Menton

Menton is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-C Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. It lies on the extreme east of the French Riviera, near the Italian border between Monaco and Ventimiglia, on the coast of the Mediterranean and at the mouth of the Roya River. The town has a mild Mediterranean climate with sunny winters and warm summers, and it is known for its subtropical gardens and citrus production.

Historically, the area was settled in antiquity and later came under the influence of the Grimaldi family of Monaco. Menton was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and remained under Piedmont-Sardinia before being ceded to France in 1860, along with Nice, after a plebiscite mandated by the Treaty of Turin; it formally joined France in 1861.

Economy and culture are strongly tied to horticulture and tourism. Menton is famous for its lemon festival, Fête du Citron, held annually in February, featuring large citrus sculptures and parades. The town’s palm-lined promenades and coastal views attract visitors year-round. Cultural sites include the old town’s narrow streets, the Baroque Basilica of Saint-Michel, and the Musée Jean Cocteau, which houses works by and related to the French artist.

Transport is served by Menton’s railway station on the Nice–Ventimiglia line, with connections to Nice, Monaco, and Italy. The A8 autoroute provides road access to the broader Côte d’Azur.