[2025 Menton Attraction] Travel Guide for Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel (Updated Jul)

| The Dreamy Poem of the Lemon Sea in Southern France. On the azure coast of Southern France lies a town where God spilled his paint palette—Menton. Here, every breath carries the refreshing scent of lemons, and every corner exudes the romance of the Mediterranean. 🎨 Must-Visit Attractions Menton Old Town Stepping into Menton Old Town feels like entering a vibrant fairy-tale world. Buildings in shades of orange, bright yellow, pink, and light blue cascade down the hillside, their colors dancing under the sunlight, radiating the quintessential charm of Southern France. Wander along the winding cobblestone streets, where boutique shops display an array of souvenirs and handicrafts in their windows. The occasional aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread will tempt your taste buds. Basilique Saint Michel Archange de Menton Perched at the highest point of the old town, this church is a landmark of Menton. While its exterior may appear modest, the interior boasts stunningly intricate decorations. The statue of Archangel Michael atop the church and the 500-year-old Virgin Mary statue, erected to celebrate the end of a plague, embody the town’s history and faith. Climb to the viewing platform beside the church for a panoramic vista of Menton Bay, where the azure sea, white boats, and colorful houses create a picturesque scene. Escaliers (Yellow Stairs) A viral photo spot in Menton, these orange and lemon-yellow stairs face the sea, exuding artistic flair. At the top, the deep blue Mediterranean serves as a perfect backdrop for stunning photos. Midway, use a telephoto lens to capture the geometric beauty of the stairs. At the base, the arched doorway offers a unique perspective when shot from above. Every angle reveals a different kind of beauty. Menton Viewpoint The best spot for a panoramic view of Menton, located along a breakwater. On one side, colorful houses resemble carefully stacked building blocks; on the other, the sparkling Mediterranean Bay, with its gentle sea breeze, offers tranquility. Here, every snapshot of Menton’s brightness and romance could be a wallpaper-worthy frame. Val Rahmeh - Menton Botanical Garden A paradise for plant lovers, this garden houses over 1,500 species of tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean plants. Stroll among towering palm trees, exotic succulents, and vibrant flowers. The central lily pond, with its floating lotus leaves and swaying blooms, mirrors the distant blue sea, evoking Monet’s garden. Affordable audio guides are available for deeper insights into the plants’ stories. Plage des Sablettes Menton’s serene beach, with its mirror-clear waters and soft, fine sand, offers a peaceful retreat. Unlike the bustling beaches of Nice, it’s a perfect spot to unwind under the sun. Nearby restaurants and cafés serve refreshing lemonade and seafood platters, letting you savor the sea breeze in blissful relaxation. 🍰 Food Guide Lemon Dessert Series As the "City of Lemons," Menton’s lemon desserts are a must-try. The lemon sorbet melts in your mouth, its citrusy freshness instantly refreshing; the lemon tart, with its crisp crust and tangy-sweet filling, delivers pure happiness with every bite; the lemon cake, fluffy and fragrant, is an ideal companion for afternoon tea. Recommended spot: Mitron Bakery, known for authentic lemon desserts and fresh ingredients, though slightly pricey. Their citrus tarts are also delightful. Mediterranean Seafood Feast With its coastal location, Menton naturally excels in seafood. Freshly caught shrimp, crab, and shellfish are simply prepared to highlight their natural flavors. The seafood platter, brimming with tender shrimp, succulent crab, and savory shellfish, paired with special sauces, is irresistible. Seafood pasta, with its al dente noodles soaked in rich seafood broth, bursts with oceanic flavors. Recommended restaurant: La Regence, offering great value, daily specials like tender lamb shank, and homemade lemon jam. Their lemon meringue pie is also worth trying. French Crêpes A ubiquitous street food, available in sweet or savory versions. Sweet crêpes come with chocolate, fruit, or cream, while savory ones feature ham, cheese, or eggs. The thin, flavorful wraps are perfect for on-the-go snacking, immersing you in Menton’s lively vibe. Recommended spot: Fleur De Sel, a hidden gem specializing in crêpes and handmade cider. Their lemon cream and smoked salmon crêpes are crowd favorites. #MentonTravel #MentonFood #SouthernFrance

