This 67.0 km journey over three days takes you through the heart of Cézanne's iconic landscapes, connecting the foothills of Sainte-Victoire to the city of Nostradamus with an elevation gain of 1045m and 1275m loss. Leaving Pourrières, the path winds through the vineyards of the Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, passing Puyloubier before reaching the thermal city of Aix-en-Provence and its prestigious Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. Upon leaving the city, the route rises toward the Arbois plateau, offering breathtaking views of the Étang de Berre, before descending toward the hills of Lançon-Provence. Between fragrant scrubland and secular olive groves, the pilgrim walks in an atmosphere of Provençal serenity, marked by numerous oratories and Romanesque chapels. The journey concludes in Salon-de-Provence, at the foot of the Château de l'Empéri, a historical junction between the Rhone Valley and Mediterranean ports.
The effort is sustained due to the cumulative distance over three days, with a 1045m ascent spread across short but sometimes steep climbs in full sun. Crossing the Arbois plateau is particularly exposed to the wind and offers little shade, which can make walking strenuous in summer. Supply points are spaced out between Aix-en-Provence and Salon-de-Provence, requiring good management of your resources.
Remember to have your credential stamped at Saint-Sauveur Cathedral in Aix-en-Provence, a major spiritual stop on the Via Aurelia. Plan for at least 3 liters of water per day, as fountains are rare on the limestone plateau between Aix and Lançon-Provence. A stop at Nostradamus' house in Salon-de-Provence is a great cultural reward at the end of the journey.