Ventimiglia is the last coastal town in Italy before you cross into France. Its a bustling place, just a normal working town. Being right next to the sea you would imagine it to be geared up for tourists, like the French Cote D'Azur but the Italians don't seem to market themselves, which would bring much needed employment. to the area.
Driving up to the medieval village of Roquebrune from Menton is like driving up to the Hollywood Hills I would imagine - large impressive villas with landscaped gardens, enticing swimming pools and gated driveways. The views from Roquebrune are very beautiful with Monaco in the distance.
The tall palm trees in front of the market hall in Menton mimic the vertical church tower in the old town. The blue azure sky against the apricot and peach buildings are typical of this area.
This iconic 5 star hotel is on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Walk across the road and you are on the beach. I liked the huge palm trees that line the promenade contrasting with the clean lines of the hotel.
The view from our balcony is always interesting. Views of olive trees, mountains, houses, gardens and people going about their daily lives.
The
old town of Ventimiglia (Ventimiglia Alta) is incredible - with old,
crumbling walls, telephone and electric cables running everywhere,
typical of Italy but a real place, no airs and graces, just a place
where time has stood still, stuck in some kind of time warp. Most of the
steep streets are narrow, with access only by foot. A complete contrast
to affluent Menton in France just 10 minutes away, with its peach
coloured, well-kept buildings.
Biot is a charming village near to Antibes. There are many artisans specialising in working with glass. Today was warm, not a cloud in sight, the sea a lovely cobalt blue. The pale pinky yellow sandstone buildings and orange roofs are typical of this area and on a sunny day like today look stunning against the blue sea.
