Menton (France)

Menton is a Mediterranean Sea (French Riviera) cruise port and town in France's Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region (Alpes-Maritimes department) with a population of around 30,000. As cruise port, Menton is visited exclusively by smaller-sized vessels (mainly superyachts) from top-luxury, all-inclusive companies like Crystal, SeaDream, Emerald, Sea Cloud.

The town (as Menton) was first mentioned in 1262. During its history, it was part of France (Provence), the Republic of Genoa (1005-1797) and Monaco (until the French Revolution / 1789-99). The town is best known among tourists for its gardens (Serre de la Madone, Maria Serena, Les Colombières, Villa Fontana Rosa, Botanique / Le Val Rahmeh), Saint-Michel-Archange (17th-century basilica), Musee du Bastion (17th-century fortress built by Honore II, Prince of Monaco), Musee Jean Cocteau (Jean Maurice Eugene Clement Cocteau, 1889-1963 / poet, novelist, designer), Mairie (Town Hall), Market Hall (19th-century, covered market with 30+ kiosks), several large beaches. Popular annual events are the Lemon Festival (February), Music Festival (classical music, July-August), Christmas Festival.