The "Pearl of France" revisited: Menton

'Les Rampes de Saint Michel',  the staircase to the Basilica in Menton

My first outing to Menton felt as though I was shucking oysters and not finding the pearl in this so called "Pearl of France". I was weary, it was hot, we kept walking around in circles to find the Basilica, which we had already found and it was closed, then accidentally walked the famous 'les rampes', at that point I realised I was jaded by it all.

I was also so struck that my dear friend Michelle in the US, who completely loves Menton, was going to be in this place in a few weeks time and that we were missing each other. I was almost grumpy with the universe for these bizarre circumstances and poor timing. 

I did the next best thing, asked her to plan my return visit with all her favourites and what makes her love Menton. 

So from her must do's about food and everyday living:

• I bought the freshest Italian Taggiasca hand pressed virgin olive oil directly from the farmer at the Ventimiglia Mercato Coperto ...
• I bought his last season lemons from his tree, and I noticed how I felt about these gnarly looking lemons...
• In Menton I chased down her favourite honey boutique and bought the 'Miel & Citron' as this is the capital of lemon growers...
• Then down the alley to Maison Herbin for Lemon Marmalade and Fred loved the tart lemonade on sale too...
• Then the Les Halles Market for fresh produce and an assortment of deli items for our antipasto this evening...
• Last night we caught the train to Menton and choose our pizza spot. Another foodie treat and better than our pizza choice in Ventimiglia today...
• And of course gelato, a dark delicious frutti di bosco...

Thanks Mich for introducing me to your French 'pearl', I get it now and I noticed the special umbrella spot...I miss you.