The Bastion is a small fortification built on the coast in the early 17th century. Its great age make it interesting, its smallness means there isn’t much to see. It houses a “museum” – more of a small collection, really – of works by the Jean Cocteau, the famous 20th century French artist (and poet, playwright, novelist, designer, film director, and critic). Most, though not all, of the Cocteau works are prints or drawings. At the time of this visit (2025), there is an exhibition of brightly-coloured sculptural multimedia pieces by Michèle Kleijnen. Curation was mostly in French only (there might have been a little English, but not much). I felt it was barely worth the handful of euros it cost to get admission. Being inside the beautifully-restored building is a bit of a treat. It’s fascinating to see how this atmospheric bit of history was built, seemingly out of re-purposed bits of other buildings. But there is not much to it: an entrance foyer, then stairs up to one large room which has three or four very small rooms off it. And also the pebble mosaics, inside and out which apparently were hand-made by Cocteau. One unexpected pleasure was the way that one of the narrow windows framed the rocks and sea outside – see photo. Oh, and the smallest museum shop in Christendom, possibly. I’m not one for Cocteau’s art, with the exception of a very few pieces. And I did not think much of the artistry of Kleijnen’s thingies. So this really was not a place for me, save for the architectural history angle. But much better if you appreciate Cocteau.

Of the many genres of his work, this museum was one of his own creations, including the stone frescos throughout and the pottery, paintings and drawings. Surprising and inspiring! Merveilleux!

Clumsy presentation and overpriced giftshop, but the drawings were nice although not the best. Given the fact that that main building was flooded in 2020 and the collection mainly destroyed it was still nice to see a small presentation.

The Musée Jean Cocteau - Le Bastion is a fascinating museum located in Menton, France, dedicated to the works of the renowned French poet, writer, and artist Jean Cocteau. Opened in 2011, the museum is housed in a former bastion that dates back to the 17th century, which adds to its historical charm. The museum features a comprehensive collection of Cocteau's artworks, including drawings, paintings, ceramics, and films, showcasing his diverse talents and his significant contributions to the arts. The collection highlights Cocteau's unique style, characterized by his imaginative and often surreal interpretations of various themes, including love, mythology, and the human experience. One of the notable aspects of the museum is its architecture, which beautifully combines the old structure of the bastion with modern design elements. The museum's layout allows visitors to explore Cocteau's work in a captivating environment, with views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to its permanent collection, the Musée Jean Cocteau hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts and a great place to learn more about Cocteau's life and legacy. Visitors can enjoy the intersection of history, art, and culture in this unique setting, making it a must-visit destination in Menton.

Our group found out that the main Cocteau museum was flooded in 2019 and that there's no re-opening date in sight 🤔 This (tiny) Cocteau museum is dark, cramped, the collection isn't very impressive (mostly small hand drawings), the shop microscopic. The staff is lovely and welcoming, but it isn't enough to forget our disappointment. Entrance fee should be free / donation based.

I loved this little Museum. Very informative, celebrating local talent, exhibits classily presented in an architecturally interesting space. Exhibits would have benefitted from multi-lingual information plaques for inclusivity. Tussling with Google Translate whilst enjoying the art was a bit of a distraction.

Interesting collection of art in an historic building. Varied media but a small exhibition space.

Serre de la Madone is a beautiful botanical garden located in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France, near the town of Menton. Established in the 1920s by the plant collector and horticulturist Lawrence Johnston, the garden is known for its diverse collection of plants from various regions of the world, particularly those that thrive in Mediterranean climates. The garden features a variety of themed areas, paths, and terraces that showcase both native and exotic plants. It's a popular spot for visitors who appreciate horticulture, garden design, and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The garden is also part of the "Jardins de la Côte d'Azur" and attracts many tourists and gardening enthusiasts each year. If you're interested in visiting or learning more, let me know!

Truly hidden gem! Beautiful garden with lots of rare plants and unique landscapes. I didn't expect to see the garden designed by Lawrence Jhonston in South France! If you have an interest in garden history this is the place for you.

