A stroll through Menton is best started from its historic center, where every corner tells a different story. The old town, founded by pirates in the 13th century, is a veritable maze of narrow streets, colorful houses and charming alleys. Climbing up the steep streets, you can admire the pastel-colored buildings that form the city's distinctive skyline visible from afar. Note the architectural details - ornate portals, painted facades or stone carvings that testify to the rich past of the place.

The heart of the old town is undoubtedly the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, or Church of Saint Michael the Archangel. This Baroque temple impresses with its monumental facade and rich interior, where special attention is drawn to the magnificent ceiling decorated with paintings. The church is distinguished by two distinctive towers: a 35-meter clock tower and a 53-meter bell tower, which tower over the city and are a landmark visible from many places. Built between 1639 and 1675, the church is a fine example of the region's Baroque religious architecture. According to local legend, during the construction of the temple, the residents of Menton carried stones to the construction site with their own hands, which was supposed to ensure them the favor of the patron saint.

Right next to the church is one of the most distinctive features of the city's landscape - Les Rampes Saint-Michel, or the famous yellow stairs. These recently renovated steps, decorated in warm shades of yellow, orange and lemon hues, are not only a practical connection between the different levels of the old city, but also an extremely photogenic spot. These stairs have become a symbol of Menton and one of the most photographed spots in the city. Their uniform shape and warm colors create a fascinating contrast with the blue sky and pastel facades of the surrounding buildings. According to local guides, the color of the staircase is no accident - it refers to the city's lemon tradition and is meant to symbolize the sunny character of the region.

Strolling further through the old town, stop at one of the many observation decks for a panoramic view of the Bay of the Sun (Baie du Soleil). The view of the azure waters of the Mediterranean, the coastline surrounded by mountains and the colorful houses that make up the city's amphitheater-like buildings is breathtaking. It is this unique location between the sea and the mountains that provides Menton with a mild microclimate, ideal for growing citrus.

Speaking of citrus, it's impossible to leave out La Ferme des Citrons - the place that best captures the spirit of the 'lemon city'. This unique citrus farm allows you to learn about the history and tradition of growing lemons in Menton. During your visit, you can learn why exactly the lemons here are so special - they have a thicker peel, more intense aroma and are less acidic than their counterparts from other regions. The farm offers tastings of local citrus products - from jams and liqueurs to lemon-flavored virgin olive oil. According to local legend, the first lemon trees were brought to Menton by Eve, who took the golden fruit with her when she left Paradise. While this is, of course, just a legend, the fact is that the tradition of growing lemons in Menton dates back to the early 14th century.

A visit to Menton would not be complete without learning about its most famous event - the Fête du Citron, or Festival of Lemons. This two-week festival, held in February and March, attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. During the festival, visitors can admire spectacular structures and sculptures made of citrus, participate in parades with citrus platforms and taste local specialties. The festival was born in 1934 as a way to attract tourists during the winter season and has since become one of the most important cultural events on the Côte d'Azur. Each year more than 140 tons of citrus fruits, mainly lemons and oranges, are used for decoration, making this event truly unique in the world.

Menton is not only an old town and lemons - it is also a paradise for lovers of nature, art and sunbathing. The city is famous for its exceptional gardens, which, thanks to a mild microclimate, delight with a wealth of vegetation all year round.

The Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton is a true gem among Menton's gardens. This botanical treasure was founded in the early 20th century by Lord Percy Radcliffe, a former governor of Malta, who fell in love with Menton's climate and decided to create his paradise on earth here. The name 'Val Rahmeh' comes from the name of the lord's second wife and in Arabic means 'valley of tranquility' - which perfectly reflects the atmosphere of the place. The garden impresses with its collection of exotic plants from all over the world - more than 1,500 species can be admired here, including rare specimens from Asia, South America and Africa. Particularly impressive is the citrus collection, which includes unique varieties, such as the fingered lemon (Buddha's hand) and pomelo. Walking through the alleys of the garden, one can come across a 400-year-old olive tree, a pond with lotuses or lush collections of bamboos and palms. The garden is not only a place for relaxation, but also an important research center, where work is carried out to preserve rare plant species.

Nearby is another remarkable garden - Serre de la Madone. It is the work of American gardener Lawrence Johnston, creator of the famous Hidcote Manor garden in England. Johnston spent his winters in Menton and created his horticultural masterpiece here for more than 20 years. Serre de la Madone is a terraced garden, stretching across a hillside, where you can admire plants from different climatic zones. The garden is famous for its collection of rare species, which Johnston brought back from his travels around the world. According to local stories, the gardener employed 12 gardeners who carried water from a spring every day to water his precious plants. Today the garden is owned by the French state and is a valuable monument to the art of gardening.

Jardins Biovès, on the other hand, is Menton's central park, located along Avenue Boyer. It is here that the main events of the Festival of Lemons take place, and during the rest of the year the garden delights with carefully maintained flower beds, sculptures and fountains. The park was named in honor of Émile Biovès, mayor of Menton from 1848 to 1878, who contributed significantly to the city's development as a resort. According to city chronicles, it was Biovès who first promoted Menton as the 'city of eternal spring,' highlighting its unique microclimate.

Completing Menton's garden collection is Les Colombières, a secret garden created by Ferdinand Baca, who collaborated with writer and artist Jean Cocteau. This extraordinary garden combines elements of architecture, sculpture and painting to create a magical space inspired by Greek and Roman mythology. Walking through the alleys of the garden, one can discover hidden sculptures, mosaics and frescoes that tell the stories of Odysseus, Orpheus or Narcissus. Les Colombières is not just a garden, but a true work of art that reflects the artistic vision of its creators.

