Menton, France

Menton is a town and commune in the Alpes-Maritimes département of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région of France. It has been called the most beautiful town on the French Riviera and is nicknamed la perle de la France ("The Pearl of France"). It is located on the Franco-Italian border, withinthe confines of the Côte d'Azur and the Ligurian Alps. It boasts a warm micro-climate favorable to lemon, tangerine, and orange groves.

Perhaps the most famous aspect of Menton is its world-renowned gardens, including the Serre de la Madone, the Le Val Rahmeh, the Fontana Rosa, and the Maria Serena garden. The baroque basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, with its bell-tower is one of the most beautiful spots of the area. The Musée Jean Cocteau (famous French artist) is located in the town.

Above the fishing boats and yachts, the old town of Menton rises in an array of lanes, houses and churches. Once belonging to Genoa, Menton still has an Italian feel and offers many attractions to the tourist.

Things to See & Do

* Jean Cocteau Museum
* Several impressive gardens dotted through the town
* The charming old town
* The civic wedding hall
* The perched villages inland (Ste Agnes and Gorbio)

General information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - Euro (€)
Language - French
Land Area - 14. 05 km²
Population - 30,000 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT/UTC + one hour
International Country Telephone Code - + 33

Port Location - The port is located in the downtown area of Menton.

Travel Links -Menton is on the main rail line with frequent service to towns across the South of France, Paris and Italy.

Buses run frequently between the Nice airport and Monaco. Separate bus routes connect Menton with these nearby interior towns and villages: Gorbio; Saint Agnes; Les Cabrolles; Castillon - Sospel; Castellar; Roquebrune-Cap-Martin - Beausoleil - Monaco.

Boat cruises from Menton are available for Monaco andthe French and Italian Riviera.