This masterful 102.7 km journey, typically completed in three days of steady hiking, immerses you in the heart of limestone Provence and its vast forest massifs. Featuring a total ascent of 1642m and a descent of 1582m, the trail leaves the coast for the Grasse hinterland, passing through authentic villages such as Pégomas, Les Adrets-de-l'Estérel, and Lorgues. The route is punctuated by ancestral symbols of faith, from dry-stone oratories to small rural chapels, leading toward the Cistercian serenity of Le Thoronet Abbey. Between limestone scrubland and shaded paths under pines and cork oaks, the pilgrim experiences a powerful spiritual transition, moving away from coastal bustle to embrace monastic silence. The stage concludes with a moment of pure contemplation before the architectural simplicity of this Cistercian 'marvel'.
The effort is rated as difficult due to the cumulative distance and the 1642m of elevation gain, which challenges the knees on rocky terrain. Water management is critical, especially during the crossing of the Estérel massif and the dry stretches between Draguignan and Le Thoronet, where the sun can be relentless in summer.
Plan a stop in Lorgues to admire the Saint-Martin collegiate church and have your credential stamped. We recommend staying at the Notre-Dame du Torrent monastery or the Le Thoronet Abbey guesthouse for a full spiritual experience. Important: check forest access restrictions during dry periods via the Var prefecture website.