Solo in the Pearl of France: A Day in Menton

#hellohalloween

Nestled on the Italian border, Menton feels like a beautiful secret the Riviera kept for itself. With its pastel-colored old town, serene gardens, and a vibe that is more tranquil than its glamorous neighbors, my solo trip here was a day of gentle exploration, artistic discovery, and the simple joy of being in a place that seems to be perpetually bathed in golden light.

My Perfect Solo Itinerary: A Stroll Through Sunshine and Color

Morning: The Old Town & A Stairway to the Sea
I started my day getting lost in the Vieille Ville. This is a labyrinth of steep, narrow staircases (known as montées) flanked by buildings painted in shades of ochre, apricot, and butter yellow. I followed the Montée du Cimetière upwards, pausing to catch my breath and admire the ever-expanding views of the sea. The climb culminates at the stunning Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, a Baroque masterpiece whose bell tower is the iconic symbol of Menton.

Afternoon: Gardens, Citrus, and a Solo Lunch

· A Garden of Rare Beauty: I visited the Jardins Biovès, famous for its whimsical citrus-themed sculptures, and then made my way to the magnificent Jardins Serre de la Madone. This hidden gem, a restored 1930s garden, was a peaceful paradise of terraced plants, hidden pools, and dappled light. Wandering its quiet paths alone felt like discovering a private estate.
· The Lemon Legacy: Menton is the lemon capital of France. I couldn't resist buying a jar of local lemon curd or a bottle of limoncello from one of the many artisan shops.
· Lunch with a View: I grabbed a table at a seafront café on the Promenade du Soleil. A simple salad and a glass of rosé, with the Mediterranean shimmering just steps away, was the perfect solo feast.

Evening: A Sunset Stroll
As the afternoon softened, I walked along the Quai Napoléon III, past the grand old hotels and the bustling Marché des Halles. The atmosphere was relaxed and unhurried—the perfect end to a day of solo discovery.

Solo Traveler Tips I Discovered:

· It's a Walker's Paradise: Menton is compact and incredibly pedestrian-friendly. You can see almost everything on foot.
· Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum: A must for art lovers, this museum is dedicated to the multifaceted artist who adored Menton. It’s a fascinating and manageable collection for a solo visit.
· Embrace the Slow Pace: The charm of Menton is its gentle rhythm. This is a place to sit on a bench, read a book, and watch the world go by.
· Take the Train: The regional train line makes Menton an easy and scenic day trip from Nice or Monaco, giving you total flexibility.

Menton is the Riviera’s most serene and painterly town. For a solo traveler, it’s a safe, beautiful, and deeply charming destination that feels like a warm, welcoming embrace.

#solotravel #france