What do readers say about the guidebook, 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur?
- LibraryJournal recommends the hiking guide calling it "well thought-out", "very usable," and "well-organized." Here's the full scoop:
Chatzigianis, Florence. 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur. AzurAlive, dist. by Beagle Bay. Feb. 2008. c.160p. photogs. maps. index. ISBN 978-0-9792796-2-1. pap. $16.95. TRAV.
Travel writer Chatzigianis's book is a well thought-out guide to a great hiking vacation in one of Europe's most stunning regions, the Western Mediterranean coast of France. Chatzigianis has herself hiked hundreds of miles in her beloved native region and invites readers to leave their traditional conceptions of a glitzy, glamorous Cote d'Azur for active discovery of its hidden charms e.g., provincial villages lost in time, perched on breathtaking capes overlooking truly endless horizons. Though the book does not indicate that renting a car is necessary, access to a vehicle would make the hiking itineraries more convenient. Ultimately a very usable and a well-organized resource; a welcome addition to the French travel information at your library. Matthew Loving, Univ. of Florida Libs., Gainesville
- EuropeUpClose.com was "thrilled to read 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur." "There is a map of each hike and lots of pictures to pique your interest. Another feature that makes this a great book to bring along on your trip to the Cote d'Azur is the descriptions of the flora, fauna, history and geology of the area. I learned so much about the area that I am anxious to return, book-in-hand to hike in the beautiful Cote d'Azur."
- Sue Vogan, of Book Pleasures calls the hikes "eloquently described". The book's sidebars about what you'll spot on the hikes, such as Cork Oak Trees and Giant Reeds, are "fascinating, and "captured with photographs and explained so that even a novice can understand the process."
- From Sue Freeman, author and publisher of over 17 guidebooks for Footprint Press Recreation Guidebooks: "Florence Chatzigianis has created a fabulous guidebook that lures you to the Mediterranean coast with color photos, color maps, and descriptions that paint a vivid picture in your mind's eye. In addition to listing route descriptions, distance, difficulty, and time required for each hike, she lists elevation change and even provides an elevation profile so you can see at a glance the changes in elevation you'll encounter."
Sidebars unravel the mysteries of cork harvesting, Roman mining operations, production of musical reeds, and other gems that provide a historical foundation for the walks. The walks themselves span from seaside strolls to mountain hikes. They provide you with views of the Mediterranean Sea, remains of Roman aqueducts, millstones left scattered across the countryside, sand beaches for clothing optional swims, and even a golden grass-filled lagoon. The walks are varied in terrain, scenery and cultural experiences. Florence proves you can escape from the crowded enclaves of the rich and famous and find solitude and an abundance of nature on the Cote dâAzur.
I can't wait to book a trip to France and use this book as my guide for day hiking across the beautiful Cote d'Azur."
- Wendy Hines from Armchair Interviews: "Excellent book for hikers and dreamers." "...Stunning maps and photographs of the nature hikes.... vivid descriptions..." "...I never knew some of these places even existed until I read this lovely guide. My interest has been peaked and I found myself daydreaming as I became absorbed in the photographs. My family may find themselves on a vacation soon that only I have been dreaming of!"
- Travel Horizons is a blog about the wide world of travel. It is sponsored by David Ourisman, CTA, an independent travel associate of Sterling Brownell, a Virtuoso agency. As a specialist in independent travel for the gently adventurous, David greatly appreciated 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur. Here's what he posted on his Travel Horizons web site: "This book is highly recommended for travelers to the Cote d'Azur who are looking for reliable self-guided hikes. "
- Barb & Ron Kroll, award-winning photojournalists and publishers of KrollTravel.com called it an "excellent hiking guide!" "We want to pack our bags, pack sacks and hiking shoes for a trip to Southern France with this book as our guide. 26 Gorgeous Hikes on the Western Cote d'Azur shows readers that this region is much more than resorts lining the coast."
