This epic 102.4 km journey through the heart of wild Provence connects the glassmaking town of Biot to the Templar city of Lorgues in approximately 26 hours of walking over three days. The pilgrim leaves the banks of the Brague river to ascend towards the Valbonne plateau, crossing the Estérel and Dracénie regions with 1,687m of elevation gain and 1,630m of loss. Along the way, spirituality is revealed through isolated Romanesque chapels and dry-stone oratories that dot the red earth paths and fragrant scrubland. Passing through historic villages such as Mougins and Roquebrune-sur-Argens offers stops rich in medieval history before reaching the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Benva at the gates of Lorgues. It is a complete immersion into the silence of oak and pine forests, where every step aligns with the rhythm of the cicadas and the Provençal breeze.
The effort is sustained with 1,687m of elevation gain, requiring excellent endurance over these three dense days. The sections in the Estérel massif can be grueling due to the heat reflecting off the red rock and the prolonged absence of water points between certain forested areas. The 1,630m descent will particularly strain the joints on occasionally stony and unstable paths.
Plan for a minimum water reserve of 3 liters, especially for crossing the wild areas before Lorgues. Be sure to have your credential stamped at the tourist office in Roquebrune-sur-Argens and visit the Thoronet Abbey if you choose a short detour. For a spiritual break, the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Benva in Lorgues is a must-see for its 15th-century frescoes.