Menton, Cote d'Azur guide de voyage

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Menton is a coast town on the Cote d'azur, a few kilometres from the Italian border.

Until the mid 19th century Menton was part of Monaco - it has now reverted to France, apart from three years under Italian rule and one year under German rule during WWII.

Menton prides itself above all on its sophistication and its lemon and orange groves - there is a 'lemon festival in the town at the end of each winter. It has a fine climate, even compared with the rest of the Cote d'Azur, due to the mountains behind the town that protect it from cold northerly weather.

As a result the town contains several world-class gardens, such as the Serre de la Madone, the Le Val Rahmeh, the Fontana Rosa, the Maria Serena garden, Les Colombières and the Biovés Gardens. The Parc du Pian focusses on olive trees and has some trees that are 1000 years old.

In the old town the Basilica Saint-Michel and the Chapel of the Black Penitents will both grab your attention, the baroque basilica especially being a highlight of a visit to Menton.

As you would expect of a rich town on the Cote d'Azur there are plenty of sophisticated cafes and bars where you can take refuge from the crowds and the heat and do a bit of people-watching.

In the wedding room at the Town Hall there are several murals by Jean Cocteau.

Menton: tourisme, carte, guide de voyage et gites