Exclusive Food Tour in Menton -3 hours- small group

Key Points

• Price: $119 per person, including all food and drinks
• Duration: 3 hours, from 11:00 to 14:00
• Group Size: Limited to 8 guests for an intimate experience
• Location: Starts and ends at 14 Rue des Marins in Menton, South of France
• Highlights: Provençal and Italian-inspired tasting stops, market exploration, wine, cheese, desserts, and spirits
• Guide: Knowledgeable bilingual guides in English and French, praised for their engaging storytelling

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Exclusive Small Group Experience in Menton

This 3-hour gourmet food and wine tour in Menton offers an ideal way to explore the city’s culinary scene while staying comfortably in a small group of just 8 guests maximum. The tour is priced at $119 per person, with all tastings and beverages included, ensuring a hassle-free experience without additional costs. It departs from 14 Rue des Marins and provides a balanced mix of walking, tasting, and commentary, perfect for those wanting an authentic taste of Menton’s traditions.

The tour runs from 11:00 to 14:00, making it a great morning or early afternoon activity. The small size guarantees personalized attention from guides who are known for their warmth and deep knowledge of the region’s food culture. This setup allows for a relaxed pace, plenty of time to savor each stop, and genuine interactions with local producers.

Savoring Provençal and Italian Flavors

During this gourmet journey, the influence of Provençal and Italian traditions comes alive through a series of thoughtfully curated tastings. The tour begins with Provence’s citrus-infused wines, crafted by a regional fruit producer, giving a fresh and fragrant start. Following this, visitors enjoy a classic Socca, a chickpea flour pancake served warm with black pepper, showcasing the city’s simple yet iconic cuisine.

The guide leads you through Menton’s lively market, where you meet actual local producers and stop at Giuseppe’s shop to sample tapenade—a flavorful olive paste with lemon that captures the essence of Menton’s produce. This stop provides a snapshot of the city’s vibrant market life and culinary staples.

Exploring Menton’s Market and Local Specialties

The market visit is a highlight, lasting about 30 minutes, and offers the chance to see local producers and browse fresh produce, cheeses, and prepared goods. A key stop here is Giuseppe’s shop, where toast topped with tapenade invites a taste of local flavor. The bustling market atmosphere adds authenticity to the tour, making visitors feel immersed in Menton’s daily life.

After the market, the tour moves to a shaded market hall where regional specialties like Pichade, Barbajuan, Zucchini Tarte, and Mushroom Tarte flavored with truffle oil are sampled. These dishes showcase Menton’s unique blend of Provençal ingredients and culinary techniques, with each bite reflecting local traditions.

Seaside Dining and Italian Cheese Tasting

Next, the tour visits Plage des Sablettes, a popular seaside spot lined with restaurants that offer both great views and delicious dishes. Here, a famous chef, Mauro Calogreco, hosts a special tasting of Italian cheeses paired with Provençal wines. This stop combines the scenic beauty of Menton’s coast with a focus on Italian culinary influences, emphasizing the region’s diverse food scene.

The time spent at the beachside venue lasts around 15 minutes, offering a relaxed environment for tasting and conversation. The chance to enjoy sea views alongside cheese and wine makes this a memorable part of the experience.

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White Truffle Delights and Desserts

The tour then introduces white truffle flavors through a tasting of creams and pastes prepared in the Italian style with white truffle from Alba. This segment highlights Menton’s connection to Italy and its appreciation for luxurious ingredients. The 15-minute tasting allows for a close look at how truffles elevate simple spreads and pastes.

For dessert, the tour features the famous Lemon Tart, a local specialty cherished for its vibrant citrus flavor and lively textures. Alongside the tart, visitors sample orange cake crafted by Chef Mauro Colagreco, paired with a rich Italian espresso. This sweet finale emphasizes Menton’s reputation for fresh, citrusy desserts and high-quality pastry craftsmanship.

Finishing with Limoncello and Local Spirits

The last stop concludes with a few sips of Limoncello, the iconic lemon liqueur that encapsulates Menton’s citrus heritage. The 15-minute spirits tasting provides a fitting end to the tour, leaving guests with a memorable taste of the region’s signature flavors. This moment also emphasizes the tour’s focus on local, handcrafted beverages that reflect Menton’s unique climate and produce.

Logistics and Accessibility

The tour starts and ends at 14 Rue des Marins, with the itinerary divided into several stops, including market visits, tastings of regional foods, cheese and wine, desserts, and spirits. The total walking distance along the pedestrian path totals less than 1 km, making it manageable even for those with limited mobility.

Guides are fluent in English and French, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, thanks to the attentive planning by the provider, Food Tour Riviera. The small group size ensures a more personal experience and easier navigation through sometimes narrow market streets.

Value and Booking Details

The total cost for the tour is $102, with a $52 deposit required upfront. The remaining $50 is paid in cash to the guide at the start, covering all the tastings and beverages. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travel plans.

The tour is designed for those who appreciate personalized attention, authentic food experiences, and beautiful scenery, making it an excellent choice for food lovers visiting Menton. The small group limit enhances interaction and allows guides to tailor insights to specific interests or dietary needs.

Why This Tour Stands Out in Menton

The combination of all-inclusive tastings, small group setting, and local expert guides makes this tour a standout in Menton. The detailed itinerary covers a broad spectrum of regional flavors, from market specialties to seaside cheeses and truffle creams, ensuring a comprehensive taste of the city’s culinary identity.

Guests praise the knowledgeable guides especially for their engaging storytelling, warmth, and ability to adapt to individual needs, including those traveling with mobility aids or pets. The balance of walking, tasting, and relaxing makes it suitable for a wide range of visitors, especially those eager to learn about Provençal and Italian influences in Menton’s cuisine.

Menton Food and Wine Tour: Final Thoughts

This 3-hour experience offers a genuine sampling of Menton’s rich food culture, served up by passionate guides in an intimate setting. The all-inclusive nature and thoughtfully curated stops deliver great value, especially for those interested in authentic regional dishes and local wines.

While the itinerary includes plenty of delicious foods, the pace remains relaxed, allowing plenty of time for enjoyment without feeling rushed. The scenic seaside location and bustling markets add visual charm to the flavorful journey, making it a well-rounded activity for foodies.

The small group size fosters friendly interactions, making this tour particularly suitable for travelers seeking a personalized, memorable introduction to Menton’s gastronomy. Overall, it combines authenticity, expert narration, and delicious tastings into a compelling package for exploring this charming city’s culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I arrive for the tour?
The tour departs at 11:00, so arriving a few minutes early at 14 Rue des Marins ensures a smooth start.

Are all the tastings included in the price?
Yes, all food, wine, cheese, desserts, and spirits are included in the $119 ticket price, with no extra charges.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with allergies?
The guide takes note of allergies and dietary restrictions, but it’s best to notify the tour provider in advance to ensure accommodations.

Can I bring a pet or wheelchair?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and pets are welcome, with water provided for dogs.

How many stops are included?
There are approximately seven main stops, including market visits, seaside dining, cheese and wine tastings, and dessert.

What makes this tour different from others in Menton?
Its small group size, all-inclusive approach, and expert guides set it apart, offering a personalized experience in a scenic setting.

Is there any free time during the tour?
The scheduled stops include plenty of tasting and sightseeing, with minimal free time, making it a structured but relaxed experience.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made through the provider’s site, with flexible cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby