Private chauffeur Ventimiglia
by Eminence Prestige
Ventimiglia — Vintimille in French — is the first Italian town after the French border, just 15 minutes from Menton and 45 minutes from Nice airport. Gateway to Liguria and the Riviera dei Fiori, it offers instant escape: colourful alleyways, family-run trattorias, a legendary market and an unspoilt Italian coastline. Eminence Prestige handles cross-border transfers with complete ease, from the centro storico to the Balzi Rossi beaches, from anywhere along the French Riviera.
Transfers from NCE and Menton
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the natural departure point for Ventimiglia: NCE ↔ Ventimiglia in 45 minutes via the A8 motorway then the Italian A10, fare on request depending on the vehicle chosen. From Menton, the last French town before the border, the journey takes just 15 minutes and is equally subject to a personalised quote. The border crossing at Ponte San Luigi (coastal road) or via the A8 (toll motorway) is generally made without a customs stop, the Schengen Area making formalities automatic for European travellers.
The Ventimiglia Friday market
Every Friday morning, Ventimiglia hosts one of the largest open-air markets in southern Europe: nearly 5,000 stalls stretching along the Lungoroya and into the surrounding streets, steps from the seafront. Italian leather goods, clothing, Ligurian gastronomy, cheeses, olive oils, aromatic herbs, household linen — the French clientele is massive and longstanding. Eminence Prestige offers a return trip from Menton with 3 hours on-site, and a group service in a Luxury Sprinter for up to 10 passengers — all on request depending on the vehicle chosen. Drop-off as close as possible to the pedestrian zone, with a precise meeting point for the return.
Old town & excursions in the Italian Ligurian hinterland
Beyond the market, Ventimiglia rewards leisurely exploration: its medieval centro storico perched on the west bank of the Roya, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Hanbury Botanical Gardens (one of Italy's finest gardens, created by an English lord), the archaeological site of Balzi Rossi and its prehistoric caves. Extensions to Bordighera (10 min, a Belle Époque resort beloved by Monet) and San Remo (25 min, casino, flower market, Festival della Canzone Italiana) are easily arranged. Full-day as-directed hire recommended to explore the Riviera dei Fiori at leisure.
Italy service: border crossing
Our chauffeurs are authorised to drive in Italy with French number plates, vehicle documents and professional VTC card all in order. Formalities are minimal thanks to the Schengen Area: no systematic checks, no visa required for EU nationals. A practical note for clients: in Italy, card payment is now accepted almost everywhere (including at the market), and the Italian A10 motorway is toll-based — charges are included in Eminence Prestige packages. We speak fluent Italian and liaise seamlessly with Ligurian hotel concierges.