This masterful 95.1 km journey plunges you into the heart of authentic Provence, linking the Rock of Roquebrune to the village of Bras with an elevation gain of 1808m and a loss of 1510m. Over three days of walking, you will cross the Argens plain before climbing towards forested massifs, passing through Lorgues and the imposing Thoronet Abbey, a Cistercian jewel of the Via Aurelia. The path winds through renowned vineyards and holm oak hills, offering spiritual breaks in isolated chapels or in front of old stone oratories. Between the crossing of Saint-Antonin-du-Var and the approach to the Val de l'Issole, the atmosphere becomes wilder, encouraging the deep introspection typical of great pilgrimages. It is a total immersion in the scents of the scrubland and the silence of the Var hinterland.
With a cumulative elevation gain of 1808m, this section is classified as difficult due to the repeated climbs over three days, especially to reach the ridges after Le Thoronet. The paths can be stony and technical, requiring good endurance and increased vigilance for ankles. Sun exposure is high in vineyard and scrubland areas, making progress demanding during intense Mediterranean heat.
Plan an extended stop at Thoronet Abbey for your credential stamp and a unique acoustic contemplation session. Make sure you have a substantial water supply (at least 3L per day), as supply points are spaced out between the villages of Lorgues and Carcès. Staying in Lorgues and then near Le Thoronet or Carcès allows for a good segmentation of these 95 km.