Less than an hours’ drive from The Mall Sanremo, Menton awaits in all its sun-kissed elegance, pastel-hued buildings and an atmosphere somewhere between the French Riviera and the Belle Époque.

Our day begins among the scents of bread, citrus fruits and spices at Marché des Halles, where we can breakfast on a freshly-baked tarte au citron, in homage to the fruit that made the city famous.

A stroll along the Promenade du Soleil brings us to Manton’s Baroque heart: the Old Town, complete with narrow streets, warm colours and dilapidated facades. It takes us up to the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, with its large piazza – on summer evenings in July and August, the wonderful concerts of the Menton Music Festival are held here – and the Cemetery of Vieux-Château, with stunning panoramic views. Then it’s lunch at L’Orangerie, where the Japanese chef will wow us with sophisticated interpretations of mediterranean dishes.

In the afternoon, a visit to the Jean Cocteau Museum in the Bastion, followed by an aperitif at O’ Petit Corner; for dinner, we recommend La Mandragore for superb traditional fare.

On day two we delve into the luxuriant nature of the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, a leafy labyrinth of palms, tropical plants and a waterlily pond with sea views; then relax on Les Sablettes beach, with its calm water and the Old Town as picturesque backdrop. For lunch there’s modern seafood at Les Sablettes Beach and, for an unforgettable end to our trip, dinner at the three-Michelin-starred Mirazur: sea views, an aromatic garden and the ultimate in creative cooking.