This 100.0 km Provencal odyssey connects Lorgues to Meyreuil over approximately 25 hours of walking, offering total immersion between central Var and the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence. Pilgrims leave the Saint-Martin collegiate church to venture into authentic Provence, tackling 2125m of ascent through the renowned Côteaux Varois vineyards and the Sainte-Baume massifs. Passing through Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, a spiritual landmark home to the relics of Mary Magdalene, the path takes on a profound spiritual dimension before reaching the foot of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. The trails wind through fragrant scrubland, pine forests, and olive groves, connecting historic villages like Bras and Pourrières in a sun-drenched atmosphere of contemplation.
Ranked as difficult, this section requires excellent endurance to manage the 2125m of ascent and 2032m of descent accumulated over three days. The passages through the Sainte-Baume massif can be steep, and the sun is intense on the limestone plateaus where shade is scarce. Water management is crucial, as some sections between villages are long and particularly arid during summer.
An extended stop at the Basilica of Saint-Maximin is essential to get your credential stamped and admire the third most important tomb in Christendom. Plan to divide the journey into three days with overnight stays in Saint-Maximin and Pourrières to balance the effort. For photography enthusiasts, the views of the south face of Sainte-Victoire as you approach Meyreuil are sublime at sunset.