This majestic 73.7 km crossing from Nice plunges you into the brilliance of the Riviera before climbing the balconies of the Provençal hinterland. Over 3 days of walking, with 2226m of elevation gain and 2369m of loss, you will leave the Promenade des Anglais to reach the heights of Vence and the ramparts of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, true medieval gems. The path then leads through fragrant scrubland and crosses the Var River, offering spiritual panoramas between sea and mountains before reaching the city of Cannes. This section embodies the duality of the Via Aurelia: coastal effervescence and the contemplative silence of the perched Romanesque chapels marking your pilgrimage towards Arles.
The effort is sustained with over 2200m of cumulative elevation gain, particularly during the ascent to the Baou de Saint-Jeannet, which requires good physical condition. The descents towards Cannes can be taxing on the joints, and sun exposure on the limestone ridges necessitates constant vigilance. Moving from Nice to the hinterland implies rigorous water management, as supply points become scarce once you leave the coast.
Take a spiritual break at the Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, decorated by Matisse, for a unique moment of reflection. To stamp your credential, favor the churches in Saint-Paul-de-Vence or the Nice Cathedral at the start. Bring walking poles for the steep slopes and take advantage of the many drinking fountains in the perched villages before starting the scrubland sections.