Cannes Transfer
Cannes Transfer
Tucked into the far eastern corner of the French Riviera, just a stone’s throw from the Italian border, Menton is one of the Côte d’Azur’s most enchanting — and most underrated — towns. Nicknamed the “Pearl of France,” it enjoys the warmest microclimate in the country, which is why lemons, oranges, and exotic gardens flourish here all year round. Every winter the town throws one of Europe’s most spectacular events, the Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron), and the rest of the year it remains a serene, colourful escape from the busier resorts. Here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect day trip.
Menton sits between Monaco and the Italian town of Ventimiglia, roughly 30 km east of Nice. Pastel-coloured houses tumble down toward a turquoise sea, the old town climbs a hill crowned by a baroque basilica, and palm-lined promenades stretch along the seafront. The atmosphere is distinctly Italian — relaxed, sun-soaked, and far less crowded than Nice or Cannes. It is the kind of place where you slow down, wander, and let the day unfold.
The Fête du Citron is Menton’s signature event and the only one of its kind in the world. Held every year from mid-February to early March (the 2026 edition runs across roughly three weeks of late winter), it celebrates the town’s citrus heritage with breathtaking creativity. Each festival follows a different theme, and giant sculptures — some over ten metres tall — are built entirely from fresh lemons and oranges, using up to 140 tonnes of citrus fruit.
There are two main highlights:
The festival draws around 240,000 visitors each year, so it is by far the busiest time to visit — book your transport and tickets in advance.
Menton’s historic centre is a maze of pastel facades, steep staircases, and shaded alleys. At its heart stands the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, a magnificent baroque church whose parvis offers a postcard view over the rooftops and the sea. Climb up through the old town in the morning light for the best photos.
Thanks to its mild climate, Menton is a town of extraordinary gardens. The Jardin Serre de la Madone and the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden are home to rare subtropical and exotic species from around the globe. The Jardin du Val Rahmeh in particular is a peaceful, fragrant retreat just minutes from the centre.
The artist Jean Cocteau fell in love with Menton, and the town honours him with a dedicated museum and the decorated Bastion on the harbour. Afterwards, stroll the Promenade du Soleil, the palm-lined seafront, or relax on the pebble beaches with views back toward the old town.
Because Menton is only 10 minutes from the border, it is the perfect launchpad for combining your visit with the Italian markets of Ventimiglia (the famous Friday market) or a lunch of fresh pasta and seafood. Your driver can easily extend the day across the border.
Menton lies at the eastern end of the Riviera, about 30 km from Nice Airport and 60 km from Cannes. There are three main ways to reach it.
A private car from Nice takes around 45–50 minutes via the A8 motorway, or longer (and far more scenic) along the coastal Basse Corniche through Monaco and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Your driver collects you directly from the airport or your hotel, handles parking — which is notoriously difficult during the Lemon Festival — and waits for you while you explore. For a day trip, this is the most comfortable and flexible option, especially with luggage or a family.
The TER coastal train from Nice to Menton takes about 35 minutes and is inexpensive (around €6). It is a good budget option, but trains are crowded during the festival, and Menton station is a 10-minute walk uphill from the seafront and gardens.
Regional buses connect Nice and Menton for a low flat fare, but the journey is slow (over an hour) and services fill up quickly during peak season.
Private car, experienced local driver, flexible itinerary. Skip the festival parking chaos and travel in comfort.
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