Hidden along a narrow street in the old town, this place is easy to walk past without realizing its past. Yet behind its façade lies a piece of Menton’s connection to Monaco’s princely history.

The Palais des Princes, located on Rue Longue in Menton, was originally built in the 15th century by the Grimaldi family and later expanded in the 17th century under Prince Honoré II of Monaco. Completed around 1650, it replaced an older fortified residence and served as a princely home as well as the seat of local administration.

During the French Revolution, the building became Menton’s first town hall before being sold and eventually converted into private residences. Its façade still reveals its former status, with the noble floor positioned unusually high.

Nearby, the Traverse des Diamants once connected the palace directly to the sea. According to local stories, members of the princely court lost jewels along this dark passage, giving the lane its evocative name.

Today, part of the building houses a restaurant inspired by local flavors, offering a modern interpretation of Menton’s culinary traditions.

👉 Local Tip: Combine this stop with a walk through Menton’s old town and look for the entrance to the Traverse des Diamants nearby for a glimpse into the village’s lesser-known history.