The Enchanting Journey Along the Riviera dei Fiori
There are journeys where the path itself becomes a compelling narrative, sometimes even more fascinating than the final destination. This sentiment undoubtedly comes to life along the splendid coast of the Italian North Western and French Riviera, especially in the stretch of road that, starting from Sanremo, traverses the picturesque Riviera di Ponente Ligure, known as the "Riviera dei Fiori," and meanders all the way to the Principality of Monaco.
In this extraordinary slice of paradise between Italy and France, the breathtaking landscape embracing locations like Ospedaletti, Bordighera, Ventimiglia, and Menton etches an indelible memory of this journey. An experience I would recommend to anyone, at least once in a lifetime. Just two days are enough, with strategic stops at the most enchanting spots along the way, to appreciate and capture the uniqueness of the coastal scenery.
I chose Ventimiglia as the base, the last Italian gem before the French border, facilitating easy movement between the two nations. Ventimiglia, known as the "La Porta Occidentale d’Italia" or "La Porta Fiorita d'Italia," is divided into two distinct zones: an ancient one with a medieval taste and a modern one born in the nineteenth century. In the oldest part of the city, you can admire the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Romanesque church of San Michele, dating back to the 10th century, where a magnificent nativity scene stands during the Christmas season.
The journey continues after leaving this fascinating town, passing through the small hamlet of Latte until reaching the border with France. Although customs control has eased with the entry into the European Union, the rise in immigration and landings in southern Italy prompted French authorities to reintroduce checks to prevent a massive influx of migrants. Welcoming us into French territory is the charming coastal town of Menton, known as the Pearl of France. With approximately 30,000 inhabitants, it presents itself as a charming seaside village with vibrantly colored houses, making it an extraordinary photographic attraction. Strolling through its center, rich with restaurants and shops, is a pleasant and unforgettable experience.
Continuing our itinerary, within a few kilometers, we reach the second (and last) border of our small transnational journey, the one that separates France from the Principality of Monaco. The microstate is currently led by Albert II, heir to Ranieri III, who married the beautiful actress Grace Kelly. Monaco offers numerous points of interest, including the Palace of the Princes, where you can witness the captivating changing of the guard ceremony just before noon, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where Prince Ranieri III and Princess Grace rest, the rich Oceanographic Museum, and the famous Casino. The construction of the latter was authorized by Florestano I in the mid-19th century to replenish the depleted coffers of the Principality. The success of the Casino even led to the abolition of all taxes on citizenship, motivating numerous athletes and entrepreneurs to choose Monaco as their residence.
The second day of exploration is dedicated to Sanremo, the largest city on the Riviera dei Fiori. Allowing time in this location is essential, with monuments and cultural points of interest at every turn. From the Cathedral of San Siro, a jewel of Romanesque architecture in the Ponente Ligure, to the Orthodox Church from the early 20th century located at the beginning of the Empress's promenade, named in honor of Empress Maria Alexandrovna, who donated some palm trees still present along the marble-paved path.
Walking through the alleys and streets becomes an experience in itself: from Corso Nazario Sauro to the promenade, always lifting your gaze to appreciate the beauty that Sanremo offers. Among the must-see stops are the famous Teatro Ariston, the venue for the Italian Song Festival and the Tenco Prize every February, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Costa above the Pigna (the historic center), and the Civic Museum of Palazzo Nota, not forgetting the Regina Elena Gardens with their viewpoint overlooking the entire city and the famous Villa Nobel.