Speaking of art, it is impossible to omit the Musée Jean Cocteau - Le Bastion. This unique museum is housed in a 17th century fortification by the sea and is dedicated to the work of Jean Cocteau - a French poet, painter, director and designer who was deeply connected with Menton. Cocteau fell in love with the city in the 1950s and left his artistic mark here. The museum presents a collection of his works - paintings, drawings, ceramics and photographs. Of particular interest is the room dedicated to his connection with Menton, where you can see the decorative designs he created for the city hall. According to his contemporaries' recollections, Cocteau used to say that 'in Menton the light is so pure that it allows you to see things you can't see anywhere else.'

After a busy tour of the gardens and museums, it's time to relax on one of Menton's beaches. Plage des Sablettes is the most popular beach in the city, located at the foot of the old town. Its name comes from the fine, sandy gravel (Fr. sable - sand) that covers the beach. The Plage des Sablettes offers a spectacular view of the old town and the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. The beach is well landscaped, offering lounger and umbrella rentals and numerous restaurants and cafes along the promenade. Interestingly, according to local accounts, it was on this beach in the 19th century that English aristocrats started the fashion for winter stays on the Côte d'Azur, appreciating Menton's mild climate.

Strolling along the coast, reach the Lighthouse of the Menton breakwater - a distinctive lighthouse that guards the entrance to the port. This small, white structure with a red roof is a picturesque feature of the coastal landscape and is a popular motif on Menton postcards. The lighthouse was built in the early 20th century and still serves its purpose today, helping sailors reach the harbor safely. According to local fishermen, the light of the lighthouse has a special warm hue that harmonizes with the colors of the city.

Menton is a city that is best explored slowly, savoring its atmosphere, flavors and traditions. The local cuisine, which is a fascinating combination of French and Italian influences (let's not forget that the border with Italy is just a few kilometers from the city center), is an important part of the region's cultural heritage.

The Menton lemon, which in 2015 received the prestigious IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée - Protected Geographical Indication) designation, is the main protagonist of local gastronomy. This unique fruit, characterized by its intense aroma, thick skin and balanced flavor, in which acidity blends harmoniously with sweetness, is used in countless recipes. Try local specialties such as the lemon tart (tarte au citron de Menton), the secret of which lies in the use of whole lemons, including the peel, which gives it a unique aroma. Another delicacy is limoncello, a lemon liqueur that locals say should be drunk heavily chilled, preferably at sunset, overlooking the sea. Also popular is citronade - a refreshing drink made from lemons, water and honey, perfect for hot days.

According to local legend, the secret to the unique taste of Menton's lemons lies in the city's special microclimate. Sheltered from the north by the Maritime Alps, Menton enjoys more than 316 days of sunshine a year and mild winters, during which the temperature rarely drops below 10°C. It is these conditions, combined with sea breezes and mineral-rich clay soil, that create the ideal environment for growing citrus. Elderly locals tell us that the best lemons grow on hillside terraces, where the trees are naturally irrigated by mountain streams.

In addition to lemons, Menton is also famous for its olive oil. Local olive groves, some hundreds of years old, produce oil with a delicate, fruity flavor. Particularly prized is the lemon-flavored oil, which makes an excellent accompaniment to salads, fish and seafood. Traditional olive mills can still be found in the surrounding villages, where production is carried out using methods handed down from generation to generation.

When discovering Menton, look out for local crafts. The town has a rich ceramic tradition, with local artists creating beautiful hand-painted vessels decorated with citrus motifs. Small workshops and galleries offer unique souvenirs, from ceramic olive bowls to decorative plates with views of the city. According to local artists, it is Menton's special light, mentioned by Jean Cocteau, that inspires them to create works in bright, saturated colors.

One of the lesser-known but fascinating aspects of Menton's history is its connection to the Belle Époque and the beginnings of tourism on the Côte d'Azur. In the 19th century, the city became a fashionable winter resort for the European aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie, especially the British, who appreciated the region's mild climate. It was at this time that elegant Belle Époque-style villas and hotels were built, which still adorn the seaside promenade. According to city chronicles, so many Brits stayed in Menton during the peak winter season that it was jokingly referred to as 'a little London on the Mediterranean'.

Also linked to this period is the interesting history of Menton's Protestant cemetery, where numerous British aristocrats and artists who ended their lives in this Mediterranean paradise are laid to rest. Among them is the grave of William Webb Ellis, considered the founder of rugby, who died in Menton in 1872. The cemetery, located on a hillside overlooking the sea, is today a quiet witness to the city's cosmopolitan past.

For those wishing to discover a lesser-known face of Menton, take a stroll through the Garavan district, located east of the center toward the Italian border. This quiet, elegant neighborhood is full of beautiful villas with lush gardens. Particularly worth a visit is the Point de vue de Menton Garavan, a vantage point that offers a panoramic view encompassing all of Menton, and on a clear day you can even see the Italian coast. According to locals, the best time to visit is early morning, when the first rays of the sun illuminate the pastel facades of the old town, or sunset, when the entire coast is shrouded in a golden glow.

Menton is also a city of festivals and cultural events. In addition to the famous Festival of Lemons, it is worth mentioning the Menton Music Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious classical music festivals in France. Launched in 1950, it is held every summer in the courtyard in front of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel. The concerts under a starry sky, overlooking the illuminated old town and the sea, provide an unforgettable experience for music lovers and casual tourists alike.

When discovering Menton, one cannot help but notice how harmoniously various cultural influences - French, Italian and even Moorish - coexist here, evident in the architecture of some buildings. It is this diversity, combined with its unique location, mild climate and rich history, that makes Menton a true pearl of the French Riviera - a place where time passes more slowly and life has the taste and smell of lemon.