Day Trip to Menton, Èze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer

After having explored Dijon/Beaune, Annecy and Lyon, the next portion of our 2025 Tour de France brought my friends Lindsey, Jed and I to the southern Mediterranean part of France. We stayed in Antibes for several days, making that our home base. However, we wanted to explore more of the French Riviera and so decided a day trip to Menton, Èze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer would a fantastic way to soak in the region’s beauty, history, and charm. We made the most of our day by exploring at our own pace, thanks to the convenience of our rental car (Clemence the Citroën). Keep reading to find out all about our day trip to Menton, Eze and Villefrance-sur-Mer.

Driving Route

We left Antibes around 9:00 AM, heading east along the A8 autoroute. The drive was smooth and scenic, with views of the shimmering Mediterranean on one side and forested hills on the other. Although tolls apply on the A8, it’s the fastest way to get from town to town. If you’re not in a rush, you might consider returning via the lower Corniche road for the views alone, especially if you want to see sea cliffs, yachts, and old stone villas clinging to the hillside.

Menton

Our first stop was Menton, a peaceful town on the Italian border known for its lemon groves, Belle Époque architecture, and soft pastel buildings.

Promenade du Soleil

We found parking and walked along the seaside, called the Promenade du Soleil, Menton’s palm-lined seafront walkway. It was filled with lots of restaurants and sidewalk cafes bordering the beaches.

Port de Menton Garavan

One of our favorite stops in Menton was down by the harbor, called Port de Menton Garavan. We paused there for a coffee and to take in the view, and what a view it was! From the water’s edge, you get that classic postcard scene: those pastel buildings stacked along the hillside.

The harbor offers a relaxed, breezy charm. There, sailboats and yachts rock gently in the calm Mediterranean water and palms line the promenade. While it’s a lovely spot for a short stroll, we chose to sit at a café along the port, enjoying the view before continuing our exploration.

Shopping on Rue Saint-Michel

Also running parallel to the coast is Menton’s main shopping road, Rue Saint-Michel. This charming pedestrian street winds through the heart of the old town. It’s lined with pastel-colored buildings and shaded by awnings. It is the perfect place to browse small boutiques, artisan shops, and specialty food stores. Menton is famous for its lemon products and you can find everything from soaps and liqueurs to jams and perfumes.

Just a few steps away is the Marché des Halles, Menton’s covered market near the seafront. It’s open every morning and brimming with local flavors included fresh produce, cheeses, olives and regional specialties. Or you can even buy souvenirs from the vendors outdoors. It’s a great place to pick up picnic items or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

We did quite a bit of window shopping during our day trip to Menton, Eze and Villefranche-sur-Mer. People interested in shopping in Menton may also like exploring Avenue Boyer or Rue de la République. There you’ll find elegant shops, bakeries, and even a small Galeries Lafayette, one of the main French department stores. We made at stop at Mitron bakery, where I read you could order a delicious tarte au citron (lemon tarte) that lived up to the hype. If you’re looking for souvenirs, gourmet treats, or just a stylish afternoon stroll, Menton’s shopping streets are a pleasure to explore.

Menton Staircase & Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange

One of the places in Menton that I really enjoyed seeing was the grand staircase leading up to the Basilica of Saint-Michel. We came across it after wandering up from the harbor, and suddenly there it was, sweeping upward in wide, elegant tiers in a lovely shade of yellow.

Builders constructed the staircase in the 18th century to enhance the baroque setting of the basilica above. The Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange, commissioned by Prince Honoré II of Monaco in the 1600s, has watched over Menton for centuries. Today, the church and staircase stand as iconic landmarks in the old town.

As I climbed the steps, I noticed the stillness, felt the worn stone under my feet, and watched the view shift with each landing The symmetry of the design, the bell tower rising above the rooftops, the view of the sea, it was a great must-do during a day trip to Menton, Eze and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

At the top, in front of the basilica, the view opens up completely- the red roofs, blue sea, and the pale curve of the coastline. It’s easy to see why this spot has been a focal point of the town for centuries.

Exploring Menton’s Old Town

We reached the Old Town, where quiet lanes display colorful buildings, bright shutters, wrought-iron balconies, and bursts of bougainvillea and other plants. The winding roads wrapped around the hill, and we couldn’t help but be captivated

Menton was a great start to our day of exploring small villages, and I would definitely come back to spend more time there. However, it was just the start of our day, so after lunch on the Promenade du Soleil we headed back to the car and our second destination.

Èze

From Menton, we drove west about 45 minutes to reach Èze, one of the most picturesque hilltop towns in the region. The drive itself was beautiful, climbing steadily into the hills with each curve revealing more of the sea below. Unlike Èze-sur-Mer, which sits at sea level along the train line, Èze Village is perched over 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean, offering one of the most breathtaking views on the Côte d’Azur. We parked at an underground paid lot just outside the village and walked up onto the medieval stone streets. Everything in Èze looks like a movie set, from the arched passageways and ivy-covered stone walls, to the shops selling handmade soaps, local art, and Provencal linens.

History of Eze

People have lived in Èze since prehistoric times, drawn by its naturally defensible perch above the sea. The Romans later settled here as well. Some believe the name “Èze” may trace back to the Egyptian goddess Isis, whose worship spread across the Mediterranean in antiquity. During the Middle Ages, the village was fortified to defend against pirate raids and rival powers. Its narrow, winding streets and clustered stone buildings still reflect that defensive layout.

