Menton

Menton's seafront runs from the Sablettes beaches to the casino, facing the old town that glows at sunset. On lead, it is the ritual morning and evening walk, extended by the Eugenie jetty which frames the perfect postcard of the ochre facades.

Vaulted lanes, pebble-paved staircases and Genoese facades: old Menton climbs from the sea to the forecourt of the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, a Baroque masterpiece whose pebble-mosaic esplanade looks towards Italy. The on-lead climb is steep but short, and the reward is total.

Created by Lawrence Johnston in the Gorbio valley, this listed garden tiers pools, terraces and rare plants acclimatised from five continents. Like most of Menton's botanical gardens, including Val Rahmeh, it does not admit dogs: plan a dog-sitting relay for the visit.

From Roquebrune bay, the customs officers' path rounds Cap Martin between pines, hidden villas and white limestone coves, with Menton and the Italian Alps as a backdrop. On lead, it is the finest coastal hike in the area, cool even in summer thanks to the breeze.

At the foot of the old town, this redeveloped pebble beach is Menton's most photogenic. Dogs are banned here in the bathing season, as on most of the town's supervised beaches; off season, early-morning tolerance returns, check the signs on site.

At 800 metres above Menton, this medieval village clinging to the cliff vies with Gorbio for the title of finest balcony on the coast. Cobbled lanes, castle ruins and panoramic trails all work very well on lead, pleasantly cool when the coast swelters.