Weekend in Menton: Events, Culture, and Flavors in the “Pearl of France”

Nestled between the sea and the mountains, right on the Italian border, Menton is a garden city of timeless charm. Known as the “Pearl of France,” it offers a Mediterranean atmosphere enriched by lush gardens and a cosmopolitan history. On the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, the city bids farewell to summer with a lively program of events that combine music, culture, nature, and local traditions.

Saturday, September 20: music, sea, and heritage

The weekend begins with a full day of activities.

Music lovers can attend a concert by the Cologne Philharmonic Orchestra at the Église du Sacré Cœur, a chance to experience a performance of great intensity.

For families and those who enjoy outdoor activities, Un Samedi à la campagne takes place at the Terrain Boulard (soon to become the Jardin des Barmes), a convivial and nature-focused event.

The sea also plays a starring role during the Journées de la Mer, with departures from the Vieux Port of Menton on board the sailing boat Santo Sospir. This unique experience is dedicated to discovering Mediterranean whales and dolphins, while raising awareness of marine protection.

Sea Days 2025 in Menton: Two Days of Discovery and Fun to Protect the Mediterranean

As part of the European Heritage Days, Menton opens the doors of several emblematic sites: from the Sciences Po Campus with its Amphithéâtre Richard Descoings to the Municipal Library Odyssée, the Serre de la Madone, Fontana Rosa Garden, Villa Maria Serena, and even the water treatment plant, exceptionally accessible to the public.

At the Salle Saint Exupéry, the evening includes a moving tribute to Raymond Devos, master of humor and wordplay.

Meanwhile, from the Vieux Port, visitors can embark on the Tour of the Sea aboard the Brigantin, a scenic route along the Franco-Italian coast.

All weekend long, the Fontana Rosa Garden hosts the Second-hand Book Festival, in conjunction with special events for the European Heritage Days, creating a perfect blend of literature and history.

Sunday, September 21: traditions, music, and literature

Sunday morning begins with the vide-grenier organized by the Bridge Club, a friendly flea market where visitors can hunt for treasures among books, objects, and curiosities.

Later, the Salle Saint Exupéry welcomes Un Voyage Lyrique, performed by the voices of ARSIS, offering a musical journey through opera arias and lyrical works.

The day also features a literary café at the Fontana Rosa Garden, where authors, readers, and enthusiasts come together in a setting steeped in history and poetry.

Beyond the weekend: gardens, art, and flavors

For those wishing to extend their stay, Menton offers many more cultural experiences:

• At the Casa dou Païgran (open until October 28), visitors can discover traditional Mentonese life.

• The exhibition Cocteau – Le Château des merveilles (until November 17) pays tribute to the artist’s close ties with the city.

• The Colors of Foliage (until March 31, 2026) celebrates Menton’s botanical landscapes and their seasonal hues.

Menton is also famous for its gardens: from the Jardin Maria Serena and the Jardin Serre de la Madone (both open until September 30), to Fontana Rosa, each offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and exotic plants.

Gourmets can enjoy visits and tastings at the Domaine Gannac in the Garavan district, where vineyards and local products showcase the authentic flavors of the region. At the Brasserie La Mentounasc, visitors can sample craft beers, some flavored with Menton’s IGP lemons. Those with a sweet tooth can visit the traditional jam factory (open until December 31), where the city’s citrus heritage comes alive in its famous marmalades.

Menton: an authentic experience of nature and culture

The weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, is a perfect opportunity to experience Menton in all its variety: from concerts to cultural discoveries, sea tours to historic gardens, flea markets to local tastings.

More than just the “Pearl of France,” Menton reveals itself as a place where nature, art, and tradition meet, offering visitors an authentic, vibrant, and unforgettable experience.