Over the centuries, Èze passed through the hands of various rulers, including the House of Savoy, before becoming part of France in the 18th century. Because of its relatively isolated position, the village retained much of its medieval character even as the surrounding coast modernized. Today, it’s known for its beautifully preserved old town, where layers of history remain visible in the architecture, streets, and quiet corners.

Jardin Exotique

Our main focus in Èze was to visit the famous botanical garden. Located at the top of the village lies the Jardin Exotique, a terraced garden filled with plants and sculptures, all set against the dramatic backdrop of sea and sky. We bought tickets at one of the automatic kiosks at the bottom of the hill in Èze before starting the climb. The view from the garden is unbelievable, with sweeping panoramic views. From the terraces, which are about 400 meters above the sea, you get sweeping views over the Mediterranean coast that allow you to see from Saint Tropez to Monaco.

The garden was created after World War II on the site of the old fortress, under the direction of the town’s mayor and the botanist Jean Gastaud (who also helped design the exotic garden in Monaco). It’s filled with drought-tolerant plants from around the world: cacti, succulents, and clusters of aloe and agave that thrive in the rocky terrain and intense sun.

What else to see in the Jardin Exotique

The Jardin Exotique was built amid the ruins of a medieval château. And the garden makes subtle use of the medieval ruins. Walls, steps, and arches are integrated into the plants, hinting at the fortress that once stood guard over the coast. However, the château was destroyed in the early 18th century by order of Louis XIV. Also woven among the plants are stone paths and striking terracotta statues of female figures by French artist Jean-Philippe Richard. I loved wandering around the terraces of the garden, taking in the sites of the sea, plants, statues and chateau remnants.

Also visible from the Jardin- Église Notre-Dame de l’Assomption. This church sits quietly just below the village’s summit, its weathered ochre façade and bell tower visible above the rooftops. Built in the 18th century on older foundations, the church is simple inside. A model ship hangs from the ceiling, a tribute from sailors who once sought protection here.

Vieux Eze (Old Village)

After we visited the gardens it was time to explore! Wandering the cobblestone streets is an experience in itself. The village is a maze of stone alleyways, archways, and staircases that wind up the hillside. It also has hidden courtyards and balconies offering glimpses of the sea. Many of the buildings date back to the medieval period, and some now house artisan shops, galleries, and small cafés.

Fragonard

One thing that Eze is also known for, and the biggest reason for the many tour buses in Eze, is the Fragonard Perfume Factory. The factory is located just at the village entrance and on a short (and free!) tour visitors can learn the history of perfume-making in the region. The gift shop has a wide range of scents and skincare products, many of which are exclusive to the factory.

Eze was stunning, and I loved wandering the hilly winding streets, and we did lots of shopping in the adorable local shops. After spending a few hours in the town, however, it was time to head to our next destination..

Villefranche-sur-Mer

After wandering around Menton and Eze, we continued our day trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer, about twenty minutes away. Nestled on the French Riviera just east of Nice, Villefranche has a rich history as a natural deep-water harbor that has been valued since ancient times. The Greeks first settled here, drawn by the safe anchorage. Over the centuries the town grew in importance as a military and trading port. Its strategic location made it a coveted prize for various powers, including the Dukes of Savoy. The Dukes, who ran this area, fortified the town to protect against pirate raids and foreign invasions. Today, Villefranche’s narrow streets and historic buildings preserve that legacy. The city offers visitors a glimpse of a coastal town shaped by centuries of maritime activity and defense.

We only had a short time in Villefranche-sur-Mer, but we managed to wander the streets for a bit. We explore two of its most atmospheric spots: the rue Obscure and the citadel.

Rue Obscure

The Rue Obscure, meaning “dark street,” is a covered passageway from the 13th century. It stretches about 130 meters beneath buildings along the old rampart. Dimly lit, the road echoes with footsteps as you walk through.

Originally built for strategic and defensive purposes, it allowed soldiers to move through the town unseen. It also provided sheltered storage during times of siege. Today, it’s quiet and slightly eerie- in the best way. Walking through it feels like discovering a secret hidden beneath the surface of the village.

Citadel of Saint-Elme

Just beyond the old town lies the Citadel of Saint-Elme, a 16th-century fortress built by the Dukes of Savoy to defend the coastline from sea attacks. Its thick walls and angular bastions were carefully designed to withstand cannon fire.

Over the centuries, the citadel served many military roles before transforming into a cultural site. Today it holds small museums with art, sculpture, and local history. Open courtyards frame stunning views over the bay. Even with the museums closed during our visit, we enjoyed wandering the grounds.

Chapelle Saint-Pierre

Villefranche-sur-Mer is also home to the Chapelle Saint-Pierre. Built in the 16th century, this Romanesque chapel once served local fishermen, who stored their nets and equipment inside. Over time, it became known for something far more artistic. In 1957, the town invited Jean Cocteau to restore and decorate it. He transformed the interior with his distinctive murals (click here to see), which depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter, the fishermen’s patron saint, as well as everyday Mediterranean life. Today, the chapel preserves both the town’s maritime heritage and Cocteau’s artistic legacy.

Ending reflection

Driving back to Antibes as the sun set, we reflected on how much beauty and variety we’d packed into just one day. From the lemony charm of Menton to the fairytale heights of Èze and the peaceful harbor of Villefranche, this day trip was a true highlight of our time on the Riviera. Traveling by car gave us the freedom to move at our own pace, stop for unexpected views, and truly enjoy the journey as much as the destinations. I hope I gave you some inspiration for your own trip to the south of France! Stayed tuned for more stories and pics about our tour de France- à bientôt!

-Catching Katie