Things to see and do
Everything that makes our region unique
Paragliding Exceptional site: Mont Gros
One of the most beautiful sites in Europe, where the mountains meet the sea. Come and discover a breathtaking overview from the Italian coast to the bay of Monaco, from the Mercantour mountains to the beaches of the Mediterranean. And if you are lucky, who knows, maybe our beautiful island of Corsica will appear on the horizon.
For those for whom flying is still an old dream… Do not hesitate any longer!
Flying in a tandem paraglider does not require any preparation or special skills, just the desire and a light run allowing the take-off and landing.
Launch yourself and contact without further delay “Azur Parapente” a team of professional instructors with state diplomas who will share their passion with you. For more information, please contact us:
● Port : 06 80 13 59 15
The walk Le Corbusier, old customs road
Along your walk you will discover many wonders such as: the sculpture in homage to Josephine Baker, the bust of “Le Corbusier”, the former Grand Hôtel du Cap, the villas of the private domain of Cap Martin, Le Corbusier's Cabanon and Eileen Gray's Villa E1027 (visits to be booked at theRoquebrune Cap Martin tourist office) . This path will take you from Cap Martin to the Roquebrune Cap Martin train station at the Cabbé cove or for the bravest, will extend your visit to Monaco (about 1h45 walk) for an immediate return to the modern life!
The departure is a 3 min walking distance from the hotel at 59 avenue Winston Churchill, and the return can be done on foot or by train, if you are tired; either from Roquebrune Cap Martin station, or from Monaco station and stopping at the Carnolès station located 300m from the hotel.
You can also make a loop by taking the stairs leading to the Parc des Oliviers and allowing you to reach the hotel by road.
Menton: Pearl of France
“The city in bloom”, this little piece of France, the last French town on the Mediterranean coast before landing on Italian soil, Menton is the pride of its inhabitants.
Famous for its Lemon with the Protected Designation of Origin certificate, but also for its exceptional Gardens, its Old Town from which emerges the bell tower of the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, its Market, its old port and its microclimate that brings softness and beauty in all seasons.
The particularity of Menton is its cultural mix. Lulled by its Italian accents, by its color that reminds us of the Cinque Terre in Italy and its culinary specialties, you will feel like you have set foot in Italy without even having crossed the border.
In 1991 the city of Menton became the first city on the French Riviera to be labeled “City of Art and History”, irrefutable proof of the richness of this small pearl of Menton.
Les Halles market in Menton
You will be swept away by the warm and friendly atmosphere of Les Halles, punctuated by its local producers who come every morning (except Monday) to sell their produce from 6am to 1pm.
The sweet smells that emanate from this place are an invitation to discover our local specialities such as Barbajuan, La Socca, courgette flower fritters, chard pie, pichade or the succulent pissaladière mentounasc.
Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from the emblematic faces of this famous market.
Jean Cocteau and his museums
He is a poet, filmmaker, director, designer, architect, painter, he works with wood, iron, ceramics, clay… Jean Cocteau is a complete artist. His love for Menton was born while attending the International Music Festival in 1955, on the square in front of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.
A month later, Francis Palmero, mayor of Menton at the time, asked the painter to decorate the Wedding Hall of the town hall, inaugurated in 1958.
During one of his many walks in the old town, he fell under the spell of a small fort, the former bastion protecting the city. It was there, on this dike, facing the sea currents, that he decided to set up his museum, known today as the former Jean Cocteau Museum.
The Museum, located on the Bastion, along the seafront of the old town, is a showcase for all the artist’s talents. The entire interior was designed and created by the renowned poet. All the works on display were duly chosen by Jean Cocteau, who left the mayor of the town a precise list of works to be exhibited. The artist unfortunately died before the work was completed, so he could never see his masterpiece completed.
The Séverin Wunderman Collection Museum, built just in front of the old Museum, is much more recent, as shown by its modern architecture and design by the architect Rudy Ricciotti. This giant work is an initiative of the American collector Séverin Wunderman, a great enthusiast of Jean Cocteau’s achievements, who dreamed of seeing all the works of the artist in his possession return to his native land. The donation includes 990 works by Jean Cocteau, making it the world’s largest public resource of the artist’s work.
A small anecdote: the collector, will have had the same tragic destiny as his idol, and died before seeing his museum up and running.
Both museums are open daily except Tuesdays and public holidays, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.
Menton: The old town
With its pastel hues, from orange to pink with hints of red and yellow, and its backdrop of the French Alps, the old town of Menton welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Let us guide you through the narrow streets typical of southern France, leading you from one discovery to the next.
As you stroll along its pedestrian street, filled with souvenir stores and other local artisans, let yourself be tempted by a tasting of limoncello or other lemony treats. Take the time to look up and admire the ancient buildings blending into the blue azure sky as you enjoy a café on the terrace or a refreshing gelato.
Don't hesitate to take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, which are full of surprises. They will lead you to the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, the first stones of which were laid in 1619 under the orders of Prince Honoré II, when Menton was under the rule of the Princes of Monaco. The Chapelle des Pénitents Blanc (White Penitents Chapel) completes this magnificent forecourt, itself built from the pebbles of Menton's beaches.
