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.

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Ladies looking to lunch or catch up with a friend can do it in the Grace Cafe headed up by Sophie Wright (previously at renowned bar and restaurant Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill), whose menus are prepared with organic, seasonal and local produce.

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Lovely details include bottles of organic white peach juice in the fridge, jars of homemade wild blueberry jam, and canvas beach chairs and umbrellas--everything you need to do absolutely nothing in full-barrelled comfort.

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