This 29.5 km stretch leads you from the hilltop village of Pourrières to the historic center of Aix-en-Provence, requiring approximately 8 hours of walking. As you traverse a landscape dominated by the iconic Sainte-Victoire mountain, you will experience 739m of ascent and 842m of descent through pine forests and prestigious vineyards. The route passes through Le Tholonet, where Roman aqueducts and rural chapels remind the pilgrim of the ancient roots of the Via Aurelia. Arriving in Aix, the spiritual journey culminates at the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, a testament to centuries of pilgrimage. The atmosphere is one of profound serenity, blending the natural beauty of Provence with a rich architectural heritage.
The main challenge of this section is its significant length (29.5 km) combined with a lack of shade across the vineyard plateaus. The 739m elevation gain is distributed over several rolling hills, which can be taxing on the legs, especially during the final descent of 842m towards Aix.
Carry at least 3 liters of water, as there are very few fountains between the start and Le Tholonet. Be sure to get your credential stamped at the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral in Aix, and consider a detour to see the Roman dam of Bimont if you have extra energy.