Going for a good walk in Nice is as easy as wandering Promenade des Anglais or catching a local bus to Mont Boron or a train to Beaulieu-sur-Mer.

From Beaulieu you can take the Promenade Maurice Rouvier down the Eastern side of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and make your way round the whole Peninsula.

But for real hikers much of the real action is up in the mountains of the Parc National du Mercantour where there are several good hubs from which to strike out. The La Colmiane resort particularly offers some great opportunities. There are also dedicated centres such as Space Between near St-Martin-Vésubie.

If you have enough time, the Vallée-des-Merveilles above Tende near the Italian border can be one of the most rewarding destinations. Here you'll find evidence of prehistoric activity just below Mont Bego.

Fans of entry-level mountaineering should also check out the Via-Ferrata at Lantosque.