Wander, learn, repeat

Tag: Gorbio

  • Culinary Treats on the Côte d’Azur

    I’m certain that this is not a complete list, but don’t miss these culinary treats if you’re traveling to the following towns on the Côte d’Azur.

    Baked Gnocchi, just one of the many culinary treats on the Côte d'Azur
    My gnocchi from Little Italy

    Antibes

    • Gelateria del Porto (great place to enjoy a gelato and do some people-watching)

    Gorbio

    • Les Terrasses (temporarily closed, but hope it re-opens soon)

    Menton

    • Atelier Boulanger (I should be embarrassed by how many visits I made to this gem.)
    • L’Orangerie
    • La Cure Gourmande (has several locations in France)
    • La Pecoranegra (can’t wait to try the Lyon location)
    • Little Italy (Yes, I went twice. The waiter remembered my order and reminded me to skip the appetizer, so that I could finish my Baked Gnocchi!) https://www.restaurant-italien-menton.fr/
    • JR Bistronomie (elegant and highly rated; reservations necessary)
    • Tutti Frutti and Gelateria Sofia, tied for amazing gelato

    Villefranche-sur-Mer 

    • Glacier Ferraci (delicious gelato and a friendly vibe)

    Ventimiglia 

    • Caffè Vergnano 1882 (near the train station and a great spot for pastry before you hit the Friday market)

    What can you add to this list of culinary treats on the Côte d’Azur?

  • Notes from a June 2024 trip to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

    I recently visited Menton, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Gorbio, Saorge, in France and Ventimiglia, Italy. Here are my notes from my June 2024 trip to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.

    • Every driver in Menton and Antibes stopped for me as I attempted to cross the street, even when I was distracted and should have been paying more attention. What a different experience compared to Florida, where I now live!
    • Ventimiglia’s hosts its legendary market only on Fridays. Contrary to what I’ve read in several other publications, neither Ventimiglia’s crowds nor its vibe were oppressive on a Friday morning in June, at 9:30 a.m. It did get busier closer to noon. Try to make the trip on a Friday at the beginning of your travels, so that you have time to enjoy the culinary treats available. I made the mistake of going on my second Friday, and couldn’t take full advantage of the delicious possibilities because I had a Sunday departure. https://wanderlearnrepeat.com/six-travel-tips-you-probably-know-but/
    • It’s relatively easy to navigate the bus systems to various villages from Menton, but the buses are not frequent.
    • If insects love you as much as they love me, you will need repellent, at least in June and July. I can’t speak for the rest of the year.
    • I found Villefranche-sur-Mer stunningly beautiful, but I don’t place it on my favorite list. I found the town full of tourists speaking English. As an American, that’s a negative for me. It may be a great spot for travelers wanting to have the comfort of their own English language.
    • If you have 4 hours or so, do take the bus to visit the small villages of Saorge and Gorbio. I saw very few other humans during the several hours I spent there. Especially for Saorge, wear comfy footwear with a good grip. Those hilly cobblestones are slippery!
    • Talk to strangers. It’s so much fun. I had a blast giving directions, in a combination of French, Spanish, and Italian (which I don’t actually speak) to a young woman.
    Guitar sculpture, Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

    These are just my notes from MY trip to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. I’m always interested in your thoughts on this, my favorite region.