Around the Menton campsite
Menton: a colorful city full of wonder.
Located in the extreme south-east of France, near the Italian border, Menton is a garden town as well as a seaside town and a seaside resort. Its exceptional sunshine and its almost subtropical climate favor the cultivation of orange trees, lemon trees, palm trees, mimosas and the extraction of rare essential oils. Its many gardens created with talent are a real delight and out of this world. A preserved town, located on the borders of the Principality of Monaco and the County of Nice, Menton is classified as a "station of tourist interest". This status allows, among other things, retail businesses to open on Sundays.
Heritage
Concerned about authenticity, Menton never wanted to lose its soul. The city is like the guestbook of prestigious builders: Charles Garnier, Abel Glena, Alfred Marsang, Adrien Rey, Rives, Terslin.
The Carnolès Palace of Antoine I of Monaco, a sort of small Trianon that has become a museum, is listed in the inventory of historical monuments.
One wanders through history by crossing the old town surmounted by its bell towers with glazed tiles.
Exceptional gardens
The gardens are the signature of the town of Menton. Since the 18th century, the town has been renowned for the quality of its botanical spaces.
It is the town where lemon trees grow in the ground. In the 19th century, thanks to the microclimate of Menton, botanists, notably English, introduced tropical and subtropical species and created original plant compositions that today make Menton an open-air greenhouse. These gardens create a sublime and relaxing space.
Lemon Festival
The Lemon Festival is a traditional event organized by the Tourist Office, which is held in the town of Menton every year at the end of winter. This festival is also called Menton carnival.
This particular carnival celebrates the lemon of Menton every year, hence its name: the lemon festival.
All the chariots and sculptures presented at the carnival are made of lemon and orange. This festival takes place during the month of February.
Monaco F1 Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix is a mythical race par excellence that all drivers have dreamt of winning.
Choose a seat in the grandstand along the circuit and enjoy the proximity of the racing cars. A few exceptional hours!
Perched villages
Gorbio :
Gorbio is a typical small village perched in a valley above Menton and Roquebrune.
Its porticoed houses, its passageways under vaults, its pointed doorway and its three-hundred-year-old elm tree give it all the charm of a warm and welcoming village.
Its exceptional geographical location offers unique views of the coast and the mountains.
Castellar :
Nestled on its hill at the foot of the Alps overlooking the "Mare Nostrum", the village welcomes hikers and tourists who enjoy its affluence all year round.
Castellar is a picturesque perched village with turreted houses and narrow streets dotted with fountains. Former stronghold of the Lascaris family of Ventimiglia, Castellar is a 15th century village.
This medieval city also attracts many walkers for its hikes around Menton that offer exceptional views.
Saint Agnes :
Thanks to its breathtaking panorama, Sainte-Agnès has earned its nickname of "balcony of the French Riviera''. At 800 meters above sea level, ranked among the "Most beautiful villages in France", clinging to the hills of the hinterland of Nice region, the medieval town of Sainte-Agnès offers the most impressive view of the French Riviera. This charming village with medieval streets is located 10 km from Menton!
La Brigue :
Located in the upper valley of La Roya, La Brigue is a picturesque medieval village. At the gates of the Mercantour National Park, this authentic village has a remarkable heritage with important historical monuments and the breeding of the famous Brigasque sheep. Located at an altitude of 762 meters, La Brigue is surrounded by mountains and exceptional landscapes. Its vast territory is ideal for visitors looking for sports activities (hiking, via ferrata, mountain biking, etc.) as well as those looking for history and traditions.