MARKETS

Ventimiglia and San Remo markets are well known but horribly crowded.

Menton' s food market is pricey but the experience makes it woth it. There is also a night market which is very popular with the young.


FONDATION MAEGHT, ST PAUL DE VENCE

50mins away, this art gallery is a must for art lovers. Built in the 70s by the Maeghts to house the work of their artist friends, it is full of Miro, Braque, Matisse, etc. Lunch on the terrace of the Colonne d'Or will only happen if you book. Do not bother with St Paul itself. Beautifully presented but full of fat tourists.

NICE

We have not really explored Nice but it is a proper city, with shopping, opera and an old market square called the Place des Lice where you can eat almost anything.

VILLA D'EPHRUSSI ST JEAN CAP FERRAT

45 mins away, this whimsical palazzo is falling apart. Built in the early 20th century it houses an eclectic collection of stuff, but the best bit is the grounds, divided into several distinct gardens, and with the most amazing musical fountain. A salad in the restaurant allows a peek at the genteel folk of St Jean

HANBURY GARDENS MORTOLA

Just outside Menton, these very special gardens were created by Sir Thomas Hanbury (Allen and Hanbury Pastilles). In course of restoration, they are an annual pilgrimage for us. Caroline Hanbury still lives in the gardens and runs the friends of the gardens which she would be delighted for you to join.