Balzi Rossi

The name Balzi Rossi is well known among lovers of the Italian Riviera and the French Riviera.

Often this name does not evoke in all the same idea, the same concept.

In fact, lovers of history associate the name Balzi Rossi with prehistoric man. Sunbathers have heard of a remote beach where you can relax. Foodies, on the other hand, have a place in mind to savor the wonders of gastronomy.

So what are Balzi Rossi?

In this guide you will find out everything you need to know about this little paradise from every possible angle and all the reasons why you should definitely not miss it during your stay in Liguria or the French Riviera.

The Archaeological Site of the Balzi Rossi

The Balzi Rossi is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and is one of the most representative monuments of human history in Europe.

Here archaeological research began in the first half of the nineteenth century and has been going on for two centuries.

To celebrate the importance of this archaeological site, a national museum was built already wanted in 1898 by Thomas Hanbury (the same who built the famous villa with the gardens nearby ) and completed in its final layout in 1994.

On display in the Balzi Rossi museum buildings are incredible artifacts, 25,000 years old, found during research: many tools that accompanied the daily lives of prehistoric humans such as blades and arrowheads, icons and small statues, the so-called “Venuses,” as well as the famous triple burial that includes the skeletons of an adult homo sapiens and 2 younger ones.

Finally, a well-equipped route allows you to visit the huge caves behind the museum.

Balzi Rossi Beach

At the foot of the museum and caves, a wonderful stretch of coastline opens up to the sea that is considered one of the best beaches in Liguria.

This stretch of sea consists of a first rocky part, open free to the public, and the so-called “Spiaggia delle Uova”, open to the public but privately managed.

Both the public and the private parts are characterized by crystalline water and a seabed that immediately goes down to the depths that allow you to enjoy pleasant dives in the Ligurian Sea.

Spiaggia delle Uova

The “Spiaggia delle Uova” is named after the particular shape of the pebbles that cover it: white, perfectly smooth rock balls that resemble eggs.

And it is a paradise: white sunbeds and umbrellas, elegant and discreet; a gourmet restaurant (with a card specializing in fish dishes) ready to give way, at sunset, to a lounge-bar by the sea; Spa trails, yoga and water-fitness classes, even the tender service to land ashore directly from the boats.

A meeting place for artists, writers and what was once labeled as “the beautiful world”, it is an exclusive place (reservations are recommended, even for the beach) of a high standard, not exactly suitable for all budgets.

The Balzi Rossi Restaurant

Lovers of good food will instead know the historic and noble Balzi Rossi restaurant which over the years has come to be considered the best restaurant in Liguria and one of the best in Italy.

In recent years the Beglia family has renovated the place making it even more elegant modern and refined.

The breathtaking view of the Gulf of Menton is a perfect setting for top-notch cuisine that draws inspiration from the raw materials of the territory and the Ligurian tradition. But the dishes are reinterpreted enriched with refined reworkings and in search of unusual and inspired harmonies.

How to Get to the Balzi Rossi

The Balzi Rossi area is located a stone’s throw from the border between Italy and France, the border of Ponte San Ludovico.

The car is recommended to get there.

Your most comfortable motorway exits are Ventimiglia or Menton.

Between Ponte San Ludovico and the Balzi Rossi there is a convenient free parking area where you can leave your car. To reach the points of interest you then have to take a small pedestrian road bordered by a bar.

This is where the Paradise of the Balzi Rossi begins.

Conclusion

Now that you have reached the end of this guide on the Balzi Rossi I would know exactly what to expect from this magnificent setting.

Whether you want to take a historic and cultural trip, discover an enchanted place to bathe, eat at Gran Gourmet, a visit to this magnificent Paradise I recommend it to all travelers who want to discover Italian Riviera.