This 52.5 km journey starting from Monaco is a spectacular immersion between the sea and the Alpine foothills, requiring about 15 hours of walking over three days. You will climb towards La Turbie and its famous Trophy of Augustus before descending through the medieval alleys of Èze and the sacred heritage of Nice, a historic stop for pilgrims. The route features a total ascent of 1878m, offering breathtaking panoramas over Cap Ferrat and the Var riverbanks, finally reaching the castle of Villeneuve-Loubet. Between the visit to Saint-Roch church in Nice and the oratories hidden in the scrubland, this stage invites deep meditation on the traces of the ancient Roman Via Aurelia. It is a demanding itinerary where spirituality meets the grandeur of Riviera landscapes.
The effort is sustained with a significant negative vertical drop of 2352m which puts a lot of strain on the joints, especially during the descent towards the Nice coastline. The terrain is rugged and some balcony paths can be exposed to sun and wind, making energy management crucial over these three days.
Remember to have your credential stamped at Sainte-Dévote church in Monaco or at Nice Cathedral. Plan for a significant water supply for the climb to La Turbie and enjoy a spiritual break at the Cimiez Monastery.