A slow travel guide to the French Riviera: 5 Days in Menton
We spent five slow, sun-drenched days on the French Riviera, and honestly—it was magic.
Instead of racing around the coast ticking off every tourist hotspot, we based ourselves in Menton, ditched the idea of hiring a car, and leaned into the kind of travel we love most: intentional, relaxed, and full of simple pleasures.
If you’re dreaming of seaside strolls, buttery pastries, and those golden Mediterranean afternoons where time just drifts—this one’s for you.
Why Menton?
Tucked right near the Italian border, Menton is one of those places that somehow still flies under the radar. It’s got all the charm of the French Riviera—pastel buildings, lemon trees, sparkling blue sea—but without the crowds or chaos.
It’s also brilliantly connected by public transport, which meant we could take easy day trips to places like Monaco, Èze and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat without ever needing a car.
Our 5-Day Slow Travel Itinerary on the Côte d’Azur
Here’s how we spent our days, soaking it all in at a gentle pace.
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Day 1–2: Settle into Menton
We arrived in Menton and immediately knew we’d made the right choice. It’s peaceful, colourful, and just effortlessly beautiful.
We spent our first two days properly getting to know the town:
• Wandering the Old Town, where every narrow alley felt like a film set.
• Climbing the long stone staircase up to the Basilica Saint-Michel—hard work, but the view from the top was worth every step.
• Continuing on to the cemetery above the town, which sounds odd, but the viewpoint there is absolutely stunning.
• Spending lazy hours on Plage des Sablettes and walking along the Promenade du Soleil.
• Exploring Le Bastion, a little fort-turned-gallery with sea views and Cocteau artwork.
• A slow stroll in the Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton among the lush greenery.
We didn’t rush. We stopped for long lunches, coffee breaks, and just sat in quiet spots watching the sea.
Day 3: Day Trip to Monaco
It’s just a 15-minute train from Menton to Monaco, so we popped over for a change of pace.
Now, Monaco isn’t our usual vibe (a bit flashy for our tastes), but we found pockets of calm:
• The Jardin Exotique, perched high up with sweeping views and fascinating desert plants.
• A wander around the Old Town, where things felt more local and lived-in.
It made for a nice contrast to Menton—glitzy, yes, but still enjoyable in our own slow, observing way.
Day 4: Day Trip to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
This might’ve been our favourite day of the whole trip.
We took the train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, then walked the scenic coastal path over to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. It’s peaceful, stunning, and the sea here is the clearest we’ve ever seen.
• We started the morning with a swim at Paloma Beach—tucked away in a quiet cove with views across the bay. The water was refreshingly cold for a morning dip, and it wasn’t too busy either (we went mid-week).
• After a slow lunch by the sea, we made our way to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. The villa itself is beautiful, but it’s the gardens that really stole the show—nine themed gardens, little fountains, and views that just go on forever.
We took our time wandering, sitting on benches, watching the musical fountains, and soaking up the afternoon sun. By the time we headed back to the station, we were salty, sun-warmed, and completely content.
It felt like the perfect place to end the trip.
(Optional): Day Trip to Èze Village
We actually visited Èze 2 years ago when we went to Nice, but it’d make a perfect day trip from Menton too. You can take the train to Èze-sur-Mer, then catch the bus up to the hilltop village of Èze. ( Or you can hike the Nietzsche Path, if you’re up for a good workout)
Èze is tiny but so atmospheric:
• We wandered through stone alleyways that twist and turn like a maze.
• Took our time exploring the Jardin Exotique, perched right on the cliff’s edge.
Where We Ate (And Would Go Back in a Heartbeat)
We’re not fancy foodies, but we do love a good meal—and Menton definitely delivered.
Bakeries we loved:
• Mitron Bakery – classic French breads and proper, hearty croissants.
• Atelier Boungalerie – a modern, playful take on patisserie.
• AVÉ Pâtisserie – delicate, almost-too-pretty-to-eat desserts.
Casual, delicious restaurants:
• Le Bistrot des Jardins – tucked away and full of locals. Great veggie options, too.
• Le P’tit Resto – tiny, warm, and full of flavour.
• Mirazur – if you’re celebrating something (or just want a treat), it’s worth the splurge. Definitely book ahead!
Ice cream:
• Tuttie Fruittie – we went more than once. No regrets.
Tips for Travelling Slowly (and Joyfully) on the Riviera
• Take the regional TER trains – they’re reliable, affordable, and the views along the coast are unreal.
• Don’t overpack your days. Let some things go unfinished—there’s beauty in having a reason to return.
• Always say bonjour when you enter shops or cafés—politeness goes a long way.
• Build in time to just sit: by the sea, in a square, under a lemon tree with a book.
• And finally: go where the day takes you. That’s where the magic usually happens.
Final Thoughts
Our time on the French Riviera reminded us why we love slow travel so much. It’s not about seeing more, but about feeling more—more connection, more stillness, more joy.
Menton was the perfect base: beautiful, calm, and just that little bit underrated. And with so many stunning spots just a short train ride away, it gave us the best of the Riviera—without the hustle.
We left with hearts full and zero regrets (except maybe not bringing back more pastries).
