This 90.1 km journey through the heart of Provence takes pilgrims from the Cistercian Abbey of Le Thoronet to the outskirts of Meyreuil over three demanding days. With an elevation gain of 1953m and a loss of 1868m, the route winds through AOC Côtes de Provence vineyards, the Argens hills, and limestone massifs. Passing through key stops such as Carcès and Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, you will encounter exceptional religious heritage, including the Basilica housing the relics of Mary Magdalene. This section, requiring approximately 23 to 25 hours of trekking, offers a deep spiritual immersion amidst olive groves and the blue horizon of the Sainte-Baume massif. It is a genuine physical challenge where each hill provides a new perspective on the Var back-country before reaching the lands of Aix-en-Provence.
The effort is sustained with nearly 2000m of cumulative elevation gain, making for long daily stages (avg. 30km/day). The main difficulty lies in constant sun exposure on limestone plateaus and the scarcity of water points between villages. Stony descents in the Sainte-Baume massif can be taxing on the knees and ankles.
Be sure to get your credential stamped at the Saint-Maximin Basilica, a major Christian site. Carry at least 3 liters of water per day in summer and aim for a dawn start to tackle the climbs before the heat peaks. A spiritual stay at the Sainte-Baume guesthouse is highly recommended if you take the cave variant.