Things to Do, Things to See

Everything that makes our region unique

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Exceptional View Paragliding : Le 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! Paragliding is an aerial activity accessible to all. The only constraint concerns the weight of the passenger, which must be between 30kg min and 80kg max.

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:

The walk Le Corbusier, old customs road

Imposing 70 hectares of land that Princess Eugenie described as a big green turtle, an extension of the walk from Menton to Roquebrune, Cap Martin will allow you to travel back in time, revealing at the turn of its pine forests of splendid Villas and Palaces dating from the “Belle Epoque”. Buildings with experimental architecture that were, at the time, a privileged meeting place for avant-garde artists blend into this flowery setting. A place where nature retains its rights, its magnificent wild coasts will dazzle you with their natural beauty, contrasted by the impressive Monegasque buildings in the background. Walk along the old customs officers’ path along the sea.

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, the Cabanon of the architect Le Corbusier and the villa E1027 of Eileen Gray (visits to be booked at the Roquebrune 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

Ranked among the 10 most beautiful markets in France, the Halles Municipales de Menton, located in the old town, is an exceptional meeting place. Built in 1898, the building transports us into a world of scents and colours typical of Menton. Through its alleys, you will discover different stands of local producers, from the Cheesemaker of the Halles, to the small outdoor stand of the Bergère de Castellar, through butchers’, fruit and vegetable stands, spice merchants, organic stands, bakery stands, caterers and wine merchants.

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 Museum

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 every day except Tuesdays and public holidays, from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm.

Menton : the Old Town

With its pastel shades, from orange to pink through small notes of red and yellow, with its background letting the French Alps emerge, the old town of Menton welcomes you in the heart of a friendly and warm atmosphere.
Let yourself be guided through its small streets typical of the South of France that will lead you from one discovery to another.
As you stroll down its pedestrian street, filled with souvenir and local craftsmen’s shops, let yourself be tempted by a tasting of limoncello or other lemon sweets. Take the time to look up and admire these ancient buildings blending with the blue of the French Riviera sky as you enjoy a coffee on the terrace or a refreshing ice cream.
Don’t hesitate to venture out, the alleys of the old town are full of surprises. They will lead you to the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, the first stones of which were laid in 1619 under the orders of Prince Honoré II, when Menton was then under the regime of the Princes of Monaco. The Chapel of the White Penitents completes this magnificent square, paved with the pebbles of the beaches of Menton.

Continue your way by taking the small stairs that will take you into the most authentic part of the city. The calm and the song of the cicadas will be your only companions along the way. These magnificent alleyways that climb up to the panoramic viewpoint, will satisfy your desire for authenticity with these small pastel-coloured houses.
Once you reach the top of the old Town, you will be amazed by the panoramic view that awaits you there. From the Italian lands to the old port, overlooking the roofs of the old Town, the show is guaranteed. This Mediterranean sea, of a sparkling blue, presents itself to you in all its splendour. Take the time to photograph, to keep in memory this moment of happiness.
Don’t hesitate to stroll through the alleys of the cemetery of the Old Castles that some of the great aristocrats and princesses of the time chose their final resting place. The view is breathtaking.

Menton : Exceptional Gardens

Lemon country is known to be a garden in and of itself. In the Belle Époque era, many aristocrats came to spend the winter sheltered from the arid cold, in Menton, where the weather is mild all year round thanks to the Mediterranean microclimate. From these holiday resorts, many gardens have emerged, such as the Madonna’s Greenhouses or the Botanical Garden of Val Rhameh, remarkable for the diversity of plants and landscapes, for their exceptional beauty, it is certain that you will not find one that looks alike.