I think this place was magical, visited April 2022 and I was touched by its calmness and beauty.

These gardens are in a state of significant disrepair. More has been spent on the brochure than the upkeep of the gardens. Disappointing.

A beautiful ancient garden. So charming and quiet. Recommended.

Interesting collection plants. Probably best to visit early summer. Friendly and helpful staff. Nice and shady.

Cute but should the welcoming really be so unfriendly ?

A great market open from as early as 5:00am but most stalls are closed by around 1:00pm, so get there early. Many of the stalls are artisan by nature. The produce in most stalls is exceptional. We go most days for fresh bread and morning pastries.

A great market on Saturday morning. Do try to go there early. You'll find fresh vegetables, cheeses and meats. Outside the market sells household goods, clothing and plants.

There is a market inside and outside in this area. Lots of clothes, especially from Italy, food, shops, and specialty items. The lemon themed stores are lovely and there are many stalls selling fresh food and produce. Everything seems well priced, too. The whole area of the market is beautiful and there is live music. Highly recommend!

Amazing market with seafood, meat, cheeses, fresh produce etc. Vendors all very friendly as well.

Nice market to shop

Fun market, great produce and close to the beach for a beach breakfast

A cornerstone of our stay in Menton; this market open each morning from 8am - 1pm is a treasure trove of the best of local produce. A few stand out stalls for us were the bakery and butcher counter located respectively opposite each other at the far left corner of the market hall ( n.b. the Tarte aux Pommes Fine was exceptional) and the organic fruit stall located at the centre on same row as aforementioned stalls. A must visit for anyone keen to support local producers.

Menton has a marvellous old town, full of alleys and stairs perched on the side of the cliff. The staircase winding up to the cathedral is a particular highlight.

Menton old town is simply beautiful 😍

Just like the video's we watched. Very nice. Enjoyed the market. So much cheese to choose 😋

(Translated by Google) The old town shines with its warm colors! (Original) La vieille ville brille de ses couleurs chaudes !

(Translated by Google) Beautiful place, good for walking. (Original) Gyönyörű hely,jókat lehet sétálni.

Great botanical garden to visit. We wandered around for a hour or 2. Lots to see and everything is kept nice and clean. Mosquitoes are a thing ( everywhere in this region!! ) but they offer free repellent at the reception.

Very nice visit to the gardens. Not far to walk from centre of Menton voya beach promenade and about 7 minutes up a small inclined street. Friendly staff, helpful numbered walking path around lovely gardens and the beautiful villa. The lily pond and flowers was the highlight. They also can make coffee/ tea plus ice creams

Before you come, make sure to bring mosquito repellent like Autan, otherwise the mosquitoes will eat you alive. The garden has about 40 minutes’ worth of content, but it doesn’t seem like it has been updated in a while (at least when it comes to the information boards). Some signs are wrongly placed (decribing trees that aren’t even there) and some QR codes lead to 404 pages. If you’re into botany, you might enjoy it. But even as someone who likes plants, I’d honestly rather spend my time in the park next to it, just sitting by the sea and watching the waves.

Yes, it costs 8 euros to enter, but it is worth it. This beautiful garden houses plants from around the planet and is truly a pleasure to explore. Also invest 1 euro in the audio guide, because it is really interesting and informative.

A pleasant way to spend an hour if you’re already visiting Menton. A small but peaceful garden with an array of exotic plants I understand were introduced to the region from around the world in Queen Victoria’s reign. The centrepiece is the fabulous lilly pond, with giant species from Bolivia, we spent quite some time taking in the scale and beauty. Worth visiting for this alone. We visited this garden after having already visited the tropical garden at Eze which is mind blowing, the logistics of planting the spectacular cacti on the mountainside incredible. I think if we’d not seen Eze first, I would have Val Rameh higher.

Absolutely stunning botanical garden. It's one of those Must visit places! We spent about 3-4hrs here.

