Plage des Sablettes is the central beach of Menton, the last resort town on the French Riviera before the Italian border, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The beach lies along Promenade de la Mer, extending roughly 300 metres beneath the old town, whose pastel-painted facades — ochre, terracotta, and rose — rise spectacularly above the shore in a composition that closely resembles the Ligurian coast immediately across the border. The beach is predominantly small pebble and coarse shingle, characteristic of the Côte d'Azur, with a small maintained sandy section near the western end.
The water at Menton is known for its clarity and warmth, benefiting from the enclosed bay and the town's famous mild microclimate. Menton claims the warmest temperatures of any town in France, and sea temperatures here run 1–2°C higher than at Nice or Cannes throughout the year. The surrounding limestone headlands and the proximity to the Italian border contribute to a noticeably quieter, more intimate atmosphere compared to the larger resorts further west along the Côte d'Azur.
The beach has both free public sections and private beach club concessions offering sun loungers and restaurant service. Several cafés and restaurants line the Promenade de la Mer directly above the beach. The promenade is wide, flat, and palm-lined, making the approach pleasant and accessible. Menton is celebrated for its lemon-growing tradition and hosts the annual Fête du Citron each February. The old town directly behind the beach features impressive baroque architecture and the Cocteau Museum on the seafront.
Access from Nice takes 30 minutes by TER train (approximately €3.80), and from Monaco just 12 minutes (approximately €1.90), making Menton one of the most accessible day-trip destinations on the Riviera. The railway station is a 10-minute walk to the seafront.
| Distance | Menton seafront — city beach |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Train from Nice (30 min; €3.80 / approx USD 4.15) or Monaco (12 min; €1.90 / approx USD 2.10) to Menton station; 10-minute walk to beach |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | May–October |
| Address | Promenade de la Mer, 06500 Menton, France |
Amenities
- public beach
- beach clubs
- showers
- cafés along promenade
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, photographers, sunbathers, families, solo
Location
Promenade de la Mer, 06500 Menton, France
43.7746, 7.5047 View on map
Highlights
- Pastel-coloured Italian-influenced old town rising directly above the pebble shore — one of the most photogenic settings on the Riviera
- Warmest sea temperatures on the French Côte d'Azur, benefiting from Menton's sheltered microclimate
- Free public beach sections and beach clubs alongside the Promenade de la Mer
- Only 12 minutes by train from Monaco and 30 minutes from Nice — an ideal and affordable day trip
- Proximity to the baroque old town, Cocteau Museum, and renowned lemon gardens
Tips for visiting
- Take the train from Nice (€3.80) or Monaco (€1.90) — parking in Menton old town is limited and expensive
- The western section of the beach near the covered market (Marché du Midi) is quieter and has the small sandy area
- Early morning light illuminates the colourful old town facades brilliantly — an outstanding photography opportunity before 9 am
- Menton's restaurants serve authentic French-Ligurian cuisine: socca, barbagiuan, and fresh pasta — try streets behind the Cocteau Museum for good-value menus
- Sea temperatures remain comfortable for swimming into late October — Menton extends the swimming season compared to most French Riviera beaches
When to visit
May through October is the extended swimming season at Menton; September and October are particularly pleasant as the sea retains summer warmth and crowds thin considerably. The Fête du Citron in February is a notable cultural event though beach swimming is not the draw at that time.
Accessibility
The Promenade de la Mer is flat and wide, making seafront access excellent for wheelchair users. The beach itself is pebbled and uneven, but gentle ramps lead down from the promenade at several points. Adapted toilet facilities are present on the promenade.
Frequently asked questions
How does Menton's beach compare to Nice or Cannes?
Menton's beach is smaller and less famous but offers a more intimate, less crowded experience. The sea is measurably warmer (1–2°C above average), the setting is more picturesque, and prices at restaurants and cafés are generally lower than at the larger resorts.
Is the beach at Menton sandy or pebbly?
Predominantly pebble and coarse shingle, with a small maintained sandy section at the western end near the Marché du Midi. Visitors should bring beach shoes or water sandals for comfortable entry into the sea.
How do I get from Nice to Menton beach?
Regional TER trains from Nice-Ville station to Menton take approximately 30 minutes and cost around €3.80. The beach is a 10-minute walk from Menton station. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
What else is there to see near the beach in Menton?
The baroque Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange in the old town is a short uphill walk. The Musée Jean Cocteau Collection Séverin Wunderman occupies a striking seafront building. The Val Rahmeh botanical garden and Serre de la Madone are notable attractions within 1–2 kilometres.