Close to 10 million people visit the French Riviera every year. Despite the Cote d'Azur's popularity, most of the region's footpaths remain a well-kept secret.


Yet footpaths criss-cross the region in some of the most scenic and sometimes unusual spots. They skirt the flanks of red volcanic mountains that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. They stroll along the coast and reach inlets otherwise only accessible by boat. They climb wild wooded bluffs and lead to prehistoric burial sites dating back to the early Copper Age some 4,500 years ago.


"Most visitors to the Cote d'Azur stay on the main corridors of attraction," explains Florence Chatzigianis, author of the new illustrated guidebook 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur. "Many would love to escape the crowds and veer off onto a footpath for a half-day of gentle adventure and panoramic views. They just don't know where to go for that."


26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur unveils short nature hikes between Hyeres and Cannes. The walks covered in the guidebook range from one to nine miles in length (one to four hours) and appeal to hikers of all levels of experience.


Florence Chatzigianis is a member of the French Hiking Federation. She helps many visitors to southern France hop off the main tourist tracks and discover the region's lesser-known walks.