This 31.0 km stretch offers a striking contrast between the wooded hills of the hinterland and the glamour of the Riviera, with an estimated walking time of 8 hours. Starting from Villeneuve-Loubet and its imposing medieval fortress, you will ascend toward the heights of Vallauris, conquering 536m of elevation gain before descending 719m toward the coast. The trail weaves through aromatic Aleppo pine forests and scrubland, passing by small oratories and the historic Saint-Bernardin chapel, reminders of the ancient pilgrimage route. Your spiritual journey continues through the ridges of the Massif des Termes, offering panoramic views of the Lérins Islands before reaching the bustling port of Cannes. This stage combines technical terrain with moments of deep contemplation as you follow the legacy of the Roman via Aurelia.
The main difficulty lies in the 31 km length and the series of sharp climbs and descents on the stony paths of the Termes massif. The 719m of negative elevation can be taxing on the knees, especially during the final descent, and there is very little shade on the ridges above Vallauris.
Fill your water bottles in Villeneuve-Loubet village, as water points are scarce until you reach the outskirts of Cannes. Be sure to get your credential stamped at the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance in Cannes, overlooking the harbor. A coastal path variant is available if you wish to avoid some of the elevation gain.