This 67.7 km Provencal odyssey through the 'Provence Calcaire' invites you to a total immersion between the green of the pine forests and the ochre of the Sainte-Victoire massif. Starting from Bras, you will tackle 1203m of ascent and 1231m of descent over three intense days, passing through Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume—a major site of Western Christianity—and the village of Pourcieux. The trail winds through renowned vineyards and fragrant scrubland, offering striking panoramas of the limestone ridges that deeply inspired Cézanne. Between the cool shade of ancient abbeys and the raw Mediterranean light, every step toward Ventabren strengthens the spiritual dimension of your pilgrimage on the ancient Via Aurelia.
The physical effort is sustained with a total ascent of 1203m, especially demanding during climbs under the harsh sun of the Sainte-Victoire area. The cumulative distance over 3 days requires excellent stamina management and constant hydration, as shaded areas are scarce in the stony scrubland.
Be sure to get your credential stamped at the Basilica of Saint-Maximin, the third most important tomb in Christendom. Carry plenty of water between Pourcieux and Puyloubier, and take time in Ventabren to admire the nearby famous Roquefavour Aqueduct.