We cruised through the urban and sophisticated French Riviera to the rugged charming Italian Riviera. Our destination was Finale Ligure, but each stop we made on the way was vacation-worthy on its own.

Boat shopping in Cannes

First we strolled around Cannes, admiring the yachts, stumbling upon the red carpet of the Cannes film festival, and drinking rosé on a charming corner. The next morning, we wandered the calm and rainy streets of Nice, stopping at a market to buy fresh veggies and bread. Later, we explored the futuristic and confusing roads of Monaco, where preparations for the Formula 1 race were in full swing. After a calming stroll through the Japanese garden, we drove away to Italy.

We loved the Japanese garden in Monaco

The freeway above the Italian Riviera is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. It sweeps above gorgeous valleys, then cuts through mountains. We cruised into Imperia, a perfect example of a charming Italian coastal town, with medieval buildings and cafes throughout.

The fortified part of Finale Ligure, where all of the climbing gear shops are.

Finally, we arrived to Finale, stunned by the beauty of the region and ready to crush.