Menton
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Menton
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 | 43°46.35′N, 07°30.35′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
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Since Roman times, Menton has occupied a strategic position along the Via Julia Augusta, the former Roman road leading eastwards from Arles all the way to the Italian peninsula. From the 13th century onwards, ownership of the town shuttled between the Genoese, who built the first castle here, the Principality of Monaco and the Kingdom of Sardinia until, along with Nice, it became a part of the French republic in 1860. Like Nice and Cannes to the west, it became a popular resort of the European aristocracy during the 19th century, when most of the palatial villas and hotels were built. The town's exceptionally mild climate makes it especially suitable for the cultivation of citrus fruit and lemons are an important export. Lemon is also used in the manufacture of Eau de Menton, a tangy perfume redolent of gin and tonic without the tonic, and in the construction of huge, 10 meter high floats during the annual Fete du Citron, when unsold stocks of lemons are used as an innovative if impermanent construction material. The old port in the town is wonderfully situated under the Italianate-style houses climbing the hill. There is also a newer, purpose-built marina at Menton-Garavan a few hundred metres NE of the old port, just before the border with Italy. Many yachts only visit Menton if intending to cruise eastwards around the Gulf of Genoa, rather preferring to head straight down to Corsica and Sardinia from Cannes, Antibes or Nice. If so, they miss out on a lovely old town, which is less touristy than its glitzier neighbours to the west and thus retains much of the character that so appealed to the 19th century aristocrats. Not for nothing is it known locally as Perle de la France (Pearl of France).
Charts
Submit the chart details that are required for safe navigation.
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Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The climate is very mild, even during the winter months. Seabreezes predominate during the summer months and gales are rare.
Sources for Weather forecasts:
If aproaching from the west around Cap-Martin, the harbour of Menton will not be spotted until you reach the end of a two-mile long beach, the Promenade du Soleil, when the south breakwater of the old port will come into view. The entrance faces NE at the end of the breakwater. The second marina, Menton-Garavan, lies several hundred metres NE of the old port. The entrance is on the eastern side.
Check-in facilities
The arrivals quay of the old port is immediately to port once inside the entrance. The arrivals pontoon at Menton-Garavan is immediately to starboard once through the entrance. In both cases, it is probably wise to call on channel 9 in advance of your arrival, especially during peak season. Telephone number of the old port is :+33 (0)493 35 80 56 and Menton-Garavan :+33 (0)493 28 78 00.
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
The marina in the Vieux Port of Menton has a total of 593 berths, of which 444 are claimed to be reserved for visitors. In practice, the berths further into the harbour are usually occupied by smaller local vessels and yachts will generally be directed to berths along the outer end of the breakwaters. The harbour is sheltered in all winds, although the outer end of the breakwater can experience a slight popple with the afternoon seabreezes blowing into the bay. In the old port, you are just a short walk from the old town and it is a worthwhile tradeoff between character and all mod cons.
The newer marina of Menton-Garavan has a total of 800 berths, of which 144 are reserved for visitors. A full-service marina, it offers a wide range of support services, including lift-out facilities (further details needed).
Anchorages
No anchoring allowed in the bay.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Travel hoists at Menton-Garavan (up to 100T) and crane (up to 5T).
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel at Menton-Garavan. Water and electricity in both marinas.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The old town is a delight to explore, a real maze of tall, narrow, Italianate buildings clustered along narrow streets shaded by arched traverses. A pleasant walk is up the old Sentier de Oliviers, perhaps to picnic in the park under 1,000 year old olive trees on the terraces climbing up the hill. Nearby are the wonderful botanical gardens of Val Rahmeh, first established by Sir Percy Radcliffe in the early 20th century. Another wonderful garden is that of the Villa Fontana Rosa, built in 1922 by the Spanish novelist Blasco Ibáñez. Before descending again, it is worth visiting the twin cemeteries beautifully sited on top of a hill, where many of the former distinguished aristocratic residents of Menon are interred in tombs with breathtaking views over the harbour. In the unlikely event that you are in Menton during February, you can witness the astonishing spectacle of the Fete du Citron (Lemon Festival), when huge floats bedecked with the eponymous fruit are hauled round the town.
 Menton old town from the harbour |
 Reception quay, old harbour |
 Rooftops of the old town |
 Menton Lemon Festival |
Grocery & Supply Stores
Eateries
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
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Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- July 2002 --Atheneoflymington 17:48, 19 January 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | France | Menton | |
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