Summer travel guide to the Lemon Town, taking you to explore the lemon charm secret of the French Riviera. 1. Menton Lemon Festival · Summer Special Edition Although the Lemon Festival (February-March) has passed, you can still experience its artistic heritage in summer: 1. The citrus sculpture site Jardins Biovès still retains some giant sculptures from the Lemon Festival, such as the 2024 Olympic-themed Athena Temple, presented as a permanent art installation using lemon peel dyeing techniques. 2. The handicraft market continues with the weekly citrus product market at Palais de l'Europe, where you can buy lemon soap, jam, and limited-edition lemon-flavored macarons. 2. Top 5 Summer Must-Experience Activities 1. Climb the Lemon Yellow Stairs at Saint Michael's Church: Climb this 19th-century church with lemon-yellow exterior walls. The 99 steps are flanked by copper lemon wind chimes that ring with the sea breeze, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. 2. Explore Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden: Wander through the century-old tropical greenhouse, find the symbiotic area of lemon trees and fig trees, and join the summer night firefly tour (reservation required). 3. Customize your summer flavor at Tutti Frutti Ice Cream Workshop: Try Lemon Lime Mint Slush (€4.5) and Citrus Chocolate Lava Ball (€6). The owner will explain the differences among southern French lemon varieties. 4. Mediterranean Starry Sky Camping: Rent a tent (€30/night) at Plage de la Garde-Freinet beach and join the "Lemon-Scented Star Gazing" event using special citrus-scented telescopes. 5. Lemon-themed Slow Travel Route: Rent an electric scooter to ride along the "Citron Route," passing lemon liqueur cellars and traditional juice workshops, ending at Café de la Plage to enjoy lemon iced tea. 3. Transportation and Accommodation Tips Transportation Details Cost/Duration Nice → Menton TER train (departing from Gare de Nice-Ville) €6/40 minutes Self-drive A8 highway along the Mediterranean coast About 30 minutes Ferry From Ventimiglia, Italy €15/1 hour Recommended Accommodation - Les Stable Sea View Apartment: Loft with a lemon tree courtyard, rooftop terrace for drying homemade lemon slices (€150/night) - Hôtel Splendid: Rooftop infinity pool facing Saint Michael's Church, offering lemon essential oil spa 4. Summer Limited Events 1. Lemon Music Festival (July-August): Lemon-themed concerts every Saturday at the seaside open-air theater. Bands use lemon shells to make percussion instruments. Tickets €25 include a lemon slush. 2. Cliff Diving Challenge: Experience summer cliff diving at Cap Martin cliff (35 meters high). Lifeguards provide lemon-scented sunscreen spray. 3. Citrus Farm Experience: Participate in lemon picking (peak from June to August), learn to make lemon vodka, and enjoy an outdoor lemon BBQ dinner (€45/person). 5. Food Map 1. Le Petit Jardin must-try: Lemon herb roasted octopus (€22), citrus pesto pasta (€18), paired with a sea view terrace. 2. La Passagère hidden menu: Daily limited lemon lychee sorbet (€7), made in a shell shape using volcanic rock molds. 3. Marché du Cours Saleya morning market: Find handmade lemon soap, recommended version with rosemary essential oil (€6/bar), with on-site engraving available. 6. Practical Fun Facts - Menton lemons contain twice the limonene of ordinary lemons; locals make natural mosquito repellent balm from the peel. - The bell of Saint Michael's Church rings every 15 minutes, with a melody adapted from the "Lemon Song." - At sunset in summer, the lemon-yellow buildings reflect the sunset to form a "golden wave" spectacle. The best photo spot is Place du 9 Avril 1947. Travel Advice: July and August are peak seasons. It is recommended to visit in late May or early September for cooler weather and fewer crowds. You can purchase the "Menton Pass" (€35) which includes transportation and tickets to 3 attractions.

