This masterful 89.3 km crossing through the heart of inland Provence requires approximately 23 hours of hiking spread over three days of active contemplation. Leaving the Templar village of Bras, you will tackle an ascent of 1265m and a descent of 1504m, crossing emblematic sites like the Sainte-Baume massif and the Arbois plateaus. The path winds through the Coteaux d'Aix vineyards and oak forests, passing through Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume and its monumental basilica, a spiritual beacon of the South. This section of the Via Aurelia offers a unique historical immersion, linking Roman remains to medieval oratories before reaching the ramparts of Salon-de-Provence. It is a stretch where the solitude of the scrubland paths invites profound pilgrim introspection.
The effort is sustained with 1265m of elevation gain, particularly when crossing ridge areas exposed to wind and sun. Endurance management is crucial over this long distance of nearly 90 km, including technical stony passages in the Arbois massif. Supplies are scarce between villages, making water autonomy essential during the Provencal heat.
Be sure to have your credential stamped at the Basilica of Saint-Maximin, the third tomb of Christendom. Plan a night stop near the Roquefavour Aqueduct to admire this impressive structure at sunset. Carry at least 3 liters of water per day, as springs are almost non-existent on the limestone plateaus.