San Remo Market & Menton Day Trip from Nice with La Turbie

4.33

(6 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We started off early, the air still cool as our driver picked us up right outside the hotel in Nice. Crossing into Italy felt almost unreal—one minute you’re hearing French, the next it’s all ciao and buongiorno. The San Remo market was already buzzing by the time we got there. Leather bags hung everywhere, and I couldn’t help but run my hand over a few—soft, real, that faint smell of tanned hide mixing with fresh bread from a nearby stall. Our guide pointed out a tiny café tucked behind the main square where locals grab their morning espresso; I ducked in for a quick shot and watched vendors set up their displays of shoes and scarves.

After loading up on some gifts (and maybe a new wallet), we headed back over the border to Menton. The town feels slower here—pastel buildings, lemon trees heavy with fruit, and this gentle salty breeze coming off the sea. We wandered along the promenade for a bit; you’ll notice how quiet it gets away from the main drag, just gulls overhead and locals chatting softly at outdoor tables. Our guide shared stories about Menton’s lemon festival and pointed out a bakery famous for its tarte au citron—couldn’t resist grabbing one to share.

The last stop was La Turbie, perched high above Monaco. The road winds up through pines and suddenly you’re looking out over rooftops and yachts far below. There’s this old Roman monument—the Trophy of Augustus—standing right at the edge of town. I snapped a photo while our guide explained its history; apparently, it’s one of the last Roman remains in this part of France. The view is wild—you can see all the way to Italy on a clear day.