Continue along the small staircase into the most authentic part of the town. The peace and quiet and the song of the cicadas will be your only companions. These magnificent little streets, which climb up to the panoramic viewpoint, will satisfy your desire for authenticity with their pastel-colored cottages.
Once you've reached the top of the old town, you'll be amazed by the panoramic view that awaits you. From the Italian mainland to the old port, overlooking the rooftops of the old town, the spectacle is guaranteed. The sparkling blue of the Mediterranean Sea awaits you in all its splendor. Take the time to photograph and remember this moment of bliss.
Don't hesitate to take a stroll through the alleys of the Vieux Châteaux cemetery, where some of the great aristocrats and princesses of the time chose their final resting place. The view is breathtaking.
Menton: Les Jardins d'exceptions
Lemon country is known as a garden in itself. During the Belle Époque, many aristocrats came to Menton to spend the winter away from the arid cold, where the climate is mild all year round thanks to the Mediterranean microclimate. Many gardens were created as a result, such as the Serres de la Madone or the Val Rhameh botanical garden, remarkable for the diversity of their plants and landscapes, and for their exceptional beauty, it's certain you won't find one that's the same.
Jardin Fontana Rosa : the garden of the former home of Spanish novelist Vicente Blasco Ibanez. The theme of literature is prevalent, and you can discover this little haven of peace via a guided tour (check with the tourist office).
Villa Maria Serena: built to the designs of the architect of the Opéra Garnier in Paris, its garden is reputed to be the most temperate in France. For many years, it has been used for luxury receptions and weddings. Ideal for romantic photos (guided tour only, contact the Menton Tourist Office)
Les Serres de la Madone: Surely the most beautiful garden in Menton, Les Serres de la Madone was designed by Lawrence Johnson, a great lover of South African botany, who planted plants brought back from his expeditions.
Open daily (except Mondays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission charge: €8/adult and €4/child <12 yrs
Le Jardin Botanique du Val Rahmeh : Rahmah in Arabic-Persian means "tranquility", and it was here, in this little bubble of tranquility, that May Campbell, the last owner of the house, created this magical place featuring 1400 different plant species, 140 of which are unique and come from all over the world.
Open every day except Tuesday, from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m
Admission charge : €7 full price / €5 concessions
Le Palais Carnolès: Former palace of Prince Honoré II of Monaco and Antoine 1st of Monaco, who each in turn transformed this small piece of land into an exceptional garden. The citrus collection is the largest in Europe, with over 135 different species. As for the Palais, it has been transformed into a fine arts museum.
Open every day (except Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Free admission
Discover life on the Côte d'Azur during the "Belle Époque"?
Villas Kérylos and Ephrussi de Rothschild
The Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is an invitation to escape, a little bubble evoking ancient Greece. It is the realization of a wild dream by archaeologist Théodore Reinach, who was fascinated by the civilization of Ancient Greece. The project was made possible thanks to a collaboration with architect Emmanuel Pontremoli.
It can be visited all year round. Don't just stop off at the Villa Kérylos, take the opportunity to lose yourself in the gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild,
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild belongs to the Académie des Beaux-Arts of the Institut de France. Part Hispano-Moorish castle, part Venetian palace, this extravagant folly is anchored on a 7-hectare promontory, from which the sea can be seen on all sides. The refined interior, with its porcelain, works of art and rare furnishings, hints at the glittering receptions of yesteryear. The nine themed gardens are a botanist's delight. The Institut de France, which now watches over these marvels, programs musical water games every 20 minutes. Our little Versailles on the Côte d'Azur!
Our Little Hidden Wonders... Our Villages!
Roquebrune Village
As you've strolled along Cap Martin, you've probably caught sight of it and wondered what that building overhead could be.
Quite simply, it's the castle of the hilltop village of Roquebrune. Built in 920 by the Count of Ventimiglia to protect the village from Saracen attack. Today, it can be visited all year round, from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 5pm, and offers exceptional panoramic views over the whole of Cap Martin, as far as Monaco and Menton.
Roquebrune's medieval village square is a popular meeting place for locals. Thursday mornings, when the local market takes place, create a friendly atmosphere.
Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the narrow streets of this magnificent village, a little Mediterranean interlude. You'll discover little wonders such as the thousand-year-old Bi olive tree, the pride of the locals, the village washhouse, the little church of Sainte-Marguerite and all the breathtaking panoramas.
From our hotel, the village is easily accessible by bus 21, which picks you up right in front of the hotel at the "les plages" stop and drops you off in the village in less than 20 minutes ("Place Tassini" stop).
Saint Agnès
"Europe's highest coastal village" is how to describe this small village perched at an altitude of 800m. One of France's most beautiful villages, Saint Agnès offers a unique 180° panorama, from the Italian mainland to the tip of Monaco. Its fort, located on the Maginot line, was once a defense post on the French-Italian border.
You can visit the fort all year round on Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30 to 5.30 pm, in July, August and September every day from 3 to 6 pm, and during the Lemon Festival it's open every day from 2.30 to 5.30 pm.