This botanical garden is a hidden gem and a beautiful, peaceful escape! We visited at the beginning of October, and the grounds were incredibly lush with plenty of vibrant flowers still in bloom. The atmosphere was wonderfully tranquil; we had many quiet moments where we felt like we had the entire place to ourselves, which added to the charm. The lily pond was a definite highlight and a stunning spot for photos, demonstrating the excellent maintenance across the entire garden. An unexpected bonus was the presence of a few kind, resident cats that wander the pathways! Staff were welcoming and kind throughout our visit. My one major note for future visitors is the accessibility challenge. There is no designated parking, and we had to park about an 8-minute walk away in the city and hike up a steep hill to reach the entrance. At just 8 Euro entry, it was absolutely worth the cost for the hour we spent exploring. The garden itself is a fantastic destination for plant lovers and anyone seeking quiet beauty. Just be aware of the difficult parking situation and plan for the uphill walk! I look forward to returning to see the collections in a different season.

First time visiting a Michelin star restaurant. It was a decent experience. We had a larger group so we got the large table right beside the kitchen. Although it was nice to see the action, it was very loud and chaotic. I liked half of the courses served, there was more than enough food, along with their homemade bread and butter that is unlimited. Did not care much for the wine pairing, all in all, was an okay experience. The service was good, however it felt a bit rushed with servers taking away multiple plates as we were eating. There was a lot of distracting movement, along with the level of noise, made for an extremely overwhelming environment. My favourite part of the meal would probably be the desserts, they were unique and refreshing. Don’t think it’s worth the amount of money per person, I think you pay for the view, service and prestige.

Ok first big minus point is that the garden tour was canceled a week before. To me it was important as last year we were celebrating in L‘arpege and this would fit nicely into the tradition. Apologies like a mailbox rephrasing what you wrote. Not even a drink offered. Food: it’s blind tasting. I don’t eat inner parts of the animals and yes I should have known it’s French. Anyway, the presentation of the dishes was great. I am super sorry the theme was somehow ginger because ginger has a very strong taste that always dominated and just not everybody’s favorite . The duck dish really bad. The next table to us refused to eat. Desert was great but rather less sophisticated. The red wines by the glass not so amazing. All in all yes it was an experience but if I knew in advance, I would book something else.

We had a lovely experience at Mirazur. The staff was welcoming and attentive without being over-involved or hovering. But the biggest commotion is for the food. Every dish was thoughtfully designed with the season in mind, and the execution was flawless. We were delighted by the details and found something we loved about each plate. They also have an extensive wine list and great options for those who do not imbibe. All this, with a sweeping view of the riviera towards and beyond Menton. A must-visit.

I’ll start with the positive since it will be a much shorter list. Our main server was very nice, there were some good dishes like the duck and pepper, raspberry dessert and chantilly. That’s more or less it. First off, their patio should not exist. The seating is next to the street and the entire time you hear garbage trucks and motorcycles. There’s also mosquitoes and flies around the entire time. You’re also staring into the restaurant, which is the better seating, or the stairs to the bathroom. When we got seated I asked if we could switch inside and was told they’d let me know if a table opens up. Now, no table opened up because the restaurant was fully booked, so not sure why the manager said that when he could have just said it was not possible. The food is trying too much in some aspects or the flavors are not the best together. We went to a 2 star restaurant the night before and comparing the two was night and day. There was also a couple in the restaurant taking flash photography throughout the entire night and they never asked them to stop. We asked them if they can tell them too because we were both seeing stars from how bright the photography is. I have never been to a Michelin restaurant that allows this. Overall, the meal felt extremely imbalanced as there were ~7 food courses and then 5 dessert courses. The food was generally fine but the atmosphere and experience were underwhelming.

I really enjoyed my experience at Mirazur! What made this place stand out from other three Michelin places were its unique concept, stunning views, and immaculate attention to fine details - from the plating and subtle flavors to thoughtful touches like a coffee table book about the restaurant placed at my table, as I came in by myself. Through the book, I learned more about Mauro Colagreco’s generous spirit, and have heard other chefs mention how he encouraged them when they received their first star. I found these details, the restaurant’s mission and the fact that the sweeping views are shared by both guests and kitchen staff all very heartwarming and awesome! Highly recommend!

