This opening 82.8-km journey over three days takes you from the Italian border to the heights of Grasse, with a challenging 3068m of ascent and 2980m of descent. Starting in Menton, the trail climbs toward the perched villages of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and La Turbie, following the edge of the Alps as they meet the sea, before reaching the religious sites of Old Nice. The route then winds through the Provençal hinterland, crossing the Loup valley and historic Vence, toward the fragrant hills of Grasse. Walking this ancient Roman road offers a profound spiritual immersion, where medieval bridges and pilgrims' markers guide your way under the Mediterranean sun. It is a demanding but contemplative start to the Way of Saint James, blending coastal glamour with the silence of the limestone plateaus.
The terrain is demanding with over 3000m of total elevation gain, particularly during the steep climbs to the hilltop villages in the first section. Sun exposure on the limestone slopes can be intense, and several technical sections between valleys require strong endurance to manage the successive climbs and descents.
Be sure to get your credential stamped at the Sainte-Dévote church or the Nice Cathedral. Pack plenty of water before leaving La Turbie, as fountains are scarce on the ridges, and consider a spiritual break at the Roseland Abbey along the way.