Posted by Menton was not far from Nice and just a few kms from the Italian boarder but it was so unlike its ritzy neighbours as the relaxed Italian influence was very dominant. The town looked like it was lifted from the Cinque Terra as the building rambled up the hill in narrow tall structures that date back to the middle ages. Narrow lanes intersect the topography and to top it all off there is a cemetary right at the top..most unusual and i suppose it what makes this lovely town so unique. It delivered so much in such a small package that our three days here were filled to the brim, one of the real highlights of the trip.
The ocean front prominade was split into two parts, upper and lower and connected by stairs and a lift with restturants and activity areas beneath the upper promenade. it worked brilliantly as the traffic above flowed freely but had no impact on the beachside life below. the white sandy beach was just perfect especially considering the heat and the shaded streets with their 3 to 5 story buildings provided great cover for wandering.
Running parrallel to the main road the lanes snaked across the hill and were linked by stairs and criss cross tunnels for easier access. it was good fun seeing where a staircase or tunnel would lead to as you wound yoir way to the top.
The multi coloured red, orange, yellow and ream buildings with washing hanging ovcer the streets and plants grabbing onto any soil to thrive in the conditions was delightful to see.
Every now and then you were bought back to realkity with a glimpse of the beach and ocean and of course a church or Piazza to get your bearings.
these streets were some of the best village life streets we have seen and its important to note that 85% of the homes are lived in by locals who care for their town with passion and pride.
At the top of the Hill the extraordinary Cimetiere du Vieux Chateau sits proudly with its big Mausoleums and more sedate regular graves and they stretch back many many centuries and enjoy the best views in town.
The Old town occupies the Headland position to the North and the New Town sits on the plains to the south side, with the main commercial and shopping zone linking the two. Here is located the Belle Epoch Marche, or Market with Plaza’s and wide pedestrian streets evoking a very prosperous feeling with something for everyone.
The creative way residents have decorated and live at ease in their surroundings was just a delight to see at every turn through Menton.
One of the curious things of note in menton is its connection to Jean Cocteau, the famous artist and film maker, best know for the silent move of Beauty and the Beast of which is a special mueum dedicated to it in the ols seafront Fortress. You learn something new every day and this was a delighful surprise.
The mountains here go stright down into the sea as its a very rugged coastline but with such beauty
The face of Menton are these coloured buildings that are seen from the beach and sea and they are worth a real close examination to just see how eclectic they really are.
Another famous landmark of menton is the Les Rampes saint Michel, or the ramps to St Michels church which are a real special treat due to the inland pebble stairs and their wide treads and such a forsight to create all thsoe years ago in very much a Portugese style
St Michael, the Archangel is everywhere and as the Patron saint he does a very good job of keeping those dragons out and the tourists coming.
Menton at night is magical and also fortunatley much cooler or less hot than the day with its sea breezes. wandering from south to north along the promnenades affors not onlt fabulous views and angles it also open up more discoveries. Like a summer festival or two that got us right in the swing of things with live music on the beach for the oldies and a bit of Disco/doff doff on the other side for those young folk.
Even at 11.00pm there were still people enjoying a late swim in the ocean with town and the mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
The New Town centred arounf Avenue de Verdun is surrounded by massive old late 19th century Hotels and public buildings to show off its wealth but it was the olsd town that stole our heart.
Another delight was found about 1km away just near the boarder, The Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton was a gift to the town from an excentric Englishman who built it for his wife and then filled the garden with exotics from all over the world including Australia. a stunning Spanish influenced Villa with Palm gardens surrounding a delightful Pond was the real feature but the garden were just full of surprises and well worth the time to explore
the ramps were visted many times during our stay.
Another great discovery was this eclectic Korean inspired HotPot resturant up in the hillside streets.called Soban Azur at 66 Rue Longue and wow how good was it…fantastic and the owner was a lovely younf guy who had recently opened so it was great to give him some support.
The Staircase above was the route up to the old town streets and was a well worn path by many peoples as it only the ramps and this ramp that will get you there. A very cool kinds climbing sculputre is on the beach and it just goes to show how awesome creativity and ingenuity can also look fantastic.
Farewell Menton , we loved every minute and its now one of our favs.