The transition zone is mainly used for organic agriculture, and Aya Town is the first community in the country to develop a traditional recycling-oriented agricultural system, put in place in 1988.

UNESCO: EDUCATION

Friends and horticulturalists Charlotte Landolt and Letitia Jacot grow and mix herbs for their organic skin-care, syrup and tea company in a chalet about 12 miles from town.

WSJ: Alpine Apothecary | The Souvenir

Six kilometres east of Ventimiglia, the seaside resort town of Bordighera, also easily reachable by bus or train, has a smattering of trendy cafes and organic produce markets, a long ocean promenade lined with beach bars and glass-walled restaurants, plus a wide shoreline for sunbathing and swimming.

BBC: Have the Italian Riviera all to yourself