Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a coastal town in Liguria, just a few kilometres from the French border and close to Menton. It is particularly known for its large Friday market, which draws visitors from across the Riviera, including from France, for its stalls of fresh produce, textiles and regional goods. The old town, perched on a headland, retains a medieval layout of narrow lanes, stairways and stone buildings, with the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta as a landmark. Not far from the centre, the remains of the ancient Roman settlement of Album Intimilium reflect the site's long history. Nature lovers can visit the nearby Hanbury Botanical Gardens, home to a notable collection of Mediterranean plants overlooking the sea. The town enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, ideal for seaside walks and swimming in season. Its railway station makes it a convenient crossing point between Italy and the French Riviera, particularly towards Nice and Monaco, making Ventimiglia a useful base for exploring the border region.