Who, what, where, when, why and how – author Florence Chatzigianis covers it all in her new book, 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Côte d’Azur. In a succinct 160 pages, she addresses why anyone would want to hike on a vacation, who these hikes are suitable for, what the hiking conditions are like, how to hike responsibly, when to go, what to bring, and where these gems are located.

She begins with a small overview map of the region covered, matched to a chart on the opposite page with corresponding trail numbers and brief details (region, trail name, terrain – from coast to forest to mountain/flat to some hills to climbs, distance, time and page number for expanded descriptions).

The hikes are grouped in five separate mini-regions: the Estérel Mountain Range, around St. Raphaël and Fréjus, the St. Tropez Peninsula, the Maures Mountain Range, and around Hyères. A one-page overview (and covering map) describes the mini-region before each individual hike is outlined.

The hike descriptions range from two to three pages in length and the corresponding trail maps (in colour) are easy to follow (complete with arrows for suggested hike direction). A small elevation profile and chart with distance, time, elevations, difficulty rating and topographic map reference numbers are additional resources of benefit to the reader. Useful contact information (usually tourist information office phone numbers and websites) can be found in a bright yellow box at the end of each hike description.

Scattered throughout the book are a series of miscellaneous “asides” – highlighted sidebar features on topics ranging from unusual flora found along a particular trail to an underwater hike complete with interpretive signage! As well, dozens of colour photos bring to mind the saying, “a picture is worth a 1000 words!”

Chatzigianis has a winner on her hands. This hiking guide is organized, full of facts, useful maps and bonus trivia – an amazing feat considering the slender size of this volume. I can’t do anything but recommend 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Côte d’Azur. Well done!