Plan a family-friendly day trip from Monaco to Menton. Beaches, gardens, Old Town walks, and lemon-scented treats just minutes away by train.

A Gentle Escape From Monaco to Menton

Menton is only one stop away from Monaco by train, but it feels like another world. Where Monaco glitters, Menton glows. The pace slows, the colors soften, and the air itself carries a faint sweetness of lemons and jasmine. Families, couples, or even solo wanderers often end up here for the same reason – to catch their breath.

It’s not about doing everything.. You wander, you pause, you notice. And somehow by evening, it feels like the Mediterranean has given something back to you.

Best Time to Visit Menton

• Spring (April-June): Gardens in bloom, longer days, and the city dressed in pastels. It’s when Menton feels freshest.
• Summer (July-August): Busy, yes, but vibrant. Beaches fill, terraces overflow, and there’s a holiday spirit everywhere you turn.
• Autumn (September-October): Warm seas, golden light, and just enough space to walk quietly.
• February: The famous Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival). Giant citrus sculptures, parades, music. Families love it, and honestly, it’s unlike anything else on the Riviera.

Getting from Monaco To Menton

By Train (Easiest Choice)

• Route: Monaco – Monte-Carlo → Menton
• Time: 11-12 minutes
• Cost: Around €3–€5
• Why: Frequent trains, stress-free, and the view from the left-hand windows is worth it. The coastline unfolds slowly, and then Menton’s painted façades appear like a watercolor.

From Monaco To Menton By Bus

• Bus 600 (ZOU!): Every 20-30 minutes. About €2.50. Route Monaco-Menton in 25 minutes.
• Bus 80 (ZOU! Express): Starts from Nice Airport, passes through Monaco, and continues to Menton. Slightly quicker, same fare.
• Departure: Place des Moulins in Monaco. Easy to find, near the Casino.

By Taxi

• Duration: About 20 minutes.
• Fare: €40-€60.
• Good for: Families with young children or if you want the fastest way with no transfers.

From Monaco To Menton – What to See and Do

Old Town (Vieux Menton)

The Old Town is the soul of Menton. Narrow alleys climb toward the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, whose baroque tower watches the sea. Kids dart ahead on the steps, parents pause for the view, and every corner hides a doorway painted in ochre or rose. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan – just follow the sound of footsteps on stone.

Jean Cocteau Museum

Even if you’ve never seen his films or drawings, the museum makes an impression. Light floods the space, waves break just outside, and Cocteau’s works feel playful and bold. For families, the scale is manageable – you don’t get lost, but you do leave with something to remember.

Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden

A little quieter, tucked just above town. Palm trees, bamboo, exotic plants, and paths that wind enough to keep children curious. The garden feels like it’s been kept for those who prefer peace over spectacle.

From Monaco To Menton – Les Sablettes Beach

This is where many families spend most of their day. Shallow water, soft sand, cafés nearby. Parents relax while kids collect shells or build castles, and the view toward the Old Town makes even a simple swim feel cinematic.

Jardins Biovès

Right in the heart of Menton, these gardens are at their most famous during the Lemon Festival when floats and citrus sculptures transform the space. Outside festival season, it’s just a calm, green place for a walk or a bench in the shade.

From Monaco To Menton – Where to Eat

• Le Petit Port: Honest, fresh seafood, with a harbor view that makes you want to stay longer.
• Maison Herbin: Jams, lemon sweets, little jars that children love choosing. A perfect edible souvenir.
• Mirazur: If you want a once-in-a-lifetime meal, Mauro Colagreco’s Michelin-starred restaurant is here. It’s refined, seasonal, and rooted in Menton’s citrus heritage. Book well in advance.

A Personal Note

When we walked into Maison Herbin, the air smelled of sweet citrus and warm sugar. My children each picked out a small jar of jam-mine was lemon, theirs was something berry. They carried those jars all afternoon like precious little treasures.

By the time we reached Les Sablettes, the sun was slowly sinking. The sea felt warmer than the breeze, and we lingered there, letting the day settle around us.

That’s how Menton catches you – not with grand sights, but with moments that feel soft and real, like the spread of jam on your morning toast.

Final Thoughts

Menton is Monaco’s gentler neighbor – a place to breathe, taste, and wander without hurry. It’s not about big landmarks or long itineraries. It’s about pastel streets, citrus trees, and the feeling that for one day, the Mediterranean belongs to you.