I’m loving our balmy fall weather and gazing at the harvest moon. But, can we savor a little more of summer? I was able to spend a lot of time at our place in Eze this summer and I want to share some of my favorite discoveries, hoping it will be inspiration for your next trip to France and beyond.
One of the things I love most about our place in Eze is that the Italian border is just minutes away. In July friends brought me to La Spiagetta dei Balzi Rossi by boat and I was astounded by the splendor of it all. It’s just past the French border on the Western Ligurian Riviera. As we arrived and set anchor a thunder storm broke out overhead. But, no matter, a cold bottle of champagne was popped open and we stayed under cover sipping and applauding the storm.
The club is in a protective little bay at the base of the alps surrounded by red granite rocks. Above, the occasional train rumbles by and the town of Ventimiglia stretches up the rockery above. By the way “beach club” on the French and Italian riviera generally means a restaurant and lounge chairs, which anyone can pay to use.
Storms can come and go quickly in the area and this one departed just in time for the skiff from the club to pick us up. BTW, they will pick you up in their boat from Monaco, San Remo or Ventimiglia, just call +39 0184 227020.
Passing by their lounge chairs after landing at their little dock I was eager for my first dip in the sea just after ordering lunch…
under the watchful eye of the bagnino.
“The music designer” was spinning the tunes so we instantly slipped into his good vibes as we settled in for an alfresco lunch on the deck.
What’s not to love here? The fresh sea air, blue skies, spectacular views, groovy music, oh, and good food…
These rocks attract sunbathers, cliff jumpers and those who enjoy isolated balmy blue pools of the Ligurian sea.
I loved it so much I had to bring Mr. Splendid back. This time we came by land. My girlfriend and I had hit the market in Ventimiglia {where we found some splendid finds} and then took a 25 minute taxi to this beachy bliss. Mr. Splendid and friends drove from Eze.
Oh yes, did I mention food? This is my favorite eating situation which I call “elegant food in a rustic setting”… I think food just tastes better when you’re in a more natural eating situation. The first time we went playful Paolo offered the table this giant lobster…. look at all of those barnacles, how old do you think he was? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lobster that large. To tell you the truth, I wanted to grab him off the tray and release him back into the sea.
But our darling host thought it was a better to have lobster pasta for the table, and so we did.
….after starting out with a selection of fresh and local starters.. luscious melon & prosciutto {which they serve with a dollop of melon sorbet}, oysters & mignonette sauce, burrata & tomatoes and tuna crudo.
When we came by land the spaghetti alle vongole was immensely enjoyed by Mr. Splendid
and I loved my grilled fish with local zucchini, green beans, olives and salted capers
all washed down with refreshing Italian pink water!
It was a hot day so we paused for a swim in the sea before piling back in the car to return to Éze.
When we came by boat in July most of us swam back to the boat and joyfully frolicked around a bit before cruising back to Eze.
We’ve built a little run~about boat {called SPLENDID, mais oui} to have in France now. It’s definitely more fun to come and go to places like this by water. I’m really looking forward to exploring more of the Ligurian Riviera by boat in the future and sharing the experiences with you.
If you’re planning a trip to the south of France, please feel free to contact me with any questions.
