One Magical Day in Menton France with Little Kids

Menton, France is a charming little town at the end of the French Riviera located at the foothills of the Alps just 15 minutes from the Italian border. It’s famous for its colorful architecture, gardens, and citrus fruits—especially lemons. This tiny little coastal town is perfect for a day trip or even a couple nights stay for anyone interested in thoroughly exploring this picturesque seaside village.

One Day in Menton

More time in Menton

How to get to Menton France with Little Kids

Most people will be arriving in Menton from Nice, France which is about 30 miles (48 km) away. Take the SCNF Connect train from the Nice-Ville Train Station to Menton. Trains run frequently with a journey time of around 40 minutes. Get off at the main Menton train station (NOT Menton Garavan). From there you can easily walk to the main sights of the city.

If you don’t want to take the train, alternative options include hiring a taxi or private ride service.

Private Car Service: We really enjoyed using Taxi Marco during our stay in Nice and would highly recommend them for any private ride transfers/services in the French Riviera. Click here for more information.

What to do with One Day in Menton France with Little Kids

Days with little kids fly by and you never get to as much as you want to. We visited Menton twice, one in the afternoon after visiting Ventimiglia, Italy; and one as a full beach day. Depending on how much time you have to spend in Menton, you could do a half day, full day or longer.

1. Wander Through Old Town

Old Town Menton (Vieux Menton) is absolutely beautiful. Start your day with a walk through the labyrinth of narrow, winding streets painted in warm shades of yellow, pink, and orange. Grab some gelato, walk through some shops or stop for breakfast at a local cafe.

Kids running through the cobblestone streets in Menton, France

Menton France with little kids running through an archway in the old town

2. Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange

Climb toward the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange – one of Menton’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 17th century, the basilica features an ornate façade with a striking bell tower. The church’s elevated position rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views of Menton’s colorful rooftops and the Mediterranean Sea. Its grand staircase, leading up from the cobbled streets below, offers a dramatic approach and is a popular viewpoint for visitors and photographers.

Pro Tip: Especially when visiting with a stroller, I’d suggest visiting Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange before Plage des Sablettes. You will still have to carry the stroller down some stairs but it is much more spread out than carrying it up from the bottom of the grand staircase near the beach.

Photo of the yellow Basilique Saint Michel Archange above colorful buildings in Menton, France

Kids walking up stairs to Basilique Saint Michel Archange

3. Walk to the Pier

Once you walk down from the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, head down the stairs (or take the lift if you have a stroller) to the Plage des Sablettes beach. Take a leisurely walk along the scenic, beachside promenade to the pier for an awesome view of the entire Menton landscape.

Mom and three boys standing on the pier looking at the colorful city of Menton, France

4. Spend the Afternoon at Plage des Sablettes

With kids it’s always fun to take a break from sightseeing and let them play. Spend the afternoon getting some sun and playing at Plage des Sablettes. This 350-meter stretch of fine gravel and sand stands out as one of the few non-pebbly beaches on the Côte d’Azur, making it especially inviting for families with young children. The beach surrounds a bay which makes for calm, shallow waters for the kids to swim. The pastel facades of Menton’s Old Town and the distant Italian mountains adds to its picturesque charm.

Dad with son on shoulders looking at the landscape from Plage des Sablettes

5. Experience a Touch of Italy

You’re just minutes from the Italian border, so take the opportunity to try a gelato or espresso with an Italian flair before heading back to your home base. We loved Café Napoli where you could get Italian coffee and desserts – DO NOT SKIP THE CANOLI.

With More Time in Menton

Visit Other Menton Beaches

Menton has some of the best beaches in the French Riviera but without the crowds. While Plage des Sablettes is the most popular beach, if you have more time to spend in Menton, be sure to check out some of the other beaches such as Plage de Fossan or Plage du Casino.

Mom and three kids sitting in the shade at the beach in Menton, France.

Explore Marché des Halles

Stop at the Marché des Halles, a vibrant covered market in Menton, for a variety of goods including fresh produce, fragrant herbs, colorful flowers, local cheeses, olives, and freshly caught seafood—all sourced from the surrounding region. Located near the Old Town, this market has been around since the late 19th century and is a cornerstone of Menton culture. Pickup food for a beach picnic or just stroll through to experience the mediterranean atmosphere.

Day Trip to Ventimiglia

A day trip to Ventimiglia, Italy, from Menton offers a delightful blend of Italian culture, history, and scenic beauty. Just a short train ride away, Ventimiglia welcomes visitors with its charming old town, bustling markets, and picturesque coastline. Ventimiglia is renowned for its Friday outdoor market, featuring an array of stalls selling everything from fresh produce, cheese and meats to clothing and accessories. Even on other days, the Mercato Coperto (covered market) offers a variety of local goods, providing an authentic Italian shopping experience. Get lost in the old town before posting up at a cafe for some amazing Italian coffee and desserts.

Colorful buildings of the Old Town in Ventimiglia, Italy

Day Trip to Nice

A day trip to Nice, France, from Menton is a perfect way to experience the vibrant heart of the French Riviera. An easy 40 minute train ride and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the lively energy of the French coast. Stroll down the seaside Promenade des Anglais, let your kids play at an epic playground or splash area, climb to the top of Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views of the city and bay, and explore the colorful Old Town. Nice is the perfect family friendly stop with activities for everyone.

⏭️ READ NEXT: Complete Guide to the French Riviera with Little Kids for all the best things to do in Nice, France with Kids

Church steeple view through an alleyway in old town Nice, France

Kids playing at the fountains in Nice, France.

Getting Around in Menton, France

Menton, France if very walkable. From the train station to Plage des Sablettes is about a 20 minute walk and there’s plenty to see and explore on your walk over. The streets were stroller friendly enough where we only had to carry the stroller a few times up or down a flight of stairs.

Where to Eat in Menton, France

Menton’s signature is lemon, so whenever you can snag a dish or dessert with lemon be sure to do so. Here are some of our favorite restaurant options in Menton:

Café Napoli – Italian Coffee Shop
Frites City – Take away food and bring to the beach for an easy beach lunch
Bar Brasserie Rino – Italian
Da Franci – Italian

Where to Stay in Menton, France

If we ever get back to the French Riviera I would definitely consider staying 1-2 nights in Menton. It was just such a beautiful and unique town. We loved it so much that we went back on our last day instead of going to see a new place, which is a rare choice for us. If you are interested in staying overnight in Menton, France, here are some recommendations:

Hotels

Apartments

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Menton, France depends on whether you’re looking for beach time, festivals, or sightseeing without the crowds.

Breakdown by Season

Spring (March – May): Mild temperatures, blooming gardens (Menton is famous for its lush gardens), fewer tourists. early March concludes the Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron). Daytime highs around 59–68°F (15–20°C).
Summer (June – August): Warm and sunny weather perfect for swimming and beach activities. Lively Mediterranean vibe but also the most crowded and expensive time to visit. Daytime highs around 77–86°F (25–30°C).
Fall (September to November): Warm and quieter. Sea is still warm in early autumn, fewer crowds, and beautiful autumn colors. Daytime temps around 54–72°F (12–22°C).
Winter (December – February): Peaceful, mild winter climate (great for off-season travel). Ideal for scenic strolls and garden visits. Holiday markets in early winter with the start of Lemon Festival in late February. Daytime highs 46–59°F (8–15°C), rarely freezing.

Best Time Overall

Late February to Early March: Prime time for the Lemon Festival that Menton is known for.
May or September: Ideal weather with fewer crowds

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