Here it is, time to leave for the next adventure. It’s time to say goodbye, Menton after a wonderful month and half. How does time fly so quickly in a place where life moves at such a relaxed, laid back pace? They call Menton the “Pearl of France” and it is truly a gem. From the moment you drive into the town, you are greeted by grand avenues lined with palm trees and sidewalks bustling with leisurely strollers, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Time to Leave, Goodbye Menton
The Heart of Menton is its old town. You can read more about Menton here. Wandering its cobblestone streets, lit by charming old-world lanterns feels like stepping back in time. And let’s talk about the food, Oh the food! With Menton being just 8 km from the Italian border (and under Italian rule until the 19th century), the cuisine is a glorious blend of French and Italian influences. From pastries to pizza every bite was a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Believe me, I took my “research” seriously. Undeniably, the pistachio croissant is nothing short of genius! That heavenly combination of buttery pastry and smooth nutty goodness quickly became my morning ritual.
Everyday I walked the dogs along the Mediterranean coastline, a true blessing and gift! The broad beaches and sparkling bay of Menton was our playground! I had so many pinch me moments all of the time. Feeling so filled with gratitude to be able to experience this. But now it’s time for a change of scenery. My next stop, Annecy, nestled in the French Alps and just a half hour from Geneva.
Traveling With Dogs
Traveling with dogs always adds an extra layer of complexity to any trip. They are great travelers and in France dogs are allowed on most modes of public transportation. The drive from Menton to Annecy is about 6 hours, and while I’d love to say I am comfortable driving here, I’m not. The thought of navigating Alpine roads in November, with their unpredictable weather and speedy drivers had me looking for alternatives. Plus, I’ve somehow managed to acquire a rather eclectic collection of “necessities” during my stay; a tea kettle( I love having a cup of tea at night), extra bags of dog food and a large bottle of extra virgin olive oil from an Italian farmer’s market, priorities obviously.
Next Stop, Annecy
Public transportation was not an option. The train would take nine hours with a connection, and the sheer volume of my “essentials” ruled out buses. Then an inspiration struck during an Uber ride. In a moment of desperation, I asked the driver if he did long-haul trips. To my relief, he said YES! He was kind, professional and a great driver, so by the time he dropped me off, we’d made arrangements for him to drive us all the way to Annecy, dogs and all!
So now, as it is time to leave, and as I prepare for the next leg of my journey and a heartfelt goodbye Menton. I’m looking forward to sharing the adventures of our road trip north. Stay tuned, there’s bound to be humor, a few hiccups and hopefully more pistachio croissants along the way.
Thanks for being here,
-Soraya
Interested in reading more about my first days in Menton? My First Week Living in France