Menton, the last stop on the French Riviera before Italy, is said to have the mildest climate in France. Sheltered by a circle of mountains it enjoys an average of 316 cloudless days a year. Queen Victoria and her entourage, plus numerous writers, musicians and artists wintered here during the last years of her reign. Jean Cocteau worked in Menton and the surrounding area and donated much of his work to the Museé Cocteau on the waterfront.

Present day Menton is still reminiscent of that era. The old town with its terraced Cimitière du Vieux Chateau, is surrounded by Belle Epoque villas, palms, lemon trees and gorgeous public gardens. All year round, smartly dressed Italians stroll the seafront "Promenade du Soleil", the sea remains warm and lemon trees flourish.