Menton: Seaside smack bang on border of France and Italy | World | News

Europe will always remain a holiday hotspot thanks in part to its rich cultural heritage and stunning settings.

It is also home to a vast number of historical sites, each with its own unique stories of past cultures.

In fact, Europe is brimming with glimpses into its past with ancient buildings and traditions making one feel like they’ve stepped back in time.

Many European spots offer an old school charm and historical delights all encompassed with magnificent beaches and plenty to do.

One town takes the best of all of Europe one step further by also being bang on the border of France and Italy.

Located in the south of France you will find Menton which has been called the “Pearl of France”.

Menton is found along the Côte d’Azur coastline and offers charming villages, a sunny climate and natural beauty as far as the eye can see.

Walking along Menton’s pathways, you’ll be met with citrus aromas filling the air as Menton is known for all things lemon.

The region’s microclimate is ideal for growing lemons with its very own famed lemon festival known as Fête du Citron being a must-see.

And with terracotta roofs, pristine beaches, pastel-coloured villas and plenty of lemon gardens, you’ll feel like you’re right in a European postcard.

Menton remains authentic to the classic time of the French Riviera with the glitz, glamour and elegance of Monaco and Nice just yonder.

Dubbed the Pearl of Europe, visitors get the best of all that Europe offers including the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and the snow-capped Alps just behind.

History buffs are in for a delight in Menton with the old town being founded back in the 13th century by pirates and with medieval buildings throughout.

Other notable must-see delights include a Baroque cathedral called the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange featuring a 53-metre steeple, two towers and a 35-meter high clock tower.

For those looking to sample the delights of Menton, the Plage des Sablettes is a picturesque boulevard at the edge of the old town with a number of restaurants overlooking the stunning fountains and buzzing atmosphere.

Here you can enjoy Menton’s specialty of a fried courgette blossom with other delights on offer including fried pastry stuffed with rice, spinach and parmesan known as barbajuans or a sweet version of fougasse which is made with orange blossom essence and sugared almonds known as Menton fougasse.

Those looking to soak up the French Riveria in style can visit Menton either by train from London St Pancras Intl via Paris Nord, Paris Gare De Lyon, and Nice Ville or can fly there in just under two hours.