Leaving San Remo behind, we arrived in Menton, where we were staying that night. Our visit started off with luck, as we managed to find a parking space right in front of the hotel. After taking our room, we immediately set off to explore the city. A walk along the seaside promenade immediately enchanted us; Menton’s unique, characterful atmosphere and the salty sea air were the perfect end to the day.
Menton’s history is extremely colorful and full of twists and turns. Although archaeological findings indicate that the area was inhabited since prehistoric times (the famous “Menton Man” was found here), the actual foundation of the city dates back to the 12th-13th centuries. At that time, it was under the rule of the Counts of Ventimiglia, and due to its strategic location, it quickly became an important port and trading hub on the Mediterranean coast.
The most important period in the city’s history began in 1346, when the House of Grimaldi acquired the territory. For more than five hundred years, until the mid-19th century, Menton was under the rule of the Principality of Monaco. This period left a deep mark on the city’s appearance and culture, although the relationship between the locals and the princely court was not always cloudless due to the tax burden.
The turning point came with the European revolutionary wave of 1848, when Menton and neighboring Roquebrune declared their independence from Monaco. They existed as “free cities” for a short time under Sardinian-Piedmontese protection, and then, following a referendum, were officially annexed to France in 1861. Emperor Napoleon III eventually paid the Prince of Monaco four million gold francs to finalize the annexation.
At the end of the 19th century, Menton became a real luxury resort, especially among the British and Russian aristocracy. Due to its mild microclimate and healing air, it was called the “pearl of the Riviera”. It was during this period that the city’s magnificent palaces and gardens were built, which still define the view of the hillsides above the old town, and thanks to which Menton is still one of the citadels of horticulture.
The storms of the 20th century did not spare the city either: during the Second World War, Menton was the only major French town to be occupied and annexed by Italian troops. After the war, however, it quickly recovered and regained its peaceful, elegant face. Today, it is best known for its lemon festival and its pastel-colored houses, which harmoniously combine French elegance with Italian life-affirmation.
Leaving the promenade behind, we climbed up the winding streets of the city, which are located higher up. Wandering through the old town’s weathered walls, we found a cozy restaurant where we could enjoy an excellent dinner and local flavors. The next morning, we settled down for breakfast in a pleasant little restaurant on the promenade. While sipping our coffee and watching the people walking along the beach, we said goodbye to this magical city and continued our journey to our next stop, Monaco.
