Via Domitia, Montgenèvre - Eygalières
The place
The Via Domitia is the first Roman road built in Gaul (118 BC), linking Italy to Hispania through southern Gaul. The modern hiking route follows its course from Montgenèvre (Alps) to Eyguières (Bouches-du-Rhône) over about 350 km through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse and Alpilles regions. Crossing landscapes of typically Provençal beauty (lavender, olive trees, garrigue scrubland, hilltop villages), it links Rome to Spain along the sunniest route through France.
Why go
Col de Montgenèvre (1,850 m, one of the oldest Alpine passes). Sisteron and its Baume. Luberon and its hilltop villages (Gordes, Bonnieux). Mont Ventoux and Sainte-Victoire. Les Baux-de-Provence. Eyguières and the Alpilles.
A bit of history
Built by the consul Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus in 118 BC, the Via Domitia was the first official Roman road in Gaul. It allowed Roman legions to reach Hispania without crossing the hostile territories of Gaul. Authentic Roman milestones still mark the route today.
Getting there
Montgenèvre: bus from Briançon (30 min), TGV station at Briançon (Paris, 5h). Eyguières: bus from Salon-de-Provence (30 min). Access from Marseille or Nice.
Recommended gear
Lightweight hiking shoes. High-protection sunscreen (Provence is very sunny). Plenty of water. Hat.
Best season
May to November. Spring brings lavender and almond blossom. Summer is very hot (33–38°C). Autumn is ideal.