🏛️ Menton Old Town
Menton’s Old Town is a maze of pastel coloured houses, steep lanes and sun‑washed stairways that climb from the seafront up to the Basilica Saint‑Michel. It’s one of the most picturesque historic centres on the Côte d'Azur. Known as "The Pearl of France" Menton was beautifully described by Jean Cocteau as; "Luxury & Simplicity, Dreams & Respect, the Light & the Sea"
🌅 Basilica & Forecourt
At the top of the old town, the Basilica Saint‑Michel and its baroque forecourt overlook the bay with sweeping views of the sea and mountains. The square is paved with a beautiful pebble mosaic and feels magical at sunset when the façades glow in the warm evening light.
🧡 Medieval Lanes & Stairways define Menton
The old town’s narrow streets twist through arches, tiny squares and hidden staircases. It’s a lovely place to wander slowly, every turn revealing a splash of colour, a shuttered balcony or a glimpse of the sea between the rooftops.
🎨 Rue Longue, Menton Old Town
Running through the heart of the old town, Rue Longue is one of Menton’s oldest streets. Restored façades, artisan workshops and small cafés give it a gentle, local charm. It’s the best way to feel the rhythm of Menton’s historic centre.
🌊 Cemetery of the Old Château, Menton Garavan
At the very top, the Old Château Cemetery offers panoramic views over Menton, the Italian border and the curve of the coastline. It’s peaceful, atmospheric and one of the most beautiful viewpoints in town.
🌊 Monaco
Monaco is the epitome of Riviera glamour, with more to see than you could ever fit into a single day. Guests can explore the Oceanographic Museum, wander the gardens around the Prince’s Palace, or visit the newly reopened Jardin Exotique, a spectacular clifftop garden filled with rare succulents and panoramic sea views. Down by the water, the Larvotto beaches and the elegant new Mareterra district offer a beautiful coastal promenade, while a visit to the Monte‑Carlo Casino followed by coffee at Café de Paris on Casino Square adds a classic touch of Monaco style. With its yacht‑lined harbour, Belle Époque landmarks and glamorous atmosphere, Monaco makes an unforgettable trip from Menton.
🇮🇹 Ventimiglia
Ventimiglia offers a lively Italian contrast to Menton, with its famous Friday market, medieval lanes and seafront promenade. The hilltop Ventimiglia Alta has narrow streets, stone houses and a beautiful Romanesque cathedral, while Cala del Forte, Monaco’s elegant new “second” marina just beyond the old port, is perfect for a long lunch or an afternoon cocktail by the water.
🇮🇹 Dolceacqua
A postcard‑perfect Ligurian village with a stone bridge, medieval lanes and the dramatic Doria Castle overlooking the valley. The star of the village is the Ponte Vecchio, the graceful arched bridge that inspired Claude Monet, who painted it in 1884 and described Dolceacqua as “a jewel of lightness.” The village is known for its red wine (Rossese), charming trattorias and atmospheric streets that wind up towards the castle. It’s one of the most beautiful and characterful day trips from Menton — relaxed, scenic and full of Italian charm.
🏰 Roquebrune‑Cap‑Martin
Roquebrune‑Cap‑Martin blends coastal beauty with medieval charm. Along the shoreline, the Promenade Le Corbusier offers one of the Riviera’s most scenic walks, winding past turquoise water and rocky coves. Whilst above, Roquebrune Vieux Village is a maze of stone lanes leading to the medieval castle with spectacular views over Monaco. The village is also home to France’s oldest olive tree, estimated to be over a thousand years old. Below the old village, the Cœur de Carnolès eco‑district is reshaping the modern part of town with new shops and a large landscaped park.
🏞️ Gorbio
Gorbio is a peaceful stone village surrounded by mountains, with shady squares, old fountains and a timeless atmosphere. In summer, it hosts small open‑air concerts, the Saint‑Barthélemy fête, and the occasional art or photography exhibition. Guests can also hike there directly from Villa Monti, it is a three‑hour, scenic ascent through forest and old terraces — or you could visit by car or bus & enjoy a quiet wander through the streets and take lunch in the picturesque square.
🏞️ Sainte‑Agnès
Sainte‑Agnès is one of France’s highest coastal villages, with stone lanes, vaulted passages and dramatic views from its medieval castle ruins. Summer brings open‑air concerts, the Fête de la Saint‑Agnès, and small art exhibitions. A beautiful mountain trail leads there directly from Villa Monti which takes around 90 minutes to two hours, offering a rewarding ascent, stunning views and a memorable arrival at the mountain top village.