The seventh 3-star Michelin restaurant on this trip to France. There were high expectations and a complete disappointment in the end. Atmosphere: You are greeted by a friendly administrator who takes you to a table. After 10 minutes you begin to understand that you cannot hear what the person sitting next to you is saying. I also didn't hear half of what the waiter was telling me. You have to strain and raise your voice. The hall is too small and the tables are as close to each other as possible. Another half hour later, your head starts to hurt from the noise around you, everyone is talking and quite loudly. It's like a lunch break in the workers' canteen. This is definitely something you don't expect from a restaurant of this level. We had to move to the street. Where the table was one meter from the roadway. But the noise of cars passing right next to you no longer seemed so loud. Service: The first waiters seemed involved, no complaints about them, but the waiter who continued serving us outside simply did his job with the monotony of a robot. It was especially interesting when he asked whether we should bring all three desserts at once or serve them one by one. Apparently, we really got on the nerves of this establishment. This is how dishes should be served in a three-star restaurant. Next time, you better bring out everything that is ready to the table at once. Of course, it's a separate entertainment to watch how cutlery is placed on a dirty table without a tablecloth outside (there are no problems with the tablecloth, but there is a problem that there are stains from dust and grease on the table what less in 1 meter from road). Food: I can't say anything really bad about the food, some of the combinations were interesting. The lobster on a vanilla stick was very good. But most of the dishes just lacked flavor. They didn't evoke any emotion. Not bad? Yes. But nothing more. It's not the same feeling when you leave a restaurant and your taste buds explode. As is usually the case in restaurants of this level. When you go to a 3 star you expect to have a dining experience that consists of three components: a pleasant relaxing atmosphere, attentive service that anticipates your needs and delicious food that makes you close your eyes in pleasure. This restaurant has none of these. We sincerely do not understand how this restaurant received its three stars and was recognized as the best in the world. Of the seven 3-star restaurants we've visited in the last three weeks, this one on 7 place. My advice is don't waste your time, it will just be a ruined evening.

When it comes to world-class dining experiences, Mirazur is at the top of our list for charm and culinary magic. Stunning setting in the picturesque French Riviera in Menton, this Michelin three-star gem is worth visiting. Prior to our meal we had a tour of the gardens and sustainable practices that inform the Mirazur menu. Depending on the time of year you visit, you will experience the Mirazur Universe in one of four variations: roots, leaves, flowers, fruits. Our visit correlated with Mirazur Leaves Universe: a journey guided by the movement of sap in plants. It was incredible. The cheese cart was art! We had a wonderful experience, highly recommend

Quite nice, though a bit overpriced. A genteel environment, as much as it can be situated on the side of the port road. Calm, middle-aged music contrasts nicely with the bangin’ beats thumping out almost everywhere elase on this resort’s coast. Expensive for what it is (139€ for two, in summer 2025, without dessert and with only one glass of wine). But extremely attentive service, almost intrusively attentive at times, though always well-intentioned. The menu is short, and suffers from not explaining the dishes adequately – it does not even mention the side dishes, and the otherwise excellent waiter was not clear about what they’d be The food was high-quality, mostly nice or very nice, chosen from a short carte – there is no prix fixe menu. Standouts were the egg cooked in a fancy way with truffles starter, which was sublime; raw fish starter (see pic), which was beautifully presented and delicious; and the tuna main which suffered from tasteless fish (it really should have been seasoned or marinated) and a Japanese-inspired sauce that was far too strong and overpowering. My fritto misto was good, served with shredded zucchini that were very good. Portion sizes were fine, though not large. We didn'tt have dessert, but the best of them looked to be the café gourmand.

