Francais italiano english deutsch espanol nederlands portugues japanese chinese korean

Menton - Basilique Saint-Michel Archange

All the versions of this article: [Deutsch] [English] [français] [italiano]

The Saint-Michael Archange Basilica

With its incredible exterior, the bell-tower, the coloured cobbles of the parvis arranged to form the Grimaldi’s coat of arms and the “rampes Saint-Michel” (a series of flights of stairs) the “Basilique Saint-Michel” is a rare jewel of baroque art. More than 100000 tourists come to see the site every year.

The construction of the Basilica begun in 1640 under the reign of Honoré II, but took several centuries to be completed. The façade was then renovated in the 19th Century adding typical decor of the period such as smooth columns with ionic and corinthian capitals.

Saint-Michel Archange was proclaimed a Basilica in March 1999, by decree of Pope Jean-Paul II. This title, given for eternity, was in reward for the dynamism of the pastoral life and liturgy of the church.

The Menton Music Festival is held on the parvis of the Basilica every year.

A little further on, “La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs” (White Penitents

Chapel) offers a more ornate façade : pinnacles, friezes, garlands of flowers...


published 9 November 2009
last update 1 July 2010 at 12:11

Inscription à la lettre d'informations de l'Office de Tourisme de Menton

Adresse email :   Inscription

Un courriel de confirmation vous sera envoyé d'ici quelques instants, cliquez sur le lien qui s'y trouve pour confirmer votre inscription (valable 10 jours)

