days. For those arriving by car, we recommend leaving the car near the old port, where you will find a large parking lot.
Photo ©, Kayman2016
One day in Menton, can only start from the visit of the Jean Cocteau Museum, located in a fantastic position facing the sea. It is housed in a beautiful 17th century fortress, a French historical monument. It was the great French artist who designated this place, worthy of hosting his works. The museum contains many works, tapestries, ceramics, sketches. Today, more than 1800 works are the result of the donation of Séverin Wunderman, an American businessman and collector of Belgian origins; of these, around 1000 are the work of Cocteau. Furthermore, the interesting temporary exhibitions inside the Museum should not be missed.
The Musée Jean Cocteau and the Musée du Bastion are open from Wednesday to Monday, from the 10:00 to the 18:00. Closed every tuesday. The full-fare ticket, per adult, costs 3.00€; reduced for students, teachers and over 65, 2.50€. The exhibition spaces are perfectly accessible to people with reduced mobility, including wheelchair users; the latter, can comfortably move between the different levels, in the elevator. There are also toilets for reduced mobility, rest areas along the way and a reserved parking area. The fortress, however, is not accessible by the disabled. Disabled people enter the museum for FREE.
In front of it, there is the beauty Plage de Fossan, with its pebbles and the enchanting view, and the splendid Esplanade Francis Palmero. This is the ideal place to admire beautiful sunsets and spend time with the children. A beautiful park awaits you, equipped with games, benches and in the evening (especially in the summer), lots of liveliness. The only drawback, the few areas of shade.
The long walk Quai Bonaparte, offers beautiful views, and an extraordinary walkway with sea view. But it is climbing the steps leading to the Old Town that the view becomes absolutely enchanting. Until you reach the Basilique Saint Michel Archange. In baroque style, the basilica dates back to the seventeenth century and is flanked by two bell towers. The church, with the adjacent Chapel of the Pénitents-Blancs, is really beautiful, and the view from the square Parvis St-Michel is fantastic. Arm yourself with your smartphone and camera. Equally beautiful is the historic center, with its narrow and cobbled streets. You always climb up to reach the Cimetière du Vieux Château. Tombs, sculptures and, above all, incomparable views make this Old Town cemetery an unmissable spot during one day in Menton.
Photo ©, Luca Galli
The Musée de Préhistoire Régionale it is a worthy epilogue of the visit of the marvelous Old City. Despite its small size, it has a particular wealth of information on French prehistory. Open every day, except Tuesday from 10:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 18:00.
You walk for a couple of minutes, long Rue de la Marne, before crossing the note Rue de la République. On the left, the Hotel de Ville is located. There Salle des Marriages, on the ground floor, is the symbol, entirely frescoed by Jean Cocteau in the 1957-58. It is open from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. In the area, between Italian and French restaurants, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Alternatively, you could opt for a drop at the Creperie Saint Michel.
The attractions, however, do not end there. The Jardin de Biovès and Palais Carnolès are absolutely recommended in case your holiday is not limited to just one day in Menton. The Jardin Biovès are really beautiful, located less than 10 minutes walk from the Musée Cocteau. Really beautiful and cared, come alive during Christmas and, above all, of the Lemon Festival. Further away, a Palais Carnolès you will be able to admire the wonderful gardens, with lots of citrus varieties. Temporary exhibitions and a collection of paintings from the 13th century are set up in the building. in the nineteenth century Open every day, from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00. There are also rides and games for children, set up along the Promenade.