This 25.2 km journey, representing a 6.5-hour walk, offers a stunning transition from the glassmaking village of Biot to the sparkling shores of Cannes. With an ascent of 408m and a descent of 523m, you will traverse the aromatic pine forests of the Valmasque park before catching your first glimpses of the Mediterranean near Vallauris. The path follows ancient Roman corridors where small roadside oratories still stand as silent witnesses to centuries of pilgrimage. As you approach the coast at Golfe-Juan, the spiritual focus shifts towards the horizon and the Lérins Islands, a historic monastic sanctuary. The day concludes with a scenic entry into Cannes, blending the coastal breeze with the prestigious heritage of the French Riviera.
The 408m cumulative climb is manageable, but the 523m descent can be tough on the joints as you approach the coast. Navigation through the Valmasque park and the tech-hub of Sophia Antipolis requires focus to stay on the GR path. Be prepared for increased heat and pavement walking during the final stretch into Cannes.
Fill your water bottles in Biot, as there are few fountains within the Valmasque nature park. You can get your credential stamped at the Sainte-Anne church in Vallauris. Upon reaching Cannes, consider taking a short ferry ride to the Lérins Abbey on Saint-Honorat island for a deeply spiritual conclusion to your day.