Tour
Total tour distance: 200 miles
Daily tour distance: 40 miles
Difficulty: 80 / 100
Description
A region that will enlighten all of your senses, Provence is an extraordinary place. A collection of sun drenched vineyards, ancient medieval hilltop villages and meandering country roads, Provence is an ideal setting for a cycling vacation. Spend part of your day exploring some of the best riding that France has to offer, then sit back and enjoy the pace of la vie Provençale (the Provence life): leisurely lunches under the shade of sycamore trees, an afternoon nap with the sound of cicadas in the distance or enjoying the local game of pétanque while sipping on a glass of pastis.
BIKE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Conquering the “Giant of Provence”: Mont Ventoux
- Medieval villages perched on rocky hilltops
- Soaking up the authentic life of southern France
- Enjoying the mediterranean inspired cuisine
- Rolling country roads, perfect for cycling
QUICK FACTS
- Challenging cycling routes for avid cyclists
- 100% GPS routes (bike GPS provided for your use during trip).
- Three Star Accommodations
- Most Meals Included (breakfast every day, some lunches, and most dinners)
- Fully supported / guided tour with van and trip leader(s)
- No shuttling required to/from the ride. You can always ride door to door if you wish. Van support always an option too.
- Small groups (max 10) for a more personalized experience
- Maximum flexibility of when you travel. You pick the dates you'd like to go and we arrange it for you.
BIKE TOUR OVERVIEW AND DAILY ITINERARY
We’ll be spending our week at the beautiful, Hotel des Pins, located in Bedoin, France. Each morning, we’ll enjoy one the fantastic cycling routes that the region has to offer. (including the famous Mt. Ventoux). Afternoons are free to enjoy at your leisure: explore a nearby village, go wine tasting, visit Roman ruins or just relax poolside.
Day 1
After meeting in Avignon and shuttling to our hotel, we’ll head out on a relaxed spin to get to know your fellow riders. Pass through picturesque vineyards and orchards. We will ride into the foothills of the Vaucluse Plateau before descending through rural mountain villages back to our accommodations near Bedoin. Ride: approximately 45 km (28 miles) with 608 m (1995 feet) of climbing.
Day 2
Today we start our ride through quiet cherry-orchard lined roads before climbing into the medieval streets of Venasque. From here, we continue our climb over the Col de Murs and descend through oak forests for breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley and into the village of Gordes. Ride: approximately 82 km (53 miles) with 1419 m (4655 feet) of climbing.
Day 3
This morning’s ride will start by heading north of Bédoin, where you will have your first glimpse of perhaps the most popular route up Mont Ventoux. We will head along its base and over the adjacent Col de Madeleine before descending into the town of Malaucène. We head home by way of three villages known for their famous Provence wine appellations: Séguret, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras. Ride: approximately 65 km (40 miles) with 790 m (2592 feet) of climbing.
Day 4
Warm your legs along a few kilometers of country roads before attacking the Giant…..Mont Ventoux. The record time up the 21km climb ranging from 3-10% grades is 55 minutes and 51 seconds; however, climbing this mountain is an accomplishment in itself. Celebrate at the top alongside local and international cyclists alike before descending back the way you came. Ride: approximately 45 km (27 miles) with 1634 m (5360 feet) of climbing.
Day 5
Les Gorges de la Nesque is all-time favorite of riders in the area. Gently climbing over 22 km, you will pass through 4 short mountain tunnels before descending to the medieval town of Sault. Yet another challenge accomplished. Ride: approximately 74 km (46 miles) with 1654 m (5426 feet) of climbing.
Day 6
We enjoy one last breakfast, à la Provençale, before shuttling to Avignon for depature.
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Contact us below for more info!