The first Sunday in August saw Ventimiglia holding their annual Summer open air market. It really is a day to find a bargain. The crowds come from both the French and the Italian Rivieras plus the tourists from all over the world. People chatted excitedly in a huge range of languages and dialects.

With temperatures soaring into the 30's people were able to cool off in the many new cafés that have been appearing in Ventimiglia and in the new pedestrianised areas housing some of the best boutiques in the the town.

Street music was also provided which gave it that continental feel, and together with a real Italian 'gelato' (Ice cream), I was able to find a bargain or two or three or ... thank goodness I was meeting someone.

So for future planning: First Sunday in August, Ventimiglia is a good place to be.