A refined culinary experience right by the sea! I started with tender, perfectly seasoned octopus, followed by delicious zucchini flowers – crispy on the outside, delicate on the inside. For the main course, I had linguine with clams – a simple yet flavorful dish, cooked to perfection, with al dente pasta and fresh shellfish. And to finish, the dessert was truly spectacular: a crème brûlée with a crisp caramelized top and a silky, creamy center – just as it should be. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a beautiful view of the harbor, and the service was attentive and friendly. Highly recommended for an authentic Mediterranean evening in Menton!

Le Galion in Menton is an absolute gem. From start to finish, the dining experience was unforgettable. I began with the octopus, which was perfectly tender and full of flavor, followed by lobster spaghetti that could easily have been served at a Michelin-starred restaurant rich, delicate, and beautifully balanced. For dessert, the profiterole was simply divine, the perfect sweet ending to an outstanding meal. The service was warm and attentive, and the setting made the evening even more special. Without a doubt, one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in the region. Highly recommended!

My family and i dined here on a Friday night. This place is classy yet not ostentatious. The staff is impeccable and the food excellent. The price one pays for such good food in such a nice atmosphere is definitely worth it. I will be back soon!

nice service and delicious food! Recommend the lobster pasta:)

Delicious food and very friendly staff. Loved the Lobster Spaghetti and Creme Brulee.

Good old fashioned restaurant in the marina. Elegant and with a sense of special occasion. Staff make sure you are well taken care of. Nod to old school tradition hospitality with elegant ambiance. Amazing food

Lovely meal and super friendly and good service. We were here in November 2025 for lunch. See photos.

I came to this restaurant without reservation that knowing is good rating was quite risky but I was given a table and it was a feast. Had delicious figues stuffed with truffle sauce and steak for main. Unfortunately after that didn't have space for desert, so if you're not a big eater, consider sharing some meals. Prices are above average but it's worth it. Restaurant is located in quiet place so you can enjoy food without noise of the town. Must go if you're in Menton.

We did not have reservation and were seated right away The waiters and the owners were very attentive . We ordered two appetizers and a main course Although prices are on a higher side, the food was really good. The portions are really big. The appetizers were size of a normal meal plate plate Highly recommended

You have to come here for the octopus salad, which isn't really a salad but more like an octopus stew, with forest mushrooms and tomatoes. Absolutely delicious, the best dish so far of our trip to the Ivory Coast. I also had the poached pair for dessert, also very good. We tried the Aperol Spritz which was very nice also. We came here based on the reviews and it did not disappoint.

Food was decent but waited 45 minutes for the bill, even after asking four separate wait staff. Kept making eye contact with them and they kept avoiding me and dodging my looks. Don’t recommend if you’re in a hurry.

Wonderful food and atmosphere. I opted for Rossini Beef Fillet, and my partner the Beef Fillet with porcini mushrooms - both were excellent.

Food was delicious, tasty, fresh, in one word - perfect! The portions are quite big, so next time we would go just with the main course! Prices are little higher, but corresponding to the quality! Staff is really friendly! Highly recommended 👌

Visited this restaurant with quite high expectations which were unfortunately not met. We ordered baby squid salad and beef as starters, very nicely served but the taste was nothing special than usually served in much less awarded bistros. The main dishes: shrimps were very nice but the lamb was too well done and the smell was very specific which is not normally the case with lamb done per recipes that make this meat pleasant to eat. Good kids menu.Service not as professional as you could expect in place rated so highly, it was probably an accident but the toilet was dirty which also should not be happening in such place. Products were for sure of high quality but the service and taste unfortunately far below expectations.

Beautifully cooked food with fresh flavors and just the right portions. The balance of textures and seasonings made the whole meal nicely from start to finish. Service was warm and attentive, and the atmosphere felt relaxed but special.

Cozy little restaurant in the middle of Menton's pedestrian zone. This review is not a general description of the restaurant, because that would not be fair. There were four of us who had food, and two of us really appreciated their main course, while there were two of us who unfortunately did not. Those of us who had a less good experience had the same meal. The less good review goes to the Rib-eye steak, which was so tough that we gave up eating it. The waiter brought the experience to the kitchen, and came back with a longer incomprehensible explanation. The fact was that we did not get good meat, and there was no refund in the price, or an offer of a free dessert. The staff was so nice and attentive, so they deserve high praise. If the kitchen had been more appreciative, I would probably have been more understanding, and thus be able to recommend the place, but the place left me with a different experience.

