Riviera Road Trip: Nice to Menton Travel Review

Thinking of hitting the French Riviera? You know, that oh-so-glamorous stretch from Nice all the way to Menton? Well, so, I took the plunge, and let me tell you, it’s like something straight out of a movie, but with slightly more traffic, to be honest. Seriously, picture this: twisting coastal roads, very shimmering turquoise water, and towns that look almost too pretty to be real. I mean, it’s a lot to take in, in a truly amazing way. This review covers what worked, what didn’t, and whether it lived up to the hype. So, get comfy – it’s a ride!

Nice: A Vist to The Promenade des Anglais

So, Nice is almost where this adventure kicks off, and what can I tell you? The Promenade des Anglais is quite the introduction. Actually, imagine a wide walkway, with, very sparkling water on one side and grand hotels on the other. Pretty much, it’s a place to stroll, people-watch, and soak up that Mediterranean sun, that is that famous French Riviera sunshine. I rented a bike and went along the Promenade, and it was just delightful – you know, the breeze in my hair, the sun on my face, all of that. The thing about Nice is that, it feels like a proper city, you see, bustling, but with that unmistakable holiday vibe, too. The Old Town is rather where you want to get intentionally lost. So, with narrow streets and colorful buildings it’s rather amazing.

Now, listen to this: I heard someone mention that Promenade was build with the help of the rich people of english, that had choose Nice as they winter destination.

Things to Do in Nice

Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town): So, Lose yourself in the narrow streets, check out the Cours Saleya flower market (if the time its good) and have some socca (that chickpea pancake, typical from there), like your real french citizen.
Hike up to Castle Hill: Okay, It won’t have a castle anymore, you know, but the views from the top are quite amazing. Apparently you could see the whole city and the coastline, very, very spectacular.
Visit the Musée Matisse: If you want to soak up a little bit of art and culture, this could be rather amazing for you, in the area of Cimiez.

Èze: Perched High Above the Sea

Then, after Nice, the road leads to Èze, which is a completely other thing. Perched, like an eagle’s nest, high up on a hilltop, its very quaint medieval village is honestly so spectacular. As I was saying, walking through the stone streets, with like bougainvillea spilling everywhere, makes it rather like stepping back in time. The Jardin Exotique in Èze is basically something that you can´t miss, I think. Honestly, its collection of cacti and succulents is impressive, yet the views from the garden are seriously breathtaking – like, drop-dead gorgeous. You can actually see, a bit the coast stretching out before you, a bright, light blue sea. Getting to Èze does involve some very winding roads, to be honest, but trust me, it’s utterly worth it. But just a small suggestion, actually arrive early as, honestly, parking can be, well, a pain, you know.

There’s like, something I heard about Èze. It sounds pretty good and interesting. People say that it used to have, an amazing perfume factory and it holds a story about the gold goats and some treasure.

What to Expect in Èze

The Jardin Exotique: As I was saying, stunning views and rather amazing cacti, its kind of a photographer’s paradise and really unforgettable place.
Fragonard Perfumery: Also, a pretty, quick tour showing how perfumes are fabricated is a kind of quite and good experience. And, of course, it´s basically a shopping opportunity too.
Medieval streets: By the way, Lose yourself in the small streets of this super quite old town and feel just a bit the past. In some respects is rather cool.

Monaco: Glitz, Glamour, and Grand Prix Dreams

After this, comes Monaco – oh my. Actually, you pass from a relaxed vibe, just in a blink, to something absolutely amazing! Is that, glittering yachts, very luxurious casinos, and a sense that, basically, money just grows on trees, or, something similar, I would say. Actually, the Monte Carlo Casino is kind of amazing to check, even if you don’t gamble, you see. Just sneaking a peek at all those, pretty chandeliers and ornate ceilings, well, honestly is rather worthy it, in the same way. Very closely you can find, the Oceanographic Museum, with really very fascinating marine life exhibits, and for one other point, with good views of the sea (yet nothing related with Èze´s landscapes!). Now, so, if you’re a racing fan, a very quick walk around the Formula 1 track is really a must, basically it would fill you with good energy. However, honestly, be prepared for serious crowds and, more or less high prices, in this zone. It’s like stepping into a film, to be honest, but you will see the film is pricey. Basically it depends on what are you looking for, you know.

