Day 1 in Menton

Welcome to Menton! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Begin the afternoon with a pleasant lunch in any of the charming streetside cafes in Old Town. After you`ve eaten you`ll want to wander around the medieval Old Town and get acquainted with the city. Make sure to check out the Old Chateau Cemetery located at the highest point on the hill. The cemetery is a peaceful spot with incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea to Italy. It is a place of pilgrimage for the rugby fans: the sport`s inventor, William Webb Ellis, is buried here.

On your way back down, make sure to check out the Basilica St. Michel. The church is a stunning building dating back from the 17th-century with beautiful ornate architecture, and an equally impressive interior.

As night approaches make your way to Casino Barrièrein the center of town. The casino has two restaurants, a bar, dealer tables and nearly 200 slot machines, among other games of chance.

Day 2 in Menton

Start the day off to explore what Menton is famous for, Jean Cocteau, Menton`s adopted artist. There are three Jean Cocteau sights that you won’t want to miss while in Menton. First, check out the Wedding Chapel, Salle des Mariages, decorated by Jean Cocteau in the 1950`s. Everything from the faux-leopard rugs, carved wooden doors, chairs, and bronze candelabra, walls and ceilings are completely covered with his remarkable designs, full of symbolism.

From here, head to the largest of his museums, the Musée Jean Cocteau, collection Séverin Wundermanà Menton. The museum was established in 2011 after the Cocteau expert/fanatic had donated his multimillion-dollar collection of the artist`s work to the city. Here you`ll find drawings, paintings, ceramics, poetry, sculptures, and film clips of this multi-talented artist.

Lastly, make your way to the Bastion Museum, a tiny fortress built in the 1600`s that overlooks the Mediterranean. Jean Cocteau created his own museum in the `Bastion,` restoring and decorating the alcoves, walls and floors with pebble mosaics in order to convert it into an exhibition place for his work.

After a busy day of sightseeing, enjoy a beautiful seaside walk down the Promenadede la Mer at sunset. The walk extends for several miles, passing a few parks and the main area of town, you`ll also find many restaurants and shops to pop into here.

Day 3 in Menton

Spend your last day exploring more of the area. The market in Menton is held each day in the old town in an indoor hall, built in the 19th-century. There is an extensive range of delicious local produce such as cheese, meat, fruit and vegetables creating a colorful display of many things to tempt you.

Check out the interesting Eglise Russe de Menton, a traditional Russian orthodox style church dating back to the 1890`s. The newer part of town is a pleasant place to explore, with many bell époque villas and newer apartment blocks, various 19th-century government buildings and small chapels, various parks and a broad selection of shops and cafes.

In the afternoon, make time to explore one of Menton`s world-class exotic gardens such as the Serre de la Madone, the Le Val Rahmeh, the Fontana Rosa, the Maria Serena garden and Les Colombières.

If time allows, check out the Museum of Fine Arts, situated in the 18th-century Palace des Carnolès. Alternatively, if you are looking for a change from the arts, check out the Musée de Préhistoire Régionale. This museum contains numerous interesting artifacts and recreations of life in the region from prehistoric times.

Additional Days in Menton

Should you be able to spend additional days in Menton, take a day trip to the medieval hilltop town of Grasse, the world capital of perfume. Perched on a hilltop the village boasts several exceptional gardens that are open to the public. Make sure to visit the perfume museum while here. The town has five perfumeries including the famous perfume-makers Fragonard and Galimard. And make sure to wonder the narrow streets and alleyways of the old town for some amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Alternatively, enjoy a day trip to Monaco, the second-smallest independent state in the world. It`s a playground for tourist evoking high-stakes gambling, multimillion dollar yachts, Russian oligarchs, race car drivers, and James Bond films.

Your Last Day in Menton

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer, if so a representative will meet you at the hotel, in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.