About

Just 40 minutes from Nice by TER (from €5), crossing the French-Italian border and arriving at Ventimiglia on the Italian Riviera is one of the most accessible and most transporting experiences from Nice. In the Schengen zone, no usual passport control, but an immediate change of atmosphere, language, cuisine and rhythm.

Ventimiglia's lower town is a permanent market in itself, Ligurian grocers with warm focaccias and olives, trattorias with fresh pasta at €10, cafés where espresso costs €1.20. But the true highlight is the Friday morning market, one of the Franco-Italian border's most frequented markets, with clothing, shoe, leather goods stalls and Ligurian local produce.

The Medieval Old Town

Ventimiglia Alta, the old town, is perched on the hillside above the lower town, accessible on foot from the station. Its medieval alleys, arches, 12th-century Romanesque cathedral and stone houses form a remarkably preserved ensemble, nearly ignored by tourists.

The Italian Riviera

From Ventimiglia, the train continues toward Italian Riviera towns: Bordighera (the gardens Monet painted), San Remo (casino, Corso Fiorito, The Mall Sanremo luxury outlet), Albenga.

How to Get There

TER from Nice-Ville, 40 min, from €5. Identity document recommended.

Visitor reviews

Highlights: Ventimiglia described as the most immediate change of scene from Nice, changing country and language in 40 train minutes for €5. Friday market unanimously cited as a very transporting, fun experience. Warm focaccia and €1.20 espresso are recurring pleasures in reviews. The medieval old town described as a rare discovery.

Areas for improvement: Friday only for the great market. Lower town less beautiful than Côte d'Azur villages. Return journey can be disrupted by random border checks.

Overall impression: Ventimiglia is Nice's most transporting and most economical excursion, Italy, the market and focaccia in 40 train minutes, for under €10 return.

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