This epic 76.3 km journey invites you on a masterful crossing of the Riviera, connecting the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer to the city of Cannes over three days of contemplative walking. Between sea and summits, you will conquer 2234m of ascent and 2558m of descent, an effort rewarded by spiritual panoramas over the Mediterranean from Mont Boron and the Garoupe plateau. The path winds through Nice and its baroque churches, traverses the history-steeped streets of Antibes, and skirts the foothills of the Esterel, offering unique immersion in the sacred geography of maritime Provence. Discrete oratories and sailors' chapels punctuate this route where the pilgrim, far from the coastal bustle, rediscovers the silence of ridge trails and the freshness of natural parks.
The challenge of this stage lies in the accumulated elevation (over 2200m gain) spread across terrain that can be steep and very hot in summer. Significant descents (2558m loss) are tough on the knees, especially during the transition from the Nice hills to the coastline. While resupplying is easy, mental fatigue can set in due to the constant alternation between dense urban areas and isolated rocky paths.
To stamp your credential, don't miss the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral in Nice or the Saint-Bernardin chapel in Antibes. Plan to split your days with stops in Nice and then the Biot/Antibes area to balance the physical effort. Bring maximum sun protection and take advantage of the many drinking water fountains in the historic old centers.