📍[Destination Highlights] 1. A pilgrimage site for lemon culture Menton, located on the French Riviera in southeastern France and bordering Italy, is known as the "Lemon Capital of France." With a 200-year history of lemon cultivation, it hosts the grand Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron) every February, using millions of citrus fruits to create giant sculptures and parade floats, making it a "sweet and sour art carnival." 2. Neighbor of Biarritz, a Mediterranean secret Compared to the hustle and bustle of Nice, Menton is more tranquil. Cobblestone streets, bright yellow lemon-themed buildings, and the azure coastline intertwine, making it easy to capture Instagram-worthy photos. Climb to the top of the Basilique Saint-Michel to overlook the panorama, with colorful houses and lemon groves in full view. 3. A lemon feast on the tip of your tongue From lemon ice cream and liqueur to lemon stewed fish, Menton incorporates the sour and refreshing flavor into every delicacy. Be sure to try the lemon-flavored gelato at Tutti Frutti ice cream shop, where the sweet and sour freshness hits your taste buds directly. --- 🗺️[Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences] 🌿 Nature and Art - Jardins Biovès (Lemon Festival Theme Garden) If you visit in February, you can see giant sculptures built with 300,000 citrus fruits. The float parade is matched with a light show, like a fairy tale world. - Escaliers du Roi Albert Ier (Orange-Yellow Steps) A popular spot for photos with the church in the background. The orange-yellow steps form a strong visual impact with the Mediterranean blue. It is recommended to shoot at sunrise or sunset. 🏰 History and Architecture - Basilique Saint-Michel A New Byzantine-style church with mosaic inlays inside that tell biblical stories. Climb to the top to overlook the panoramic view of the town. - Menton Viewpoint A glass viewing platform on the cliff, with a 360° view of the Mediterranean Sea, lemon groves, and the Nice coastline. It looks even more mysterious when it is cloudy and foggy. 🍋 In-depth Experience - La Route du Citron (Lemon Road) Drive or hike to explore traditional orchards, participate in lemon picking (May–September), and learn to make lemon jam and liqueur. - Bus Station of Positano Although located in Italy, Menton and Positano are only separated by the sea. You can take a 30-minute boat ride to reach the colorful steps in the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun." --- 🍴[Food Map] Sweet and Sour Storm Guide - Must-Eat List - Sorbetto Limone: A hollowed-out lemon shell filled with smoothie, sweet and sour. - Limoncello: A lemon liqueur with 30% alcohol, a must-have after a meal. - Lobster Lemon Pasta: Freshly bought lobster from the seafood market, cooked by the restaurant and drizzled with lemon butter sauce. - Snack Recommendations - Parenthese Doree Fried Seafood Platter: Served with lemon juice to remove the fishy smell and enhance the flavor. - Lemon Candy and Honey: Buy handmade products at the market as souvenirs. --- 🚗[Transportation and Accommodation] 🚆 Transportation - Plane: Fly to Nice International Airport (NCE), then take the TER train to Menton Station (40 minutes) or take a taxi (30 minutes). - Self-driving: Drive for 40 minutes from Nice along the RN7 highway and navigate to the Parking Old Town parking lot. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations - Seaside Homestay: Such as "Casa delle Camelie", a 5-minute walk to the beach, some room types have a lemon tree courtyard (approx. EUR 120/night). - High-end Hotel: Le Sirenuse, a two-Michelin-star restaurant + infinity sea view terrace (approx. EUR 800/night). - Value for Money Choice: Hôtel Pastoral, renovated from a century-old house, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the lemon garden (approx. EUR 90/night). --- 💡[Useful Tips] 1. Best Season - February: Lemon Festival Carnival (February 15–28), but accommodation needs to be booked in advance. - May–September: The climate is pleasant, suitable for hiking and beach vacations, avoiding the peak tourist season in summer (July–August). 2. Avoid the Pitfalls - Be careful when buying "handmade lemon soap". Some stores have high prices. It is recommended to compare prices at the Marché des Halles market. - Pay attention to one-way streets when driving. The roads in the town are narrow. It is recommended to park your car in the parking lot and then walk around. 3. Cultural Etiquette - Keep quiet in the church, and avoid exposing yourself in summer (shoulders and back need to be covered). - When communicating with locals, you can learn simple French: "Un citron, s'il vous plaît? (Please give me a lemon)". --- 📅[Itinerary Template] - One-day Tour: Stroll through the old town → Saint-Michel Church → Lemon Festival Garden (February) → Escaliers steps photo → Tutti Frutti ice cream → Seafood dinner. - Two-day Tour: Day 1: Lemon Road orchard picking → Positano half-day tour → Lemon liqueur tasting. Day 2: Saint-Michel Church → Menton Viewpoint → Seafood market purchase → Night tour of the lemon light show. --- "In Menton, even breathing is the fragrance of lemon." Take this guide and start your lemon adventure in the South of France!

