Menton is known as the ‘pearl of France’ (Image: Getty)
Menton, known as the ‘pearl of France,’ is a beautiful town located along the French-Italian border. It is less than an hour from the tourist hotspot of Nice.
Quieter than its popular neighbour, Menton is the warmest town along the French Riveria, making it the perfect destination for a late winter getaway, with temperatures reaching 10°-15°C in February.
If you visit in February, you may have the chance to enjoy the town’s lemon festival, Fête du Citron, held annually towards the end of winter – this year, from 15 February to 2 March.
As a lemon-growing town, Menton owes much of its fame and fortune to this yellow citrus fruit, with the annual festivities celebrating this.
The festival’s theme changes every year (although lemons still play a major role), with this year’s theme being ‘Journey(s) to the stars’.
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The Fête du citron takes place every February (Image: Getty )
Previous themes include Bollywood (2018), the tribulations of a lemon in China (2015), Pinocchio (2002), and myths and legends of the Mediterranean (1990).
From paying a visit to a local lemon farm to enjoying a stroll through the stunning old town or relaxing at the beach, there’s still plenty to do in Menton, even if you don’t visit during the town’s festivities.
Landmarks to visit include the Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh, a botanical garden with over 1400 species of tropical plants, that will have you feeling like you’ve jetted off to the tropics and not the south of France.
If you’re looking for some history, then make a stop at the Cimetière du Vieux Château, an old cemetery which offers some stunning views of the town.
The cemetery has also become something of a pilgrimage site for rugby fans, as it is the resting place of the sport’s supposed inventor, William Webb Ellis.
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Menton is the perfect location for a late winter getaway (Image: Getty)
Menton is also home to France’s grandest Baroque church, the beautiful Basilique St-Michel Archange, which was built as a church in 1653 and raised to the rank of basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1999.
The town’s beauty was recently highlighted on by travel influencers Malwina & Norbert Zbiciak, who post under the handle @travelais. Sharing a video of the town they wrote: ” Welcome to… Menton, French Riviera
“This charming town is located near Nice, right on the border with Italy. Known as the true pearl of France, Menton is one of the most beautiful cities in France. Famous for its delicious lemons, it’s a must-visit destination on the French Riviera!”
For tourists hoping to visit Menton, the nearest airports are Monaco and Nice, which are both a two-hour flight from the UK.
A train journey from Monaco to Menton adds just twenty minutes to your journey time, while those landing in Nice have a half-hour train journey to reach Menton.