Cultural Crossing: Menton
We have landed in France! The first stop across the border is the town of Menton, hotly contested by the Italian and French throughout history, though its Mediterranean air thick with equally French and Italian voices suggests a blend of cultures perched between two countries. Jen Adams reports on how culture goes beyond borders. First image by Jen Adams, second garden image by Melissa Lee.
Menton, France, once part of Italy, still has remnants of the Italian culture inside the city. Italian cafes, similar architecture and even some Italian language. Menton also has its own character with colorful shutters, Baroque art features and large steeples complimenting its churches. These wonderful sights can get lost or be in plain sight with each turn of a corner. The old area of the city near St. Michel’s Basicllia is a must to visit. If you wander through the little alleyways of the city you will stumble upon restaurants, art galleries, and homes of the French people as the sun peaks through. The shops that line the pedestrian streets offer clothing, pottery, shoes, wine and cappuccino and authentic French fries. Ice cream and gelato is still appreciated as much in Menton as I’ve seen in Italy. The beaches are open to everyone. You will find that the main beach is lined with rocks (bring a chair or be prepared) but you can also walk down the double staircase from St. Michel’s Basilica to find the beach filled with white sand. Plan on walking stairs as you wander the streets, especially in the old town, but it will make you slow your pace and observe the beautiful doorways, gardens, stone walks, marble, and architecture. No worries though, I witnessed local women in their 70s cheerfully enjoying their climb home.