This monumental 84.1 km crossing transports you from the Roman heights of the Trophy of Augustus to the shores of the Bay of Cannes, requiring approximately 22 hours of walking. This spectacular section of the Via Aurelia features 2,421m of elevation gain and 2,953m of descent, winding between Mediterranean balconies and the foothills of the Grasse hinterland. Along the way, the medieval spirit comes alive as you pass through perched villages like Èze and admire the secular chapels dotting the descent toward the Var river. Between fragrant scrubland and oak forests, the pilgrim experiences a profound transition from the verticality of the Alpes-Maritimes to the gentle curves of the Esterel nearing Mandelieu-la-Napoule. It is a spiritual odyssey where every step on the thousand-year-old Roman road connects the hiker to centuries of Jacquerean devotion.
The effort is intense, with over 2,400m of ascent across sometimes steep and technical paths, requiring excellent physical condition. The descent toward the Var river and the climb back into the Esterel hills put heavy strain on joints with nearly 3,000m of descent. Sun exposure is high on the rocky ridges, and supply points can be far apart during the intermediate stages.
Be sure to divide this section into three stages (e.g., Nice and Vence) to fully enjoy the exceptional religious heritage. Don't forget to stamp your credential at Nice Cathedral or the White Penitents' Chapel in Vence. Carry a significant water supply, as springs are rare on the limestone plateaus during hot weather.