Can anyone recommend a moderate hike of around 3-4 hours up to one of the peaks with good views in the Massif de l'esterel? Thanks for any recommendations

Get the Randoxygene Pays Cotier book from the conseil general office (Office du Departement opposite Albert 1er Gardens roundabout in Nice). It gives walks near the coast. There are four or five books giving dozens of different walks of different grades.

In the Esterel, we did one last weekend about two hours from Theoule: take the ramp down towards the beach and Chea Philippe restaurant and turn immediately back up through a tunnel with a footpath about 50yds long. Follow sparse signposting to Rocher des Monges for great viewpoint. Slight scrambling ability needed for last 10yds...

Here's the weblink - and to the other walks
http://www.randoxygene.org/pge/rando_pe/affiche_rando.php?rubrique=1&zone=3&rando=41&current=pc-44&ct=pc

Next month the RandoBus starts and it will take you directly to the Mercantour to start walks from certain locations and then pick you up at the end of the day. Costs a few euros, return.

Thanks a lot for the info and the link. Might give it a try.