The Fontana Rosa Garden: Garden of the former home of the Spanish novelist Vicente Blasco Ibanez. The theme of the literature is preponderant, discover via guided tour (see with the tourist office) this small haven of peace.
Villa Maria Serena : The Villa built following the blueprints of the architect of the Opera Garnier of Paris, its garden is famous for being the most temperate in France. It has been used for many years to host luxury receptions and other weddings. Ideal for romantic photos. (guided tour only, get closer to the Tourist Office of Menton)
Serres de la Madone: Surely the most beautiful garden in Menton, the Madonna’s greenhouses were designed by Lawrence Johnson, a great lover of South African botany, who had plants planted that he brought back from his expeditions.
Open every day (except Monday) from 10am to 5pm.
Entrance fee: 8€/adult and 4€/child under 12 years old.
The Botanical Garden of Val Rahmeh: Rahmah in Arabic-Persian means “tranquility”, it is here, in this small bubble of tranquility that May Campbell, the last owner of the house, created this magical place presenting 1400 different species of plants, 140 of which are unique and come from all over the world.
Open every day except Tuesday from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
Entrance fee: 7€ full rate / 5€ reduced rate
The Carnolès Palace: Former palace of Prince Honoré II of Monaco and Antoine 1er of Monaco, who each in turn transformed this small piece of land into an exceptional garden. The citrus fruit collection is the largest in Europe with more than 135 different species. As for the Palace, it has been transformed into a Fine Arts Museum.
Open every day (except Tuesday) from 10 am to 6 pm. Free admission

Discover the life of the "Belle Époque" on the French Riviera

The Villas Kerylos et Ephrussi de Rothschild

The villa Kérylos, in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, is an invitation to escape, a small bubble evoking ancient Greece. It is the realization of a crazy dream of the archaeologist Theodore Reinach, passionate about the civilization of Ancient Greece. This project was made possible thanks to a collaboration with the architect Emmanuel Pontremoli.
It can be visited throughout the year. Don’t just stop at the Villa Kérylos, take advantage of this moment to get lost in the gardens of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild,

The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild belongs to the Academy of Fine Arts of the Institut de France. Half Hispano-Moorish castle, half Venetian palace, this extravagant madness is anchored on a 7-hectare promontory, from where the sea can be seen from all sides. The refined interior, with porcelain, works of art and rare furniture, lets you imagine the brilliant receptions of yesteryear. The nine themed gardens are a botanist’s delight. The Institut de France, which now watches over these wonders, programs water games with music every 20 minutes. Our own little Versaillesin the French Riviera!

Our Little Hidden Wonders... Our Villages!!!

Roquebrune Village

As you wandered around Cape Martin, you must have seen it and wondered what the building above your head was all about.
It is quite simply the castle of the perched village of Roquebrune. It was built in 920 by the Count of Ventimiglia to protect the village from possible Saracen attacks. Today, it is possible to visit it all year round, from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm, and to enjoy an exceptional panorama over the entire Cap Martin, as far as Monaco and Menton.
The square of the medieval village of Roquebrune is the meeting point of the locals. On Thursday mornings, when the local market takes place, a warm atmosphere sets in.

Don’t hesitate to get lost in the narrow streets of this magnificent village, a small Mediterranean parenthesis. You will discover little wonders such as the Olive Tree Bi millennium, great pride of the inhabitants, the village wash house, the small church Sainte-Marguerite and all the breathtaking panoramas.
From our hotel, the village is easily accessible thanks to the bus 21 which picks you up right in front of the hotel, at the stop “les plages” and drops you off at the village in less than 20 min (stop “Place Tassini”).

Saint Agnès :

“The highest coastal village in Europe” is how to describe this small village perched at 800m of altitude. One of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint Agnès offers a unique 180° panorama from the Italian lands to the Monegasque point. Its fort, located on the Maginot line, was once a defensive post on the French-Italian border.

It can be visited all year round on Saturdays and Sundays from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm, in July, August and September every day from 3 pm to 6 pm and during the Lemon Festival it is open every day from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

Stroll through the narrow streets of this medieval village and discover over the course of this visit many vestiges of the past, such as the ruins of the castle, the highest point of the village, where you can enjoy the view of a superb small garden, or the small chapels and churches that make the richness of this village. You will also be able to stroll in front of the shop windows of the craftsmen and artists (stained glass windows, paintings, jewels…). Saint Agnès is an unmissable of the French Riviera.

Saint Agnès is also a starting point for many hikes and walks to do with family or friends. You can reach the village by car (20 min) or by bus, with the line 10 to be picked up at the bus station of Menton.

Castellar

Nec me fulgura (even lightning cannot reach me) is the motto of the small village of Castellar, located on the heights of Menton. This motto is taken from the Lascaris family.

