Situated on the border with Italy mere minutes from Monaco, at the foot of the mountains just as they seem to fall into the sea, Menton is one of the true jewels of the French Riviera.
Menton’s assets are legion. The maritime town is a lovely seaside resort filled with exceptional gardens. The idyllic town represents all the charm and refinement of the Riviera, yet is less crowded and more understated than its better-known neighbours. This gives Menton a timeless appeal that entices aficionados to return year after year. The town even rivalled Cannes as a celebrity stage last summer when Woody Allen shot parts of his latest film here.
The mesmerising seaside town and its surroundings are as typically and classically Riviera as one will find. Palm trees sway in the breeze, blue seas lap the beaches and even bluer skies sit above the terracotta rooftops. The beaches are safe and pleasant, and the covered market, where shoppers may purchase fresh fish, olives, honey and other Provençal produce, add up to a picture with immense appeal. Here, life goes by at a leisurely pace.
Residents enjoy an exceptionally high standard of living, whilst holiday homeowners love it for its unique symphony of medieval and baroque architecture, sandy beaches and the magnificent gardens of Serre de la Madone, Maria Serena, Fontana Rosa, Les Colombières and Val Rahmeh.
The sea is a predominant feature of Menton. The outstanding coastline, the old fishing port and a newer marina seduce the numerous visitors. Menton is also the first community in the Maritime Alps region to have obtained the award Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (City of Art and History).
Over the past few years, Menton has been actively reinventing itself, with an exciting mix of top-notch restaurants, newly restored historic gardens and a futuristic, multimedia Jean Cocteau Museum at the port, which was designed by the eclectic French architect, Rudy Ricciotti.
Menton is fortuitously located both on the sea and next to the Italian frontier. Alpine skiing and Mediterranean swims afford residents and holidaymakers alike the best of both worlds. And Monaco is just 13 kilometres distant, whilst a day of shopping in Nice, star-spotting in Cannes and yachting in Antibes are so very close.
Lifestyle tops the list of reasons for owning real estate in Menton. Property buyers laud the wonderful sea views, terraces and proximity to the beaches as prime factors in their selection of the idyllic seaside resort. All of this makes Menton real estate an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and refined lifestyle on the Mediterranean, with buyers coming chiefly from France, Italy, the Benelux nations, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia.
The town’s low-key sophistication, classic allure and awe-inspiring beauty, plus the deep-rooted sense of authenticity, give that ever-lasting appeal to Menton. It is perfect for those buyers who value idyllic tranquillity and awe-inspiring beauty.
One of the most popular areas to buy Menton property is the historic Old Town. Here, one will find a myriad of narrow medieval streets, featuring artistic and architectural heritage. A lovely mosaic-paved square overlooks the sea and is flanked by two beautiful Baroque churches, including the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange. The basilica and its bell tower are jewels of Baroque art and are amongst the most beautiful gems of the region.
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