Amazing place. The chef is here and talks to every client. The food is amazing with amazing ingredients and the service was really great. One of the best restaurants we've ate at in France.

Nice food in the heart of Menton. Delicious calamari, foie gras, fish, steak and lemon pavlova. Friendly service. Has AC.

Excellent restaurant. The best on our holiday trip in Menton. We had starter, main course, dessert. Apetizer and wine.

We stumbled upon this Bistro, having been to Menton many times. We absolutely loved the food and the service was friendly. We walked in without reservation, as did others on the Saturday night we were there. Went back on a Monday night (30/06) we were so excited to try it again. The restaurant was less than 1/3 full, and it was early (7:30), but the lady said as we didn’t have a reservation, they couldn’t give us a table. Maybe all the empty tables were booked for 8pm. We were so disappointed. It is absolutely worth a visit, the best food we’ve had in Menton, but maybe make a reservation.

Cozy family style restaurant, delicious food. The owner is very enthusiastic and hospitable. You must try it when you come here.

A truly unforgettable experience – one of the best meals we had in Menton This was more than just a dinner – it felt like being invited into someone’s home. The entire restaurant is run by a single person: an older gentleman who cooks, serves, hosts, and chats with guests – and somehow does it all with effortless charm. The food is deeply local, hearty, and full of soul. We had the sharing menu and were honestly blown away by the variety and generosity. The starter platter alone had around seven different components, followed by an impressive fire-grilled roulette of skewers (both delicious and a bit theatrical), then a large plate with more surprises, a beautifully curated cheese selection with four kinds of cheese, and finally a lemon sabayon – a perfect nod to Menton’s famous citrus. But what really made the evening special were the little touches. After dinner, we were served a homemade fruit-and-herb schnapps – and then another, and another, and another… in the end, we tried five different kinds! Each one unique and creative, clearly made with care and pride. The décor is… let’s say eclectic. A bit mismatched, a bit quirky – but it only added to the charm. You can tell that everything here reflects the personality and taste of the owner, and that made the atmosphere feel all the more authentic. All in all, this was one of our most memorable meals in Menton – not only for the food, but for the heart and hospitality behind it. A true hidden gem and an experience we’ll talk about for a long time.

Amazing food. Cute little local restaurant. Every bite was delicious. We were a party of 8 and everyone loved it. Would love to come back

Outrageously good! Nestled on what used to be the medieval town's main thoroughfare, and is now a beautiful, quiet, shady street typical of this part of the world. Your delightful host knows what 'vegan' means, and will tease you briefly then bring you an array of exquisite vegan dishes. I suspect he loves vegetables as much as I do. Impeccably seasoned, creative, and just downright delicious food.

Dining at Palais des Princes was a truly unforgettable experience – without a doubt one of the best meals we had in Menton. What makes it so special is not just the exceptional food, but Christian himself: the chef, host, and heart of the restaurant. He does everything single-handedly, and his passion shines through in every detail, from the carefully crafted dishes to the warm, personal welcome. Christian takes the time to share his love for food and flavour, guiding you through each course (with a theatrical twist) and even introducing you to his excellent homemade alcohols with infectious enthusiasm. It’s a celebration of genuine hospitality - a true Mentonais experience. We had a wonderful time at this hidden gem, and would return in a heartbeat.

We had a simply wonderful evening. Christian does it all and it was so good to be in the presence of someone so passionate about their food. The guess the homemade liqueur rounds at the end were an unexpected joy and the whole experience quirky and wonderful all round.

Family of 6 ate incredibly well. Food portions were perfect and the taste even better. To top it off Christian, the one man band, served, cooked, waited all of the table unbelievably. Would 100% recommend a visit whenever you are in Menton!