Take a stroll through the narrow streets of this medieval village and discover many relics of the past, such as the ruins of the castle, the highest point of the village, where you can enjoy the view from a superb small garden, or the small chapels and churches that make this village so rich. You can also stroll past the windows of craftsmen and artists (stained glass, painting, jewelry...). Saint Agnès is a must-see on the Côte d'Azur.
Saint Agnès is also a starting point for many walks and hikes, whether with family or friends. You can reach the village by car (20 min) or by bus, with line 10, which you can pick up at the Menton bus station.
Castellar
Nec me fulgura (even lightning can't strike me) is the motto of the little village of Castellar, high above Menton. The motto is taken from the Lascaris family.
In this commune of 1020 inhabitants, 10 millennia of history are recounted. From the presence of prehistoric man to the Second World War, come and stroll among these historical relics, ready to tell you all about the village's great periods.
As you stroll through the narrow streets of Castellar, you'll discover numerous little chapels just waiting to be visited. Don't miss the Palais des Lascaris, a cultural space where the very identity of the village awaits you. Stop off at Fromagerie Curtis, our supplier of small goat's milk cheeses, which we serve for breakfast.
You can reach the village easily by car or by bus on line 6, which you can pick up at the Menton bus station.
Gorbio
This small medieval village, lulled by the song of the cicadas, will charm you with its absolute tranquility.
Take the time to stroll through the narrow medieval streets. From the wash-house to the bread oven, from the ruins of the Château Lascaris to the many little chapels and churches, Gorbio is full of history.
Take a refreshing break by the fountain in the Place de la Mairie and soak up the atmosphere and typical southern landscapes.
For the more sporty, there are many hiking trails within easy reach of the village.
The village can be reached by car in just 10 minutes, or by bus (line 7) from the "Pont de l'union" bus stop (please check timetables in advance).
La Turbie
Better known to locals as the village under the fog, La Turbie is a must-see.
Dominated by its huge August Trophy, the medieval village is a pleasure to visit, with magnificent views over the principality and the Mediterranean. Accessible by bus (line 18) or by car (10 min from Roquebrune).
Sospel
A little break on the French-Italian border, Sospel is the perfect solution if you want a change of scenery from the coast and to be one-on-one with the mountains.
Tranquillity, fresh air and greenery are the order of the day. It's the ideal place to start out on beautiful hikes lasting 1 or more days.
The village can be reached by bus (line 15) or by car (30 minutes) (check road conditions beforehand).
Castillon
A small village in the hills above Menton, Castillon is a haven of peace. Perfect for hikers, many trails start in Castillon.
For rock-climbers, Castillon is the cliff not to be missed. Open from November to March, don't hesitate to contact the Mairie for more information.
Monaco
Take a trip to the Rock for a glimpse of princely life in Monaco.
Don't miss the changing of the guard at the Palais Princier, every day at 11:55. Enjoy the view from this vantage point. On one side, admire Monaco Ville and its buildings worthy of the greatest metropolises, and on the other, the gentleness and tranquility of the Fontvieille district, with its port and the famous Stade Louis II.
As you stroll along the streets of the Rocher, stop off at the Cathedral of Our Immaculate Lady of Monaco, a superb building housing the remains of the princely family, including Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly.
On the Rock, you'll find the Oceanographic Museum, to the delight of the youngest visitors. This giant aquarium will delight the curious young and old alike. Protected species have been installed here to preserve them and raise awareness of the importance of underwater fauna.
For fans of shopping and luxury brands, Monaco is "the place to be". The Métropole shopping center will dazzle you with its exuberant luxury, as will these new buildings with their large bay windows, home to new brand-name stores.
Luxury is everywhere in Monaco, from the Place du Casino, where you can admire the beautiful cars that parade past throughout the day, to the shop windows of grand hotels such as the Hôtel Hermitage and the Hôtel de Paris, as well as those of the Casino itself.
For Formula 1 fans, check out the famous Monte Carlo Grand Prix starting point, located on the road above the port. Along the esplanade, enjoy the many events organized throughout the year, including the Christmas market and the Monaco fair
Nightlife
On vacation with friends or just the two of you, and you're looking forward to a great evening out? Start by choosing a good restaurant (refer to our restaurants section to select one of our partners), then, if you want to extend your evening, we have several possibilities to suggest:
● Menton and the Sablettes. Recently built, the Sablettes promenade is the place to be for a memorable evening. Numerous bars and restaurants along the way offer musical evenings, bands and DJs to get the party started.
● Monaco and its port. Renowned for its legendary parties during major events organized in the principality, Monaco's port and its bars are the right idea if you want to party until the end of the night.
● Nice and its old town. For the more adventurous, Nice's old town comes alive with restaurants and pubs for a youthful, friendly atmosphere. Take advantage of one of the many sea-side bars to enjoy a good cocktail on a balcony facing the Bay of Angels.
We remind you that our reception is open until 9pm (10pm in summer), but that's no problem as you can keep your room key with you, and return at any time you like, while respecting other hotel guests.
For more information, don't hesitate to ask us for advice. We'll be delighted to help you organize your vacation schedule.