In short
Menton is the last French town before Italy, with an old town in ochre, orange and yellow and more than 300 days of sun a year. The best photo spots are the stairways to the Basilica Saint-Michel and its pebble square, the old town lanes, the seafront view and the gardens. Late autumn to spring is the best season. The TER train runs from Nice.
Menton is the last town on the French Riviera before Italy. Its old town climbs the hill in shades of ochre, orange and yellow, and the region counts more than 300 days of sun a year. It is the warmest, softest choice for a winter or spring session.
Here is where to shoot and when Menton is at its best.
Key facts: Menton old town, basilica square, gardens and best season
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where | On the Italian border, east of Monaco |
| Sun | More than 300 days of sunshine a year |
| Old town | Colour-washed houses climbing to the Basilica Saint-Michel |
| Basilica square | Reached by grand stairways, paved with a pebble mosaic |
| Gardens | About ten remarkable gardens, including the Serre de la Madone |
| Big event | The Fête du Citron, 13 to 28 February 2027 |
Sources: Côte d'Azur France and Riva's Fête du Citron guide, checked October 2026.
Why choose Menton for a photoshoot?
It has the most colour of any old town on the coast, and the gentlest winter. The houses look almost Italian, the light is clear, and the town is calm outside the summer peak. It suits couples and families who want a warm, sunny backdrop out of season.
Where are the best photo spots in Menton?
- The stairways up to the Basilica Saint-Michel, with the pebble mosaic of the square at the top.
- The steep lanes of the old town, for colour and texture at every turn.
- The seafront and harbour below the old town, for the classic view of the houses stacked on the hill.
- One of the gardens, for green, shaded portraits.
When is Menton at its best?
From late autumn to spring. Winter days are mild and bright, and the town is quiet. Late February brings the Fête du Citron, with giant citrus sculptures in the gardens: see our Fête du Citron guide. Mornings are best for the old town, when the light reaches the facades.
How do you get to Menton?
By the coastal TER train from Nice, which also stops in Villefranche and Monaco. By car, allow time for traffic through Monaco in season. Menton pairs well with a morning in Monaco: see our Monaco photo spots.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a photoshoot in Menton?
From late autumn to spring. Menton has mild, bright winters and is calm outside the summer peak. Late February adds the Fête du Citron, which runs from 13 to 28 February 2027.
Where is the best view of Menton old town?
From the seafront and harbour below it, where the coloured houses rise up the hill to the basilica. The square in front of the Basilica Saint-Michel gives the view the other way, over the roofs to the bay.
How do you get to Menton from Nice?
The coastal TER train runs from Nice to Menton and also stops in Villefranche and Monaco. By car, allow extra time for traffic through Monaco in season.
Planning a session in Menton?
Tell us your date and where you are staying. We plan the route through the old town around the morning light. From 790 € all taxes included, or 390 € for a 30-minute express session, with first images within 48 hours.
Plan my sessionMore reading: the Fête du Citron in Menton, the French Riviera in winter and the best photo spots in Monaco.
Sources
Times, rules and figures in this guide come from these official sources. Checked in October 2026.
- Côte d'Azur France, Visiting Menton, climate, old town, Basilica Saint-Michel and its pebble square, gardens, checked October 2026.