October in the Italian Riveria with kids

[DaddyDan]

We are being a bit spontaneous here. My kids will be off school the last week of October, so I started looking for a place to go near the Mediterranean. One place I found on AirBnB is a very unique place to stay in Vallebona, Italy. It is on the western edge of the Italian Riviera.

If we head down this way for up to a week, what should I do with our ungrateful little twerps lovely young girls, ages 6 and 8? Will there be autumn leaves to enjoy in the area? We will drive down, so anything is within our reach. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

 

[Alpinista]

The tour of the palace in Monaco might be a fun thing for the girls (about 45 minutes away). Sanremo (about 30 minutes away) has a beach promenade, a Russian onion dome church, and other things to enjoy on a walkabout. My wife's home is up in the hills near Lucca and the trees are in full color foliage in late October -- not sure about the warmer area that you would be in.

October is also the time for chestnut festivals. Check around to see what local festivals might be underway.

 

[DaddyDan]

There appears to be a chestnut festival in Rossiglione. There also appears to be a truffle festival in Alba...

We will be driving own from Geneva through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. maybe we will see nice colors on the way down.

 

[Ian Sutton]

I reckon Autumn leaves will be around. To that aim, worth considering the Hanbury Gardens, a 30 min drive past Ventimiglia.

Dolceacqua may also be of interest, with a perhaps over-famous bridge, but I hear it's pleasant.

Another thought... there is a train service from Ventimiglia to Cuneo (the latter a place that can reward well enough a short visit, due to the compact old town). The train is nicknamed 'the wonder train', and it skirts into France and then back out, as it climbs up through the mountains, at one point doing a full circle to gain height. IIRC about a 2 hour journey (we've not done it yet, as the route was closed on our last visit to Cuneo). Taking a picnic on the train should add to the adventure, for adults as well as children.

 

[Alpinista]

Also thought of Nice as another spot with a beautiful promenade and local attractions, including the Rothschild Villa and Gardens outside the city.

 

[Sunflower]

I'm just following this post cause' I'm having a trip in Italy this July