This inaugural 104.1 km journey, with an elevation gain of 3475m and a loss of 3314m, launches the pilgrim into a vertical epic between the Mediterranean and the Alpine foothills. Leaving the lemon-scented city of Menton, the path climbs toward the perched villages of Roquebrune and La Turbie, offering views of the Trophy of Augustus, before descending through the steep alleys of Èze and the heights of Nice. This three-day trek, requiring approximately 30 hours of walking, follows the ancient Roman road across the Var River and the Esterel massifs, where red rocks contrast with the sacred blue of the sea. Between Baroque chapels and hanging gardens, the journey becomes a contemplative meditation in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims who landed here to reach Arles.
With a 3475m elevation gain concentrated over three days, the effort is sustained and requires excellent physical condition, especially during the steep climbs to La Turbie. Sun exposure is almost constant along the Riviera balconies, and technical descents on rocky paths can be taxing on the joints.
Be sure to have your credential stamped at Saint-Michel church in Menton at the start. Carry a significant water supply as springs are rare between perched villages, and consider the coastal path variants if winds are too strong on the ridges.