Menton – The Pearl of France
If you’re dreaming of hikes in sunny surroundings with views of both sea and mountains, Menton is a perfect starting point. This charming coastal town in the far southeast of France, just a short walk from the Italian border, offers a rare combination of the Mediterranean Sea, majestic mountains, picturesque villages, and rich culture.
In the end of April 2025 I drove from Norway to Menton to experience spring on foot and by car – both along the dramatic coastline and in the lush mountain landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes for 4 weeks. The region is ideal for those seeking scenic views, nature experiences, and cultural impressions – all within short reach by car or on foot.
In this article, I share five hikes and village visits in and around Menton, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
1. Coastal Path Le Corbusier
The easy and beautiful coastal trail offers stunning views of Menton, the Mediterranean, and Monaco
- Distance from Menton: About 1 km. Starts in Roquebrune Cap Martin, which is almost merged with Menton’s western side.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 6 km round trip
- Access: There is a parking lot at Cap Martin. You can also park along the road leading there, Avenue Sir Winston Churchill. On Sundays and holidays, parking is free there.
Hike description: From the parking area, you get a good view of the two small towns Roquebrune Cap Martin and Menton, and can see across the bay to Italy. Along the path, bright limestone cliffs and darker rock formations stretch down into the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. These cliffs form a beautiful and dramatic coastal landscape, where the contrast between rock, sea, and vegetation creates a great nature experience. Here you encounter both open viewpoints and narrow paths winding between rock formations, pine trees, and small coves.
The coastal path is popular and you’re sure to meet other people along the way. As you walk, the view toward Monaco improves. The trail itself is paved with concrete and has stairs in the steepest sections. The total elevation gain is about 100 meters.
Assessment: An easy hike with fantastic views of Menton, the Mediterranean, and Monaco. Especially suitable as a morning or evening walk.
2. Plan du Lion – Saint Paul
This loop trail near Castellar gives you great views over Menton and the Mediterranean coast for relatively little effort.
- Distance from Menton: About 5 km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Length: 4.8 km
- Access: From Menton, drive to the picturesque village of Castellar, then take the road Chem. des Granges de Saint-Paul south until you reach the parking area (where the asphalt turns into gravel).
Hike description: The first part of the hike (about 1–1.5 km) follows a gravel road that winds gently up the hillside, offering fantastic views of the Mediterranean, Menton, and eventually Monaco. This is a popular trail, and I met other hikers every time I walked here.
After about 1.5 km, the hike becomes a bit more demanding. You turn off the gravel road onto a trail (clearly signposted) that takes you fairly steeply uphill. The trail then turns northward and leads you to Plan du Lion, where you have beautiful views over the sea, Menton, and the Roya Valley. From there, the trail descends steeply back to the starting point.
When I did the full loop, it was quite warm, even though it was the end of April. So remember to bring plenty of water. However, the weather changed drastically – at the top of Plan du Lion, a heavy rainstorm rolled in, and almost everything I brought had to be hung up to dry afterward.
Assessment: This hike is a great first outing if you’re in the Menton area. The first half is very easy and offers a lot of reward for the effort. It’s a good alternative even if you don’t do the full loop.
3. Sainte-Agnès – Mountain Village with a Sea View
Just 20 minutes by car (about 10 km) from Menton lies Sainte-Agnès – one of the most beautiful and highest coastal cliffside villages in Europe. The village sits on a steep mountain ledge 800 meters above the Mediterranean and offers a rare mix of panoramic views, medieval walls, and cobbled streets.
Sainte-Agnès is classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and makes a perfect detour from coastal life in Menton – whether you arrive by car or on foot via one of the classic hikes that climb up from the sea.
When you reach the village, take the road to the right (by the church) and drive all the way to the viewpoint parking lot. From there, you can enjoy the view, walk through the upper part of town, and then follow the trail up to the top of the cliff, where there are several scenic viewpoints in different directions.
4. Saorge – A Dramatic Cliffside Village in the Roya Valley
About 1 hour drive by car from Menton (around 50 km), at the end of the Roya Valley and close to the Italian border, lies Saorge – a spectacular and remarkably well-preserved cliffside village. The village clings to the mountainside like an amphitheater, with views over the river valley far below.
With its narrow stone alleys, old ochre- and earth-toned houses, and a former monastery at the top, Saorge offers a truly unique atmosphere. The village is often referred to as a “Tibet of the Alpes-Maritimes” and is also listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
When I visited the village early in the afternoon, there were very few people in the streets – but many cats instead.
5. Scenic Drive Menton – Col de Turini and Circuit de l’Authion, with a Hike to Arpiha
From Menton, the road winds northward through green valleys and steep mountain slopes until it reaches the legendary mountain pass Col de Turini – about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car (55 km). The drive passes through several narrow tunnels and hairpin turns, through mountain villages like Sospel and Moulinet. The drive is an experience in itself, and parts of the route are used in the Monte Carlo Rally.
At the top, at 1,600 meters elevation, the landscape opens up toward the Mercantour Massif. Col de Turini is famous from the Monte Carlo Rally, but the area is also a paradise for hikers. From Col de Turini, you can take a hike westward to Mount Arpiha – a peaceful and varied trail through coniferous forest and small ravines. The trail is a loop, with the northern route being slightly shorter than the southern one.
I only got a proper view when I reached the foot of Mount Arpiha. The last stretch to the summit is steep and a bit exposed. However, at the top, you’re rewarded with a fantastic 360-degree view.
According to AllTrails, the walk is estimated to be 6.3 km long with an elevation gain of about 350 meters. Most of the elevation change occurs just before and after the base of Mount Arpiha, i.e., halfway through the hike.
From Col de Turini, a paved road continues further into the mountains to the Circuit de l’Authion. This is a one-way loop drive at around 2000 meters above sea level, offering spectacular views of mountains and valleys.
The loop begins about 5 km from Col de Turini and is approximately 5–10 km long.
To add more variety on the return journey, you can drive down the spectacular road to the charming village of La Bollène-Vésubie, and continue southward to Lantosque and Menton (around 2 hours of driving if you choose this route).
There are limited gas stations between Menton and Col de Turini, so make sure your tank is full enough.
Summary: Hikes near Menton – a journey between sea and mountains
Whether you prefer easy coastal paths with ocean views or steeper hikes to mountain peaks and lookout points, the area around Menton offers something for every taste. Here you can combine physical activity with cultural experiences in some of France’s most beautiful villages, such as Sainte-Agnès and Saorge
With its mild climate, diverse landscapes, and proximity to both sea and mountains, Menton and the Alpes-Maritimes region is an ideal destination for those seeking active holidays in spectacular natural surroundings. No matter which route you choose, you’ll return home with unforgettable memories.
For more hiking suggestions explore AllTrails near Menton.