This 20.4 km stretch leaves the abbatial charm of Valbonne to delve into the lush Brague massif before reaching the Bay of Cannes. With a modest ascent of 206m and a descent of 452m, the route winds through a green tech park, crossing the woods of Sophia-Antipolis and the picturesque village of Mougins, a true balcony over the Mediterranean. Pilgrims walk among pines and scrubland, guided by the spirit of the ancient monastic orders that radiated from the 12th-century Valbonne Abbey. The walking time, estimated at around 5 hours 30 minutes, offers a soothing transition from the Provençal hills to the shores of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, dominated by the red silhouette of the Esterel mountains.
Despite a descending profile of 452m, the main difficulty lies in the alternating surfaces between forest paths and sometimes noisy urbanized areas. The effort is moderate, but crossing Mougins requires careful attention to markers amidst residential zones. Sun exposure is significant during the final approach to the Siagne plain.
Be sure to get your credential stamped at the Valbonne Tourist Office or Saint-Blaise church before departing. A contemplative break in old Mougins is recommended to admire the panoramic view of the Prealps and the sea. Bring enough water, as supply points are scarce between Sophia-Antipolis and the entrance to Mandelieu.