Be guided by a French insider who regularly crosses the border to stock up on delicious Italian delicacies for his pantry.
Tuesdays and Saturdays: Sanremo
Just an hour from Nice, we find ourselves in the heart of the famous Ligurian seaside town. Head for the hustle and bustle of the market! This is an opportunity to admire the city's diverse architecture as you pass by, from the domes of the Russian Orthodox Church to the Belle Époque façade of the Casino.
Once there, the market reveals itself in two parts. On the open-air side, the stalls offer a vast selection of clothing, cashmere, leather goods and homeware. Right next door, the covered market halls tantalize the taste buds: this is the perfect place to stock up on local flavors, including Italian cheeses (Parmigiano, Pecorino), fine charcuterie (Parma ham, mortadella), Taggiasca olive oil, fresh pesto and sun-ripened vegetables.
After this sensory immersion, it's time for lunch to savor Ligurian specialties on the terrace. Indulge in the Brandacujun (cod brandade with pine nuts), the comforting Sanremo-style rabbit stewed in white wine, or, for a quick bite, a slice of Sardenaira, the local thick pizza with anchovies and garlic.
To aid digestion, head to La Pigna, the historic and medieval heart of Sanremo. As you pass through its fortified gates, you enter a maze of cobbled streets, vaulted passageways and hidden squares. As you climb through this neighborhood seemingly frozen in time, your effort will be rewarded: at the very top, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Coast offers a spectacular panorama of the entire bay.
Thursday: Bordighera & Seborga
Just 40 minutes from Nice, as soon as we exit the highway, we climb into the hills to discover the mysterious Principality of Seborga…
After this elevated getaway, we'll head back to the coast to soak up the flavors of Liguria at the market in Bordighera. As your appetite builds, take a seat for lunch on the seafront promenade.
Friday: Ventimiglia & Dolceacqua
Its market, a true tradition and institution for both Italians and French people from the Côte d'Azur, is considered the largest in Italy. Ventimiglia is also a popular town for buying jewelry.
Just a few kilometers away, the medieval village of Dolceacqua comes into view, dominated by its majestic Doria Castle… The perfect setting to enjoy a delicious meal in a family-run trattoria.
On our return from Italy, we succumb to the authentic charm of Menton. Ideally located between Monaco and the Italian border, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean, the town enjoys a subtropical microclimate. A true paradise for gardeners, Menton is home to magnificent gardens classified as “Historic Monuments” and boasts remarkable architecture, a testament to the Riviera's golden age.
