Getting there

We flew to Genoa in Italy for £80 return and picked a car up at the airport. There is no trouble taking the car across borders and the motorway runs from the Italy all the way to Monaco. The tolls will cost about £25 and the drive takes about 2 hours if there is no traffic.

The motorway winds its way along the coast and through tunnels carved high above the coast. This road must have been the inspiration for the computer game 'Gran Turismo' as you are constantly squeezing past racing trucks and other small continental cars as they hurtle along the narrow road in and out of the tunnels.

The other options are more obvious but perhaps more expensive depending on when you go. Nice has an airport, serviced by EasyJet and the other online airlines. It would even be possible to fly into Marseille and drive the 2 1/2 hours.

Alternatively, hop on the Chunnel and drive down.

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When to go

The winter is a good time to go as the crags will be deserted. On fine, clear days, it is possible to climb in T-shirts (15 degrees C) but duvets are still required for belaying. Ideal temperature for redpointing.

The summer is a definite no-go as the place is much too hot and the whole area is overrun with tourists. The best time to go is in the Autumn as the crags are still dry from the summer, the colours of the landscape are magnificent and it is easy to turn up and find a hotel.

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