One of old Genoa's most atmospheric and longest streets, Via San Lorenzo runs through the heart of the city and past the elegant cathedral after which it is named.
The latest in a succession of churches to occupy this site, the neo-classical exterior of the Chiesa di San Giorgio was constructed in the mid 19th century.
Hidden away in the back streets of Genoa, the ornate pastel yellow facade of the Santissimo Nome di Maria e degli Angeli Custodi provides a striking splash of colour in a gloomy neighbourhood.
The construction of this handsome sixteenth century church was financed by the rent from the shops below it, according to the Comune di Genova. Today, a couple of gaudy retail outlets continue to bring Chiesa di San Pietro in Banchi back down to earth.
The pleasant stroll along the Via al Mare Fabrizio de André (a jetty) past Genoa's vast aquarium, offers sweeping views over the city's harbour and the eclectic ships it shelters. You'll spot the Neptune, a Disney-esque replica of a Spanish galleon, as well as some massive cruise liners marooned by the pandemic. You'll end up on some floating barges, where you can sit down and soak up the maritime atmosphere.
With socially-distanced tables laid out in the piazza in front of the handsome Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Osteria Le Colonne serves well-presented Italian food with a view. The menu mixes classic and unusual dishes, such as a prawns and courgette spelt salad (pictured below). Selecting one of the latter can be a tad risky. But for a first course and just 10 euros, the cannelloni filled with spinach and ricotta cheese and accompanied by walnuts (pictured above) is a bit special. The waiters are friendly and talkative, helping to justify the punchy cover charge. Although it is a little pricey by Genoa's standards, Osteria Le Colonne is a memorable and enjoyable place to eat. 8/10
The medieval village of Valbonne holds a bustling market every Friday morning. Even during a pandemic, scores of stalls line the narrow streets, peddling everything from local produce to clothes and jewellery. In the heart of the village, the seventeenth century place des Arcades is a good spot to take a break, have a drink and people watch. Once the market subsides, you can wander around the pleasant pastel alleyways in peace and take a stroll down to the lush riverbank.
One of the timeless shops still scattered around Nice's old town.
Built in the late nineteenth century in a neoclassical style, Nice's imposing courthouse is illuminated in patriotic colours at night.
Lined with fairly bohemian cafes and restaurants, the largely pedestrianised Rue Saint-François de Paule is one of Nice's most atmospheric thoroughfares. It also boasts a couple of grand ornamental buildings, such as the late nineteenth century opera house (pictured below) and the neoclassical eighteenth century Saint-François-de-Paule church (pictured above).
Overlooked by the elegant Eglise de l'Annonciation dite de Sainte-Rita, Rue de la Préfecture is one of the main drags in Nice's extensive old town. It runs from the Place du Palais de Justice east towards the park that blankets Colline du Château.
