This masterful 64.1 km crossing connects the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer to the city of Grasse over three days of intense hiking, offering total immersion between the sea and the Prealps with 2080m of elevation gain and 2315m of loss. The route departs the coastline to climb the heights of Nice, passing Mont Boron and the historic old town before crossing the Var river. The path then winds through the Grasse hinterland hills, passing treasures like the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence and lonely Romanesque chapels hidden in the scrubland. It is a spiritual odyssey between the brilliance of the Riviera and the serenity of the perfume fields, where each step echoes the history of medieval pilgrims on the ancient Roman road. Total walking time is estimated at 18 to 20 hours across the three-day journey.
The main challenge lies in the cumulative elevation gain of over 2000m and the technical descent towards Grasse (2315m total loss) which puts significant strain on the knees. Navigating the urban areas of Nice requires constant attention to markings, while the scrubland sections after the Var river are highly exposed to the Mediterranean sun.
Plan stops in Nice and Saint-Paul-de-Vence to divide the effort; get your credential stamped at Nice Cathedral. Remember to refill water before leaving the Var valley, as supply points become scarce on the ridges leading to Grasse. A pair of trekking poles is essential for managing the steep slopes.