Documentation about Menton
The tourist office of Menton purpose following downloads
More informations
French Riviera - Sainte-Agnès
Dominating the surrounding area at 800 metres and 10kms from Menton, Sainte-Agnès prides itself as the "highest coastal village" in Europe. The site is entrancing with craftsmen’s stalls and artists workshops lining the cobblestoned streets built (...)
More informations
French Riviera - Castellar
From the peak of the Mountain dominating Menton, Castellar offers an extraordinary view overlooking the sea. It is no coincidence that many artists workshops have set up here. Turreted houses densely compacted together line the stepped and (...)
More informations
French Riviera - Castillon
At the height of Menton, Castillon has managed to harmoniously blend traditional and contemporary architecture. The village is a place where simplicity and peacful living reign, far from the bustle of city life. The harmony of the (...)
More informations
French Riviera - Gorbio
A 300 year old Elm tree welcomes visitors to the central square of the town where the fountain mummurs. Walking along the narrow cobble-stoned streets,and passing under arches linking the houses on either side one is lead to the boutiques, (...)
More informations
French Riviera - Roquebrune Cap Martin
Overhanging the coastal village, the medieval village of Roquebrune appears to be standing guard. The drawbridge has long since disappeared, instead a stone bridge built in it’s place brings you over the donjon of the old fortress castle. The (...)
More informations
Menton, city of flowers
Menton has been classified "4 Flowers", in other words has attained the higgest level, within the classification of "Flowered Towns and Cities" for the last 15 years. Furthermore Menton has also received the"Grand Prix National du (...)
More informations
Menton - Val Rahmeh Garden
Now the Mediterranean antenna of the National History Museum, the Val Rameh Garden was created in 1905 by Lord Radcliffe. Here, in this incredible garden he collected "Labiacées" and "Solanacées" (from the datura family) and a large number of (...)
More informations
Menton - Maria Serena Garden
Right on the sea front, and the last house before the Italian border, the Maria Serena Villa and Gardens, attributed to Charles Garnier, was constructed around 1880 for the family of Ferdinand de Lesseps. The Coty president has stayed in the (...)
More informations
Menton - Serre de la Madone Garden
The Serre de la Madone Garden Museum was created at the beginning of the century by Lawrence Jonston, who also created the English Hidcote Manor Gardens. It is a haven of greenery, peace and beauty clinging to the flanks of the hillside. Rare (...)
More informations
Menton - Fontana Rosa Garden
Created in the 20’s by the scriptwriter and novelist Blasco Ibañez, Fontana Rosa is a Valencia style garden of ceramics dedicated to the memory of important writers. This estate, which he bought in 1921 reminds him of Spain. His Spain, which was (...)
More informations
Menton - Les Colombières (private garden)
Ferdinand Bac, painter and novelist, designed and built this estate on the top of Menton, in the site of Garavan for his friends the Ladan-Bockairy family between 1918 and 1927. From the Maison, the stroller embarks in fact on a journey around (...)
More informations
Menton - The old city
Cool squares, narrow little streets cascading toward the sea: the historical heart of the city beats behind the ocre frontage of the houses. Sun light filters through the shuttered houses preserving the intimacy of the homes from the assalt of (...)
More informations
Sea front and beach - Menton French Riviera
From Garavan, just next to the Italian border right to Carnolès, the Western limit of the community, there is a large variety of beaches. From sandy to pebbled and including public and private. Nowadays the public beaches extend 30 metres to (...)
More informations
Menton - The Municipal Port (old port)
There are two ports in Menton for yachtsmen either stopping over or planning a longer stay. The"Old Port", which appears protected by the The Bastion and which extends the long jetee and the private port of Garavan, bigger and newer than the (...)
More informations
Menton - The Garavan Port
Garavan port is one of the largest ports on the Côte d’Azur. Welcoming you with it’s "Mermaid and Dolphin" fountain overlooking the sea and situated to the west of Garavan bay, it can accomodate 624 private moorings and 176 public moorings. Equipt (...)
More informations
Markets and pedestrian street
It is practically impossible to stay in Menton without strolling down the pedestrian street. This central street is a must for all visitors to Menton as it is packed with shops and restaurants and extends from the sea front to the "Campanin" (...)
More informations
Menton, city of citruses
In the past, Menton, "City of Citruses", survived principally from it’s citrus production. This agricultural acitivity disappeared over the years. Today, the city has committed to encouraging land owners and farmers to re-plant lemon trees, (...)
More informations
The City Centre - Menton French Riviera
Rows of seville orange trees align the avenues of the "new town" and palaces of "Belle Epoque". The town has extended to the west more and more over the years. Talented architects have left their mark. Gardens and floral roundabouts punctuate (...)
More informations
Menton - Sailing and Watersports Centre
The Sailing and Watersports Centre The Sailing and Watersports Centre offers classes for beginners through to experts all year round and is supervised by state qualified monitors. The French School of Sailing The French School of Sailing can (...)
More informations
Coming to Menton
By Air Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport Tel. 00 33 (0)4 93 21 30 30 Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport is approximately half an hour from Menton by the Motorway. Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport has direct flights or connections to most of the major cities in the world. (...)
More informations
History of Menton
