Walk uphill through Menton’s old town to a tranquil old cemetery with beautiful stonemasonry and magnificent views across the harbor toward the Italian border.
The Old Château Cemetery (Cimetière du Vieux-Château) is a scenic graveyard on the terraced hilltop where a medieval castle once stood. Wander around old graves and admire beautifully carved stone tombs and sculptures. See ornate stone façades and the gravesites of Russian royalty, as well as beautiful views across the city’s terracotta rooftops to distant mountains. This tranquil vantage point is also a great spot for views of the Riviera coastline.
Climb up the sloping streets from the Basilique Saint Michel and inspect beautiful examples of French Rivieran architecture. This historic part of the city features pretty stone buildings with original and ornate façades. High above the basilica, find the flat terraces of the cemetery atop tall stone walls. These sandy-colored walls are engraved with stunning detailing and have high archways.
Stroll around the serene Old Château Cemetery and spot the terraces allotted to different nationalities or regions. In the Russian terrace, find Russian Orthodox-inspired architecture and the graves of princes. The grave of the supposed inventor of rugby, William Webb Ellis, is located in a British gravesite area. Read the interesting stories written on the headstones of many notable people. The diversity of people buried here points to Menton’s popularity as a seaside getaway for the European upper classes during the 19th century.
Enjoy the magnificent panorama from the pretty hilltop. Look out over beautiful carved angels and pale tombstones to the terracotta rooftops of the city, which frame the dazzling blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Look across to the rugged hills of the headland and the boats moored in the quay.
The Old Château Cemetery is located in historic Menton. Entrance is free. While the distance up the hill from the waterfront is just 550 yards (500 meters), the climb is quite steep and may be difficult on a hot day. Catch a taxi up the hill and enjoy an easy 10-minute walk back down to the waterfront or take advantage of the cemetery’s long opening hours and attempt the walk in the early morning or late afternoon.
