This 66.0 km journey through the heart of 'Provence Verte' unfolds over three days of contemplative walking between the Abbey of Le Thoronet and Pourrières. Featuring an ascent of 1280m and a descent of 1182m, this section leads you from the Argens riverbanks to the foothills of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire, passing through Cabasse and Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. The path highlights the medieval significance of the Via Aurelia, leading pilgrims through renowned vineyards and oak forests dotted with Romanesque chapels. Reaching the Basilica of Saint-Maximin, the third most important tomb in Christendom, represents the spiritual peak of this 18-hour trek before reaching Pourrières. The pilgrim experiences an authentic Provence, balancing arid scrubland with the refreshing coolness of hidden valleys.
The exertion is steady due to the 1280m elevation gain, especially during the transition from wooded valleys to sun-exposed limestone plateaus. The 66 km distance requires strict management of water and energy, as some scrubland sections offer very little shade. The technical terrain in the rocky areas after Cabasse demands careful footwork to avoid ankle injuries.
Don't forget to get your credential stamped at the Abbey of Le Thoronet at the start, and then at the sacristy of the Saint-Maximin Basilica. Plan a long break in Saint-Maximin to visit the crypts, a major site for Compostela pilgrims. In summer, an early dawn departure is essential to avoid the intense heat of the vineyard plains.