Every Friday along Ventimiglia seafront, you can't miss it, just follow the crowds. Starts around 8/9 ends around 3/4. Best bet to avoid crowds is to get there as soon as it opens, shop then have lunch on the sea front.

Avoid coming by car if possible and get the train (first class may get a seat). 5 mins walk from station. DON'T leave your car on Thursday evening where the market takes place - it'll be towed. Also check before leaving your car anywhere for a few days - they only give 24 hours warning before setting up an event of some sort. Always worth haggling ("mi fa lo sconto?") at the stalls.

The market stalls come in several distinct groups. First there's the mainly Asian-owned ones selling cheap baubles and clothing. After them are Italian stalls also offering budget goods, then you get to the quality outlets with most of the products made in Italy. Finally there are stalls selling pricey items like real fur coats at several hundred euros each.

Ventimiglia itself is a good town for general shopping. Unlike Bordighera and Sanremo it's not stuffed end to end with boutiques; the shops sell real stuff to real people, sometimes at prices below those in the market. So if you have the time, take a wider look.