Within the confines of the Côte d’Azur and the Ligurian Alps, the Menton seigneury first appeared in the 12th Century. At this time Menton belonged to the Genoan Family, Vento. In 1346, Menton was under ownership of Charles Grimaldi, Lord of (...)
More informations
Menton, a town of culture
Town of Arts, pampered by nature, Menton offers open routes on the trails of the great names of the world’s culture. Guided tours led by a guide along the streets of the old town (medieval and baroque), and gardens are organised regularly by the (...)
More informations
Menton - Museums
Between its three museums and the Contemporary Art Gallery, Menton offers both permanent and temporary exhibitions of top quality. The "Beaux-Arts" Museum in the Palais Carnolès The Jean cocteau’s museum The Regional Pre-Historic Museum
More informations
Theatre in Menton
Whether touring companies or the local theatre company theatre, is an integral part of Menton society. From October to May the Francis-Palmero Theatre, within the "Palais de l’Europe", hosts productions participating in the theatre season. In (...)
More informations
Menton and Music
Menton loves music and music loves Menton. Between the Music Festival held in August and the French Chamber Opera in December, whom are resident in Menton itself, the year is punctuated by concerts of top quality. The year commences with the (...)
More informations
Menton - Public library
Nearly 57,000 works and some very rare editions. Books of reference in all diciplines, press and novels, documentaries, biographies.... It is possible to consult this material within the library or to borrow them, which is free of charge to (...)
More informations
Menton - Tourist Office
8 avenue Boyer BP 239 06506 Menton cedex Tel 00 33 (0)4 92 41 76 76 Fax 00 33 (0)4 92 41 76 78 E-mail : tourisme@menton.fr web : www.tourisme-menton.fr Opening Hours Winter : Monday to Friday : 8.30a/m to 12.30p/m and 1.30p/m to 6p/m (...)
More informations
Going out in Menton
Going out in Menton The Menton year is highlighted by numerous exciting events. (See This month in Menton and A year of events) Furthermore everyday, you can play in the Casino, go to the Cinema... Casino Barriere Beautifully situated facing (...)
More informations
Menton, city of leisure
Whether it is the discovery of the Mentonese baroque or trips to the heart of gardens along the paths of nature, Menton offers numerous possibilities for walks. Town of leisure, you can practice many sports and relaxation activities. Menton is (...)
More informations
Menton Music Festival
29th july 2010 to 16 th August 2010
Annually, in the month of August, since 1950, Menton has hosted the French Chamber Opera Festival in the baroque square of the ’Parvis de la Basilique Saint-Michel Archange’. The Basilique is ideally located in the heart of the old city, (...)
More informations
The Journées Méditerranéennes du Jardin [Mediterranean Gardens Days]
11 to 12 september 2010
The efforts made by the town to restore the historic gardens 9 and create contemporary town gardens are a testament to its desire to preserve an exceptional floral heritage and to make something of it in the heart of the town. The Journées (...)
More informations
Menton French Riviera - Parking
Open air Car-parks (paying) • Parking du Bastion : 119 places • Place Fornari : 33 places • Place Fontana : 18 places • Marché du Careï north and south :64 places de 14 à 20h • Parking Florette : 20 places Park Metre Zones in the Town Centre • 1250 (...)
More informations
Menton - Beaux-Arts Museum
Today this once summer residence of the Princes Grimaldi of Monaco is the Museum of Fine Art where you can admire the greatest names in contemporary art but also a superb collection of paintings ranging from the XIII century to the XX century. (...)
More informations
Menton - Jean Cocteau museum
The Jean Cocteau Museum and Wedding Room The Museum Jean Cocteau created his very own museum in the "Bastion" ( a fort built in the XVII century) Jean Cocteau, painter and poet, became involved in the restoration and decoration of the (...)
More informations
Menton - Regional Pre-Historic museum
Built in 1907 and unique on the Côte d’Azur, the museum has gathered together objects found on the numerous archeological sites in the region. Here, representations of every-day life of man at the beginning of time have been meticulously (...)
More informations
Menton - Contemporary Art Gallery
The contemporary Art Gallery can be found on the ground floor of the Palais de l’Europe a magnificant building from the beginning of the century designed by the Danish architect, Hans Georg-Tersling. The art gallery exhibits the best (...)
More informations
Menton, Congress and seminar
Conventions and Seminars in Menton Menton offers a superb location for all needs, either for conventions, seminars, training courses or whatever your requirements, Menton can provide a made to measure solution. Offering such prestigious venues (...)
More informations
Filming in Menton
Menton offers an incredible range of unique settings for film-makers. Ideally situated Between sea and mountains, the city can provide a backdrop for shooting all forms of footage and audio-visual production. Menton has already been featured in (...)
More informations
Menton - My city is a garden
The slogan for the city was not chosen at random ! With an exceptionally mild climate and 316 days of sunshine a year, Menton is a paradise for botanists who have aclimatised exotic plants brought from far away trips. The sub-tropical species (...)
More informations
77th Lemon Festival
from February 12 to 3 march, 2010
Beneath the zest of oranges and lemons lies one of the world’s greatest festivals La Fête du Citron® (Lemon Festival), an unique event in the world, attracts more than 230,000 visitors every year - a number which is constantly rising. Just (...)
More informations
From our artisans to your taste buds
Half a day discovering our traditional Menton gourmets products A guided tour of the “L’Arche des Confitures” where traditional Menton jams are made. Discovery of the process used to make the jams with the famous Menton lemon and other citrus (...)
More informations
Menton - Clos du Peyronnet ( Private Garden)
