This 85.1 km journey across the heart of authentic Provence requires approximately 22 hours of walking over three days of intense pilgrimage. Starting from Brignoles, the city of the Counts of Provence, you will tackle a cumulative elevation gain of 1692m and a loss of 1660m through limestone massifs and fragrant scrubland. The trail winds through renowned vineyards and pine forests, passing gems such as the Abbey of La Celle and the hilltop village of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, a major site for Christian history. Between the Sainte-Victoire and Aurélien massifs, this stage offers a deep spiritual immersion, culminating in a panoramic arrival at Ventabren overlooking the Arc Valley. It is a demanding route where the horizon reveals the thousand-year-old history of the Via Aurelia.
The physical effort is significant with nearly 1700m of ascent, which is particularly taxing when crossing rocky areas exposed to the sun. Traversing certain limestone passes requires vigilance, and the length of the daily stages (around 28km per day) demands excellent cardiovascular conditioning.
Carry a substantial water supply as refill points are scarce between Saint-Maximin and the destination. Be sure to have your credential stamped at the Basilica of Saint-Maximin, which houses the relics of Mary Magdalene, and take a break in Pourcieux to admire the Cézanne-like landscapes.