In this commune of 1020 inhabitants, 10 millennia of history are told. From the presence of prehistoric man to the 2nd World War, come and stroll through these historical remains, ready to tell you about the great periods of the village.
Walking through the narrow streets of Castellar, you will discover many small chapels that are just waiting to be visited. Don’t miss the Palace of the Lascaris, a cultural space where the very identity of the village awaits you. Make a stop at the Curtis Cheese Dairy, our supplier of small goat’s cheeses, which we offer for breakfast.

You can easily reach the village by car or by bus with the line 6, to be picked up at the bus station of Menton.

Gorbio

This small medieval village lulled by the song of the cicadas and absolute tranquillity will charm you.
Take the time to stroll around and let yourself be guided by the small medieval alleys. From the wash-house to the bread oven, passing by the ruins of the Lascaris castle and the numerous small chapels and churches, Gorbio is full of history.
Take a refreshing break near the fountain in the town hall square and soak up the atmosphere and typical southern landscapes.

For the more sporty, many walks are accessible from the village.
The village is accessible by car at only 10 min or by bus with the line 7 to be picked up at the bus stop “Pont de l’union” (be careful with the schedules; consult them beforehand).

La Turbie

Known as the city under the fog, the Turbie and not to be missed.
Dominated by its immense Trophy of Augustus, the medieval village is visited with pleasure, enjoying a wonderful view of Monaco and the Mediterranean Sea.
Accessible by bus line 18 but also by car in 10 minutes from the hotel.

Sospel

Little break at the Italian border, Sospel and the good idea if you want to change a bit of the sea and breathe the mountain air.
Tranquillity, fresh air and green await you.
The place is ideal for excursions of a few days.

The village is accessible by bus, line 15 but also by car at 30 min du Roquebrune.

Castillon

Small village on the heights of Menton, Castillon and a paradise of tranquility. Perfect for excursions and climbers.
Castillon is the place not to be missed for enthusiasts. Do not hesitate to inform the municipality first.

Monaco

Renowned for its luxury and buildings, the Principality of Monaco is within easy reach.
Visit its Rock to discover a part of the Monegasque princely life.
Don’t miss the changing of the guard at the Prince’s Palace, every day at 11.55 am. Enjoy the view from this vantage point. On one side admire Monaco Ville and its buildings and structures worthy of the greatest metropolises, on the other side, the softness and tranquillity of the Fontvieille district with its port and the famous Louis II Stadium.
As you walk along the streets of the Rock, stop at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame immaculate Monaco, a superb building housing the remains of the princely family, including Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly.

On the Rock, you will find, to the delight of the little ones, the oceanographic museum. This giant aquarium will delight the little ones who are curious but also the older ones. Protected species have been installed there in order to preserve them and to make the youngest ones aware of the importance of underwater fauna.
For shopping enthusiasts 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 large bay windows that house new shops of major brands.

Luxury is everywhere in Monaco, on the Casino square, come and admire the beautiful cars that parade throughout the day, but also the fronts of the big hotels like the Hermitage Hotel or the Hotel de Paris, but also that of the Casino itself.
For Formula 1 fans, go and see the famous starting point of the MonteCarlo Grand Prix, located on the road above the port. On the esplanade that runs alongside it, enjoy the many events organised throughout the year such as the Christmas market or the Monaco fair.

La vie nocturne

On holiday with friends or as a lover, and you want to enjoy a nice evening? Start by choosing a good restaurant (refer to our restaurants section to select one of our partners), then, if you wish to extend your evening, we have several possibilities to offer you:

Menton et les sablettes. Recently built, the Promenade des Sablettes is the place not to be missed for a memorable evening. Numerous bars and restaurants set up all along will offer you Musical evenings, Groups and Djs in order to party as it should be.
Monaco and its port. Famous for its legendary parties during the big events organized in the principality, the port of Monaco 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, the old town of Nice comes to life to the rhythm of the restaurants and other pubs for a young and friendly atmosphere. Take advantage of one of the many bars located on the sea side to enjoy a good cocktail on a balcony facing the Baie des Anges.

We remind you that our reception is open until 9pm (10pm in summer) but this is not a problem as you can keep your room key with you, and come back at the time you like, while respecting the other guests of the hotel.
For more information, please do not hesitate to ask us for advice, we will be happy to help you plan your holiday.

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