Menton, a small town hidden on the French Riviera, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its colourful cascading hillside buildings and the blue Mediterranean Sea, Menton has a unique charm. Walk through the old town (Vieille Ville), enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, admire the beautiful Baroque architecture of the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, or simply relax on the sandy beach and enjoy the stunning views of the bay. Menton is also famous as the “Cité du Citron” (Lemon City), where a grand lemon festival (Fête du Citron) is held every year. Visitors are dazzled by parades and decorations made with citrus fruits. Menton is also a great base for exploring nearby cities such as Monaco and Nice. With its unique charm, Menton is a must-see destination for those looking to experience the French Riviera in its true essence. #GetDiscountsWithoutLuckyDebts

Menton is a beautiful town located at the easternmost end of the French Riviera, close to the Italian border. The town is famous for its warm Mediterranean climate, colorful buildings and abundant lemons. Every year from the end of February to the beginning of March, Menton holds a grand "Lemon Festival" that attracts countless tourists. It takes about 40 minutes to arrive by train from Nice Airport. There are two train stations in Menton. It is recommended to take a train to Menton Garavan and then walk along the coastline without turning back along the way, and finally leave from Menton Station. In addition to the row of cute colorful houses on the coast, Menton’s most famous attractions are the Saint-Michel Cathedral. The unique staircase is also a must-photograph spot. Overall, it is a comfortable and lovely town. There is a fruit and vegetable market in the city, and even when it is not lemon season, there are many related products. Also, because it is close to the sea, seafood is also worth a try, and the price here is more cost-effective! #Southern France Trip #Menton

#Travel tips for overseas travel Menton, known as the "Pearl of France," is a beautiful town in the south of France with an enchanting atmosphere. 🍋 The scent of citrus spreads throughout the city, allowing you to fully experience the atmosphere unique to the south of France. This town bathed in the summer sunshine boasts an otherworldly beauty, and there are many photogenic spots perfect for walking around the city. 📸✨ 💛 Must-visit spots in Menton 1⃣ Menton Viewpoint 🌊 A spot where you can get a spectacular view of Menton. You can sit on the breakwater or rocks and look at the clear blue sea and the townscape. ⛵️ The contrast between the magnificent scenery created by nature and the colorful cityscape spreading in the background is truly breathtakingly beautiful. 2⃣ Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel ⛪️ This cathedral, characterized by its bright yellow stairs, is a symbol of the town. ✨ From the top of the stairs, you can see the majestic sea view, which feels like a cleansing feeling. The sacred space, which seems to be a fusion of God and nature, calms the mind. 3⃣ Plage des Tablettes Colorful houses along the sea 🌈🏡 Along the beach in Menton, colorful buildings like those in a storybook line the streets. 💛💙💚 After strolling through the beautiful alleys nearby, you will feel liberated when you step out onto this spacious seaside. 🌊 You can enjoy the crystal clear sea and beautiful scenery that rivals that of Nice, but there are fewer tourists. ✨ Spend some time relaxing on the quiet beach, sipping lemon sorbet and listening to the gentle sounds of the waves. 🍋 Recommended Food in Menton When it comes to Menton, lemons are the specialty! 🍋✨ Be sure to enjoy the sweets and seafood dishes made with local specialties that can only be tasted here! 🍦 Tutti Frutti Gelato Shop 🍨 This gelato shop is known as the most delicious in Menton. ✨ The fruit-flavored gelato is exquisite, and the lemon flavor in particular is refreshing and unique to Menton! 🍋 🍤 Parenthese Doree Fried Seafood 🦑 A fried seafood restaurant using fresh seafood. 🦐 The freshly fried crispy texture and juicy flavor are irresistible! It is perfect for Japanese tastes, and you will be addicted after just one bite. 🔥 ✨ Menton is a hidden gem where you can enjoy the idyllic atmosphere and beautiful scenery of the south of France. Why not enjoy delicious gourmet food while touring the photogenic spots and spending a relaxing time? 💛💙

//Menton 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧// ° ° ° It is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Nice. We came to a small French border town very close to Italy. Menton. The most distinctive feature of this small city is its coastal dopamine-colored buildings. And because of the abundance of lemons, there are lemon elements everywhere. The weather was super good when we went there. The sky is cloudless. The sun shines on the colorful buildings. Looks extraordinarily beautiful. Our first stop was their most famous check-in spot. 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴, It is a staircase with yellow-orange exterior walls. Beautiful photo taking! Then we walked up the stairs. Remember to look toward the sea as you walk. The scenery is beautiful. Afterwards, we will pass by St. Michel Church and the White Confessional Chapel. Walking along the quaint streets, Will be back to the street. There are many lemon-patterned products on the street. There are also many restaurants. When the weather is hot, you can buy 𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘰 to eat. We ate at the internet celebrity restaurant 𝘛𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪 𝘍𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪, The lemon and lavender flavor is worth a try. Personally, I think it's worth coming to play for half a day. It's good to have lunch before going. ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ ■ □ #mocha_n_love_travel #mocha_n_love_france #FranceTravel #GlobalTravel