This demanding 33.9 km stretch offers a striking contrast between the French Riviera's coastline and the rugged hinterland, requiring approximately 9.5 hours of focus. With 1359m of ascent and 1541m of descent, you will climb towards the iconic village of Èze and the historic La Turbie, where Roman heritage marks the ancient roots of this pilgrimage. The route crosses the heights overlooking Nice before traversing the Var valley to reach the medieval jewel of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Pilgrims will encounter small oratories and dry-stone walls, soaking in a Mediterranean atmosphere where every ridge offers a new contemplative vista of the southern Alps meeting the sea.
The difficulty lies in the significant distance (34 km) combined with a cumulative descent of 1541m which is hard on the joints. The 1359m elevation gain is concentrated in steep sections around the heights of Nice and La Turbie, where the heat can be intense and shade is sparse.
Start before dawn to avoid the midday sun on the ridges and carry at least 3 liters of water. Make sure to get your credential stamped at the Saint-Michel church in La Turbie, a key historical stop for pilgrims on the Aurelian Way.