Carte du Chemin de Compostelle
Association Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur-Corse des Amis des Chemins de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle et de Rome
Pedestrian sports, Hiking itinerary

The Way of St. James - GR® 653A - E12

The GR®653A trail stretching from Menton to Arles is officially one of the long-distance hiking routes on the Way of St. James in France. These routes are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and this section is part of the European E12 "Mediterranean Arc" trail.

Description

It crosses the entire Var department from east to west over a distance of 138 kilometres, following the route of the ancient Roman road, the Via Aurelia.

It starts at the Col Notre Dame, in the Massif d'Estérel, passes through Saint Raphaël, Fréjus, Puget-sur-Argens, skirts Roquebrune-sur-Argens, crosses Le Muy, les Arcs-sur-Argens, Lorgues, stops at the Abbaye du Thoronet, passes through Carcès, runs alongside Vins-sur-Caramy, crosses Le Val, Bras, Saint-Maximin, Ollières and finally Pourrières en route towards Aix-en-Provence.
There is an alternative route to the grotto of Saint Mary Magdalene in the Sainte Baume massif; it starts at Le Val, crosses Brignoles, Tourves, Rougiers, Plan d'Aups Saint-Zacharie and rejoins the GR at Puyloubier.

Whether you're a pilgrim or just a hiker, you should know that although the Var stages of the Way of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela and historic pilgrimage route to Rome are not yet very well known, they are no less beautiful! As you travel along this path, you'll be surprised at every turn:
. You'll be walking through 2,000 years of history,
. You'll discover an exceptional architectural heritage (Fréjus, the Abbaye du Thoronet and Saint-Maximin basilica, the 3rd tomb of Christianity),
. You'll be amazed by the spectacular scenery.

Further information

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  • On-site activities : 
    Pedestrian sports
    Hiking itinerary
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pays de fayence - nord

Fayence area

The Pays de Fayence (Fayence district) has many great provencal villages. All of them have a particularity such as the view from Mons or the artistic streets of Tourrettes. Do no forget to stop in Seillans that has the label of "Most beautiful village in France"

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pays de fayence - sud

Fayence area

North of the A8 motorway, you will find the Pays de Fayence. Saint-Cassien lake, a real oasis of freshness in the Var, awaits you! Take a break at the Lake House before visiting the villages of Bagnols-en-Forêt, St-Paul-en-Forêt or Tanneron.

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roquebrune sur argens - la bouverie

Roquebrune-sur-Argens

The city of Roquebrune-sur-Argens is the most westerly of the destination. It includes three districts: La Bouverie, at the foot of Gorges du Blavet; The village, overlooked by its magnificent rock, and Les Issambres, with its nautical activities by the sea.

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les adrets de l'esterel

Les Adrets de l'Estérel

Les Adrets de l'Estérel is a small town located at the extreme southeastern Var. Bordering the Maritimes Alpes, it is composed of large green forests. The town overlooks the bay of Cannes and has an exceptional view on the Lérins Islands and the Corniche de l'Estérel.

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village de puget sur argens

Puget sur Argens

Puget sur Argens is a small village located in the middle of many wineries. Its commercial area, near the village, includes many shopping center. North of the village, the Bois du Defens give rise to several walks.

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roquebrune-sur-argens - les issambres

Les Issambres

Welcome to Les Issambres, the district of Roquebrune-sur-Argens located on the coast. True paradise with its 8 km of beaches and creeks, this family seaside resort, already frequented at the time by the Romans, is located between the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Fréjus-Saint Raphaël.

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ville de frejus - saint-aygulf

Fréjus

Frejus, located halfway between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, is at the heart of the Côte d'Azur. Based on a sandstone buttress of the Esterel massif, the town dominates the valleys of Argens and Reyran. Frejus has the appearance of a small Provencal town whose new districts extend to the sea.

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saint-raphael - massif de l'esterel

Saint-Raphaël

65km from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, Saint-Raphaël is located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast is at the bottom of the great Esterel mountains. Saint Raphael, whose city center is by the sea, is divided into different neighborhoods that have all their characteristics and their personalities.

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Fayence areaFayence areaRoquebrune-sur-ArgensLes Adrets de l'EstérelPuget sur ArgensLes IssambresFréjusSaint-Raphaël
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