Situated on the French-Italian border, the charming
city of Menton is drawing a growing wave of Italian tourists, attracted by its
rare free beaches, competitive prices, and a unique cultural blend of French
elegance and Italian dolce vita.
MENTON, FRANCE – The picturesque French Riviera city of Menton,
located in the Alpes-Maritimes region directly on the Italian border, is
increasingly becoming the destination of choice for its Italian neighbors. With
its expansive, free-to-access beaches and a spirit that feels distinctly
Italian, Menton offers a unique fusion of French sophistication and the relaxed
Italian lifestyle known as dolce vita.
According to French
broadcaster "France Info," the beaches of Menton are so populated
with Italian families that a visitor might think they were on the coast of
Liguria or Sicily.
"Choosing Menton for our vacation has
become a given every year," Italian tourist Marcella told the station.
"We come as a large group and enjoy our time together. The beach is
free and spacious, we can sit wherever we want, and the children can play
freely."
The availability of free beaches—a rarity on the Italian side of the border where
private beach clubs dominate—has become a decisive factor for families looking
to enjoy a holiday without straining their budget.
Beyond day trips,
longer stays are also proving financially attractive. One group of Italian
tourists rented an apartment in Menton for two weeks for €1,700, a price they
considered comparable to what they would pay back home. "The city is full
of activities," one tourist explained. "We can visit Roquebrune,
Monaco, and then come back to spend the whole day at the beach." This
balance of diverse attractions and reasonable prices has solidified Menton's
appeal.
Local officials have
embraced this dual identity. "Today, we describe it as the most 'Italian'
of French cities," said Marie Garcin-Zaiter, director of the local tourism
office. "It's the first city after the border, where Italians find
themselves in France, but with that little touch of dolce vita that is still present." This cultural blend has positioned Menton as a vital bridge between
the two countries.
The city's tourism
sector has observed two distinct patterns among its Italian visitors: large
families congregating on the beach for lively, social gatherings, and couples
who prefer quiet, romantic evenings at the restaurants along the corniche. This
versatility allows Menton to cater to a wide range of tastes.
Furthermore, tourism
professionals in Menton value a unique economic advantage: the Italian summer
holiday period lasts about a month longer than its French counterpart. This
extends the city's peak tourism season, providing a sustained boost to the local economy
well into the late summer.
