Nestled on the Italian-French border, Ventimiglia serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the stunning Riviera. This picturesque region offers a wealth of experiences, from glamorous coastal towns to charming medieval villages and natural wonders. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of Monaco’s opulence or the rustic charm of Ligurian hillside settlements, the area surrounding Ventimiglia provides an array of captivating day trip options.
Embarking on these excursions allows you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that defines this corner of the Mediterranean. From world-renowned museums to hidden gems off the beaten path, each destination offers a unique perspective on the Riviera’s diverse attractions.
Exploring the french riviera: monaco and monte carlo
Just a short journey from Ventimiglia, the principality of Monaco beckons with its blend of luxury, history, and seaside charm. This tiny sovereign state packs an impressive array of attractions into its 2.02 square kilometres, making it an ideal day trip destination for those seeking glamour and cultural experiences.
Monaco’s royal palace and changing of the guard ceremony
Begin your Monaco adventure at the iconic Prince’s Palace, perched atop “The Rock” with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. This fortress-turned-royal residence has been home to the Grimaldi family for centuries. Time your visit to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a daily spectacle at 11:55 AM that showcases the principality’s rich traditions.
After exploring the palace’s State Apartments, adorned with Renaissance frescoes and opulent furnishings, take a stroll through the narrow streets of Monaco-Ville. This old town area retains its medieval charm, offering a stark contrast to the modern skyline below.
Monte carlo casino: architecture and gaming experience
No visit to Monaco is complete without admiring the legendary Monte Carlo Casino. Even if you’re not inclined to try your luck at the gaming tables, the casino’s Belle Époque architecture is worth the trip alone. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris Opera, the casino exemplifies the grandeur of 19th-century design.
For those interested in placing a bet, remember to bring your passport and adhere to the strict dress code. The casino’s opulent interiors have featured in numerous films, including several James Bond adventures, adding to its mystique and allure.
Oceanographic museum of monaco: jacques cousteau’s legacy
Perched on the edge of a cliff, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco offers a fascinating journey into marine science and conservation. Founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, the museum was once directed by the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Today, it houses an impressive collection of marine life, including a shark lagoon and a turtle island.
The museum’s blend of historical exhibits and cutting-edge research facilities makes it a must-visit for science enthusiasts and families alike. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the Monaco coastline.
Coastal gems: menton and Cap-Martin
Venturing east from Monaco, you’ll discover the charming coastal towns of Menton and Cap-Martin. These destinations offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to their glamorous neighbour, showcasing the French Riviera’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Menton’s old town and basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange
Known as the “Pearl of France,” Menton captivates visitors with its pastel-hued buildings and lush gardens. Begin your exploration in the old town, where narrow alleyways wind their way up to the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange. This baroque masterpiece dominates the skyline and offers panoramic views of the town and sea.
Menton’s microclimate, one of the mildest on the French Riviera, allows for the cultivation of citrus fruits. The town celebrates this heritage with an annual Lemon Festival, transforming the streets into a vibrant display of citrus-themed sculptures and parades.
Jean cocteau museum: surrealist art on the riviera
Art enthusiasts should not miss the Jean Cocteau Museum, housed in a striking modern building on Menton’s seafront. This unique institution showcases the multifaceted work of Jean Cocteau, the French poet, artist, and filmmaker who was deeply inspired by the Riviera.
The museum’s collection includes over 1,000 works by Cocteau, ranging from drawings and paintings to ceramics and tapestries. The building’s avant-garde design, reminiscent of a sea creature, serves as a fitting backdrop for Cocteau’s surrealist creations.
Cap-martin’s modernist villa E-1027 by eileen gray
For architecture aficionados, a visit to Villa E-1027 on Cap-Martin is essential. This modernist masterpiece, designed by Irish architect Eileen Gray in the late 1920s, is considered one of the icons of 20th-century architecture. The villa’s minimalist design and innovative use of space revolutionised concepts of modern living.
Recently restored and opened to the public, Villa E-1027 offers guided tours that provide insight into Gray’s vision and the villa’s complex history, including its connection to the famous architect Le Corbusier.
Italian riviera: san remo and bordighera
Heading west from Ventimiglia, you’ll encounter the glamorous resort towns of San Remo and Bordighera. These Italian Riviera gems offer a perfect blend of Belle Époque elegance, Mediterranean charm, and rich cultural heritage.