Oh, so, here’s another story that’s worth listen to: Apparently, Grace Kelly did like live here, you know? That sounds, well, majestic and wonderful and make the idea of going there sounds so quite interesting, it does for me, that way.

Monaco Highlights

Monte Carlo Casino: Just have, look inside even if you are like in your worst economic times, is a kind of obligatory.
Oceanographic Museum: A bit marine life and sea views – good one. I mean, if you go to a place like this, it does sounds like a good plan to do.
Formula 1 Track: Very fun for racing fans and basically if you are up to fast, loud and fun experiences. I would give it a try in the same way.

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin: Serenity and Citrus Groves

Now, listen, next stop its Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, which I find quite a relief after Monaco. Pretty much, it’s noticeably more low-key. Actually, the medieval castle there gives fantastic views, and, generally, you will enjoy rather pleasant strolls through the village. As I was saying, I ended up spending quite a bit of time in the Cap Martin gardens. The thing about them? You got that very smell of citrus trees, and all this amazing sense of calm around you. Very far from Monaco´s noise. Like your escape place, if that´s what are you looking for. I mean, is good to know both scenarios, you know. Apparently, also you can see Le Corbusier’s Cabanon, for those quite interesting in architecture, you see, the same as I did. However, that day the tours to there where already sold out, and that made me feel rather bummed (you need to buy tickets some time ahead, to be fair.). Basically it´s a real look-out point for things not to do, but just enjoy your visit in other areas.

It’s interesting, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin actually hosts a Lemon Festival every year, rather quite famous. To be honest, now I understand the very smell I found there that day I went!

Discover Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

Roquebrune Castle: More pretty views and that medieval-times feels. In my very own opinion is good to explore these kind of structures.
Cap Martin Gardens: Calm, citrus smells, good rest. I think is an excelent plan if you go for, a relaxing afternoon stroll, in any kind of good wether.
Le Corbusier’s Cabanon: Its the zone, very easy to arrive, so you can try your best and try to enter there (buy those tickets before!)

Menton: The Pearl of France

You see, the trip winds up in Menton, known as “The Pearl of France,” and honestly, I do agree, if I could make my choice. This town has really its own feel, and, so, it’s something a bit more easy and rather genuine than the others. In Menton, very colorful buildings huddle together along the seafront, giving a spectacular feeling, specially near sunset time. Well, just perfect photo spots are pretty much everywhere! The old town’s streets are all you could wish. Also, the lemon groves there are, basically gorgeous; lemons basically thrive here, and you’ll find them in actually everything, you know – soaps, limoncello, desserts, etc. Trust me. It also gets really interesting with the, Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden: A great way to meet more of the botanic world, and I personally think its kind of different and amazing to look for things you’re not use to. That really changed the idea I have about travel. Pretty much the beach scene in Menton is kind of more chill than in Nice. It’s something pretty appealing for the soul.

Just to say, The Lemon Festival in Menton, apparently is well-known and huge, basically that explains how beautiful Menton is. Also, you may found this an important fact: Its that this town is pretty near to Italy! Pretty neat.

Menton Must-Sees

Vieille Ville (Old Town): More colorful buildings, a big must if you travel, specially good photos around here. Very postcard style and that way.
Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton: Apparently there´s rather exotic flora and so pretty quiet gardens around here. That really boost your vacations, no matter what your preference are.
Lemon Festival (if you can attend): I think this its clear by now, apparently if you get in there during lemon festival month (February) you can´t missed this!

Driving from Nice to Menton: A Quick Guide

Alright, I actually thought I could share like some tips for driving between these locations, given my very own experience, you know?

The roads can be very winding: I mean, if you tend to get car sickness, be careful. Like, take some precautions, that would save you, in my own case.
Parking is kind of tricky: And its good if you plan ahead and arrive early. As I was saying with Eze and also I find this the same issue at many other locations here.
The views are worth it: It´s amazing when something its worth to be done, and thats why is important to enjoy what surrounds you. Make sure, for example, stop in every possible lookout, that will make it very worth.