This 91.2 km journey along the Voie Aurelia offers a spectacular crossing between the sea and the mountains, with a challenging 2989m of ascent and 3220m of descent. Starting from the church of Sainte-Marguerite in Roquebrune, the path overlooks the Mediterranean before reaching La Turbie and its famous Trophy of Augustus, a spiritual gateway to Nice. You will traverse the hills of Nice and the foothills of the Esterel massif, passing through authentic villages like Èze and La Gaude before reaching Cannes. Between garrigue paths and limestone cliffs, this three-day section provides a deep immersion into the history of early pilgrims walking the French Riviera towards Compostela. The intense physical effort is rewarded by breathtaking panoramas, inviting silent contemplation of the vast azure horizon.
The effort is particularly demanding with nearly 3000m of cumulative elevation gain over three days, including steep climbs right from the start in Roquebrune. Sun exposure is almost constant on the rocky ridges, and technical sections in the hinterland of Nice require great vigilance. Water points are scarce between La Turbie and Nice, making self-sufficiency crucial.
Plan for at least 3 liters of water per day and have your credential stamped at the Cimiez Monastery in Nice, a major spiritual stop. For accommodation, prioritize bookings in Nice and the Grasse hinterland before reaching Cannes. A coastal variant exists, but the historic high-route path offers a more authentic and wild pilgrimage experience.