San remo’s casino and art nouveau architecture
Known as the “City of Flowers,” San Remo has long been a playground for the European elite. At the heart of its appeal is the magnificent San Remo Casino, an Art Nouveau palace that has been attracting high-rollers since 1905. Even if gambling isn’t your forte, the casino’s ornate façade and luxurious interiors are worth admiring.
Take time to wander through San Remo’s charming old town, La Pigna. This medieval quarter, with its winding alleys and hidden piazzas, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Don’t miss the Russian Orthodox Church, a striking reminder of San Remo’s popularity among Russian aristocracy in the 19th century.
Bordighera’s exotic gardens and claude monet’s painting spots
Just a short distance from San Remo lies Bordighera, a town that captivated the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. Follow in Monet’s footsteps by visiting the spots where he set up his easel, including the stunning Moreno Gardens. These exotic gardens, filled with rare plants from around the world, provided inspiration for many of Monet’s paintings.
Bordighera’s palm-lined promenade and sandy beaches offer a perfect setting for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing swim. The town’s laid-back atmosphere provides a welcome contrast to the busier resorts along the Riviera.
Villa hanbury: acclimatisation gardens on the mediterranean
Between Ventimiglia and Bordighera, you’ll find the magnificent Hanbury Botanical Gardens. Created in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Hanbury, these gardens showcase an impressive collection of exotic plants from around the world. The villa and its surrounding terraces offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, making it a paradise for both botanists and casual visitors.
The gardens’ unique microclimate allows for the cultivation of species from diverse regions, from Australian eucalyptus to South American cacti. A visit here is not just a horticultural experience but a journey through global landscapes.
Medieval villages: dolceacqua and apricale
Venturing inland from the coast, you’ll discover a different side of the Italian Riviera in the medieval villages of Dolceacqua and Apricale. These picturesque settlements offer a glimpse into Liguria’s rich history and traditional way of life.
Dolceacqua’s doria castle and monet’s bridge
Dolceacqua, with its imposing Doria Castle and iconic humpback bridge, seems frozen in time. The village’s stone houses cluster around the Nervia stream, creating a scene that inspired Claude Monet to paint several canvases. The Ponte Vecchio , a 15th-century bridge, forms the focal point of the village and offers a perfect photo opportunity.
Climb up to the ruins of the Doria Castle for panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and vineyards. The castle’s history dates back to the 12th century and tells tales of feudal power struggles and strategic importance.
Apricale: frescoes and ligurian culinary traditions
Perched on a hillside, Apricale is often described as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Its narrow streets and stone houses adorned with colourful frescoes create a magical atmosphere. The village square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, serves as the heart of community life and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
Apricale is renowned for its culinary traditions, particularly its olive oil and pansarole , a local sweet pastry. Dining in one of the village’s traditional trattorias offers an authentic taste of Ligurian cuisine and a chance to sample local wines.
Natural wonders: balzi rossi and toirano caves
The Riviera’s natural beauty extends beyond its beaches and gardens. The region is home to fascinating geological formations and prehistoric sites that offer insight into the area’s ancient past.
Balzi rossi: prehistoric artefacts and cliff-side beaches
Located just east of Ventimiglia, the Balzi Rossi caves are a treasure trove of prehistoric artefacts. These limestone cliffs have yielded numerous Palaeolithic finds, including tools, jewellery, and human remains dating back over 25,000 years. The on-site museum displays many of these discoveries, providing context to the region’s ancient human habitation.
Beyond their archaeological significance, the Balzi Rossi also offer stunning natural beauty. The small pebble beaches nestled at the base of the cliffs provide a unique setting for swimming and sunbathing, with crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling.
Toirano caves: stalactites and prehistoric bear remains
For a truly immersive prehistoric experience, venture to the Toirano Caves, located about an hour’s drive from Ventimiglia. These extensive caverns feature spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as evidence of both human and animal habitation from tens of thousands of years ago.
The guided tour takes you through a series of chambers, including the “Bear’s Cave,” where numerous cave bear remains have been discovered. The caves’ constant temperature and humidity have preserved these ancient traces, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine life during the Palaeolithic era.
As you explore these natural wonders, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the Riviera’s diverse landscapes and the millennia of history that have shaped this remarkable region. From prehistoric caves to medieval villages and glamorous coastal resorts, the area surrounding Ventimiglia offers an unparalleled range of experiences for the curious traveller.