France - Menton

Lacking the self-importance of Monte Carlo, yet just as impressive a destination is the picturesque town of Menton. For us an unexpected delight after a slightly disappointing visit to Monaco. I had been to Monte Carlo before so I was keen to visit again, but somehow, the tiny province with it's larger than life personality is not a place that invites you to stay for long. We had spent a disappointing night in a very cheap hostel in Cannes and were looking for some relaxation. Moving further Eastwards we came across Menton and immediately fell in love with the place.

Even better, we found a really nice hotel that we could just about afford to stay in and the hovel that we stayed in in Cannes was instantly forgotten with the promise of crisp clean sheets, sea views and genteel company (and a private bathroom!). This town has loads to offer, far more welcoming than Monaco, reasonable prices, stunning views and a beautiful harbour. I am sure that the locals probably feel that they are the poor relation to their neighbours, but in fact they have true riches in this beautiful setting. Menton has shops that you can afford to shop in, restaurants where you can afford to eat and hotels where you can afford to stay. All this with the exactly the same weather as Monte Carlo and a much friendlier atmosphere.