This estate is the last garden of Menton that remains the property of the same family since 1915. The current owner, William Waterfield, specially interested in botany, collects tropical species, particularly bulb plants from South Africa. The (...)
More informations
The Lemon Grove (La Citronneraie)
The garden of the Citronneraie, on the hillside of the Annonciade, was created by local farmers several centuries ago. It contains a magnificent olive grove with 200 trees of approximately 600 years and a splendid terrace of wisteria. The (...)
More informations
Menton - Parc du Pian
This magnificent olive grove, measuring three hectares, houses, within a listed space, over 530 olive trees, some of which are probably over a thousand years old... Irresistibly it evokes ancient Greece. This park is arranged in a series of (...)
More informations
Menton - Plateau St-Michel
Le Plateau St-Michel. With a surface of 120,000 m2, the Plateau St-Michel is a real panoramic viewpoint over the town of Menton. A conservation area since 29 June 1951, it contains olive trees that are several hundred years old, hills planted (...)
More informations
Menton - Square des Etats-Unis
This square aims to be a contemporary garden of pleasure and discovery. It is a place of Sunday strolls and rest for families and it is also a didactic route for botany lovers. Walking along the garden, the visitor will notice that the names (...)
More informations
Menton and the surrounding area
The only trouble you may encounter while touring around Menton is the extensive choice. From here you can go on trips to the villages in the Menton back country; the free route allows visitors to a completely independent discovery of the region (...)
More informations
The Beaches of Menton
Whether public or private, on the beaches of Menton you can relax and bathe in total safety. In fact, since 1998, Menton can boast about having received the designation “European Blue Flag”. Presented by the town by Dominique Voynet, Minister for (...)
More informations
Welcome to Menton
Menton is a destination that is becoming more valued by an increasing number of international visitors. After the French, it is logically the Italians who visit the most, followed by the English and German. A new phenomenon is that the visitors (...)
More informations
Gastronomy of Menton
A melting pot of cultures, Menton has forged a very distinctive way of living in its gastronomy. Light, exotic and sophisticated, all cuisines are represented: traditional French cuisine, local cuisine or even foreign specialities. In Menton (...)
More informations
Menton, a way of life
Thanks to a beneficial subtropical microclimate (316 cloudless days a year), winter is practically unknown in Menton. Therefore, you can enjoy a beautiful sea and the nearby sunny mountains all year round. Menton is on the borders of Italy, (...)
More informations
Cemetery of the Old Château
Located on the site of Menton’s mediaeval château, which no longer exists, the cemetery stands at the top of a hill. The graves of Menton families lie alongside those of rich foreign aristocrats from the Belle Époque. William Webb Ellis bought (...)
More informations
Menton - Carnolès Palace Gardens
This former summer residence of Monaco princes houses the city’s art museum, with paintings from the 13th century to the present day. Guided tour of the citrus garden every Monday from December to March. Guided tour of the palace and citrus (...)
More informations
William Webb Ellis From Rugby To Menton
As the 6th Rugby World Cup tournament is getting closer, it is worth remembering the life and achievements of the man whose name is engraved on the event’s trophy, the Reverend William Webb Ellis. It was in 1987, a few months before the first (...)
More informations
Experience the story of Menton for yourself
“Old Menton with its steep tiers of houses huddled one on top of the other, its mysterious myriad of rippling patches of light and dark, its sudden flashes of sun and of blue church towers, all projected against the velvet opalescence of the (...)
More informations
Menton - The town through the centuries
“The street which celebrates the fame of General de Bréa, a native of Menton, led me to old Menton. This rather narrow street already looks striking with its high, pallid and coarse walls, its overhanging roofs and its doors which open onto dark (...)
More informations
Menton - Flitting from one place to another
“At nightfall... This scenery of a perched Menton, those bell-towers, those old houses have for our eyes and hearts the magic of the most precious places in the world”. Paul Valéry (1871-1945) The basilica of Saint-Michel Prince Honoré II and (...)
More informations
Menton - Savours and Savoir-faire
“The air smells of faint far tangerines, with just a touch of nutmeg. On my table there are cornflowers and jonquils with rosemary sprigs...” Katherine Mansfield, Menton 31 January 1920 The Music Festival In 1949, on a summer visit to Menton, (...)
More informations
Jean Cocteau In Menton
The City of Menton has long maintained a special relationship with Jean Cocteau. Over the long period of time he spent on the French Riviera in the 50s, the artist often came to Menton. He created three works in the city, starting in 1957. On (...)
More informations
Menton - Annonciade Monastery
The once cradle of the city, “Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade” dominates Menton from its 230 metres above sea level. It is dedicated to Notre Dame of the Annonciation, invoked by sailors and persons in mortal danger. Built on the site of a small (...)
More informations
Menton - The Russian Church
At the end of the last century, a substantial Russian community existed on the French Riviera. The Menton Orthodox Church was erected on the initiative of the Grand Duchess Anastasia, granddaughter of the Tsar, Nicholas 1st and funded by rich (...)
More informations
Menton - Education/Schools
Kindergardens and Schools More than 6000 young people are schooled, in Menton currently within : 17 kindergardens and primary schools, 2 « secondary school »(André Maurois, Vento) 1 high school ( Pierre-et-Marie-Curie). 1 private (...)
