This inaugural stage of the Via Aurelia starts in Menton, the city of lemons, covering 18.7 km between the sea and the summits. This demanding route features 985m of ascent and 668m of descent, winding along the Riviera balconies through Aleppo pines and Mediterranean scrubland. Leaving the shores of the Mediterranean, you will pass through spectacular perched villages like Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, where the medieval castle has watched over pilgrims for centuries. The climb to the Plateau de la Justice offers an intense spiritual dimension, overlooking the azure vastness before the final descent to the citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This 6-hour trek immediately demands humility in the face of the steep terrain of the Alpes-Maritimes.
The 985m of elevation gain is concentrated on rocky and sometimes technical coastline trails. The effort is steady from Menton onwards, with steep climbs that test the knees, especially under intense sun with little shade. Walking along the ridges requires good physical condition and rigorous hydration management.
Remember to get your credential stamped at the Menton Tourist Office before departure. Carry at least 2 liters of water, as refill points are scarce between Roquebrune and Villefranche. For a meditative break, stop at Churchill's favorite spots or the Sainte-Marguerite church in Roquebrune, a place steeped in history for southern hikers.