More informations
Menton - LEP/IUT
LEP: Tourism industry professions Every year, approximately 600 students attend the school in order to obtain a professional baccalaureat, in the tourism and catering industry. IUT: The Statistics University Menton now has a new department (...)
More informations
Menton - Sciences-po “Middle East unit”
This new establishment is one of the town’s major international projects. Lying fourth, after Nancy, Dijon and Poitiers - half of its students are French and the other half are from other Mediterranean or Middle Eastern countries. It offers (...)
More informations
Mentonese Courses
Mentonese is also a subject : it is a “Baccalauréat” option that students from the “Pierre & Marie Curie Secondary School” can take as well as a subject that is taught in the city’s adult university. Further Information. The Menton Art and (...)
More informations
Menton - Sports and Leisure
With more than 70 clubs and over 6000 members Menton is a dynamic and sporty city. It is possible to practice almost all sports from basketball to karate, football to twirling, and from pétanque to swimming... The surrounding area offers further (...)
More informations
The Municipal Sailing and Watersports Centre
The Municipal Sailing and Watersports Centre offers initiation and refresher courses in several watersports disciplines: optimists, dinghies, catamarans windsurfs, cruisers, kayaks... A qualified team (French School of Sailing, State (...)
More informations
Menton - Sports Meetings
Menton holds more than 100 sporting events throughout the year, and this number is on the increase. Amongst the numerous events held are: The Campanin Road Race, the Madone Hill Race, International Regattas, Tennis Tournaments, International (...)
More informations
Menton - Local specialities
The Menton cuisine is typically Mediterranean and the all the ingredients can be found in the surrounding soil and sea : sun-kissed vegetables, exotic Mediterranean fish, home-produced olive oil, mountain cheeses and an abundance of fruit (...)
More informations
Menton - Fête des Bazaïs
This is the oldest and most traditional Menton festival. It gathers the whole population around a gigantic cauldron of bean soup, along with all sorts of vegetables and morsels of meat. It is held in August, on the Henry Bennet Quay. It is said (...)
More informations
Local garden produce
The local garden produce can be found in plenty in the Menton markets : Menton Lemons, fish caught by the Mentonese fishermen, vegetables, mountain cheeses, from the back country, jams produced by local artisans (...)
More informations
Once upon a time
As legend has it, while fleeing from Paradise with Adam, Eve, took one of the “Golden Fruits” with her. Adam, fearing Heavenley wroth, asked her to trhow the lemon away. After climbing many a mountain and traversing valleys and plains, they came (...)
More informations
Menton French Riviera - Geography
Menton is the most eastern city of the French Riviera being situated on the French-Italian border, between Monaco and Italy, nestling in the heart of a bay, which stretches from Mortola to the east and Cap-Martin to the west. Directly behind (...)
More informations
Menton - French Riviera - Climate
The privileged situation between sea and mountains gives Menton the reputation as the most temperate city in France; its climate is considered sub-tropical. Menton is in fact, sheltered from the wind by the Mont Angel to the West and by the (...)
More informations
Menton - Population
The population of Menton remained stable between the censuses of 1990 and 1999: approximately 30,000 inhabitants. The population of Menton is getting younger and the number of jobholders is increasing. During festivities and the holiday’s, (...)
More informations
An afternoon under the olive trees
Natural farming: relaxation and discovery in the hills above Menton Departure in the direction of the Saint Jean pass above Sospel, for a visit to a typical farm of the region, which uses natural farming methods to grow olives. As you explore (...)
More informations
Perched villages
Discover our organised excursions
Roquebrune, Gorbio and Sainte-Agnès: old stones that recount the history of the Menton countryside From its coastline to its hillside villages, history has left its mark on the Menton area. The walls, churches and remains all bear witness to a (...)
More informations
Between gardens and gastronomy, from Menton to Italy
Discover our organised excursions
A day spent discovering three exceptional gardens with a gourmet picnic Your first visit will take you to Italy to explore the Jardins Botaniques Hanbury [Hanbury Botanic Gardens] self guided tour. Set on a hill 5 km from Menton, they contain (...)
More informations
In the footsteps of the Lascaris
Discover our organised excursions
Castellar, Castillon, Sospel and Monti: united by the history of this great Byzantine family The Lascaris family are descendants of the Byzantine family who produced several Nicaean (Greek) emperors. One of them, Theodore II Lascaris, had a (...)
More informations
From the vegetable garden to gastronomy
Discover our organised excursions
Cookery lesson with a Michelin-starred Menton chef Depart for the "Mirazur” gastronomic restaurant with its Miche- 27 lin star and panoramic view of Menton bay. The restaurant is renowned for the creative cuisine of its chef – a former pupil of (...)
More informations
Journey to the heart of the gardens
Discover our organised excursions
exotic, Florentine, Japanese, Provençal, French and botanical… an itinerary that shows you the exceptional diversity of gardens on the Côte d’Azur Depart for Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and a guided tour of the garden of the villa Ephrussi de Rothschild (...)
More informations
Your wellbeing stay in Menton
Activities & free time
relaxation and balance using lemons and other citrus fruits Lemons arrived in Persia from China via India. Alexander the Great brought them back to Greece, where they were known as “medical apples” because of their anti-infection, anti-bacterial (...)
More informations
www.tourisme-menton.fr - site officiel de l'Office de Tourisme **** de Menton