Mont Ventoux and Provence Cycling Tour
Riding Days
6
Number of Nights
5
Total Distance
620km
Total Climbing
11,500 metres
Difficulty
4/5
At a Glance
Mont Ventoux and Provence Cycling Tour La Fuga have been running since 2009 when the Etape du Tour cyclosportive last visited this famed mountain. You will tackle the mountain from all three sides during your week as well and exploring the surrounding Provence countryside.
Mont Ventoux has had its share of drama and intrigue during its history with the Tour de France; from Tom Simpson collapsing in 1967 to Chris Froome running without a bike after a crash with a motorbike.
You’ll get to acquaint yourself with this mountain during the trip fully. This tour has been designed to offer a unique place-to-place route, not only taking in Mont Ventoux but also sampling the delights of the surrounding countryside. From the spectacular gorges to the beautiful smell of the lavender fields as you ride past, you won’t want to leave this idyllic part of southern France.
Tour Highlights
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Asphalt
Book Tour
€1,725.00 – €3,050.00
Overview
Mont Ventoux and Provence Cycling Tour
We have devised a spectacular 5-night route for Mont Ventoux and Provence Cycling Tour (with 6 ride days), which will allow you to ride all three sides of Mont Ventoux and experience riding through the beautiful region of Provence, famed for its lavender fields exuding beautiful aromas as you whizz past on your bike.
Mont Ventoux is legendary as one of the most gruelling climbs of the Tour de France, which has featured an ascent of this mountain fifteen times since 1951. The race organisers usually take the peloton up through the town of Bédoin and past the legendary Chalet Reynard before going on to the barren ‘moonscape’ as they approach the summit. It has picked up many nicknames in its Tour de France history, the ‘Géant de Provence’, the ‘bald mountain’ or the ‘windy mountain’ are just a few. It’s considered that the name Ventoux itself derives from ‘venteux’ or windy. It is not unusual for speeds to reach over 90+kmh at the top. Its isolated position not being part of any other mountain range and its position in the Rhone valley means it is susceptible to the mistral winds and with the top half having no vegetation adds to the severity of the wind.
Its fame as a scene of many great Tour dramas has made it a magnet for cyclists around the world. Its reputation as a hard mountain and standing alone, distinct from the Alps, is depicted in this cartoon which was published as part of the Tour de France passing in the 1970s
In 1967 British hero Tom Simpson collapsed and died on the mountain sweltering heat as he was only 1km from the top. You’ll pass his memorial 1km from the summit, and it’s customary to doff your cap as you ride past the memorial as a homage to Mr Tom. His death was found out to be due to a concoction of Brandy and Amphetamines combined with dehydration and exhaustion from the extreme heat of the day.
Eddy Merxx & Chris Froome
In 1970, Eddy Merckx rode himself to the brink of collapse when he won the stage over Ventoux. He received oxygen, recovered, and went on to win the Tour. In 1994, Eros Poli, not known for his climbing ability, broke away at the beginning of the day’s stage, built up a substantial time gap from the peloton and was first over the mountain, eventually winning the stage in Carpentras, despite losing a minute per kilometre to the chasers on the ascent. He hit the bottom of the climb with 24 minutes lead, and he calculated that he could lose a minute per kilometre to the climbers more adapted to the mountain than he was and still win. The stage was unusual as it didn’t finish at the summit but after the descent in Carpentras. He actually gained time on the descent and went on to win and has since earnt the nickname Monsieur Ventoux, a name which has not been bestowed on any of the climbers who have won there. This video shows his spectacular victory:
2016 saw the most recent ascent of Ventoux which ended in chaos as Team Sky’s Chris Froome – wearing the yellow jersey – crashed and broke his bike and was forced to run to maintain position. The wind had essentially caused the situation to unfold. With the winds at the top being so strong the organisers decided to move the finish line to Chalet Reynard – 6km from the summit. The crowds – as always – were numerous, but with the course being shorter they were forced into the final few kilometres creating a bottleneck which stopped one of the leading motorbikes in its tracks. The riders going full gas around the corner only 1km from the finish had no way to the avoid the motorbike, and the leading three riders crashed into together into the motorbike, with Froome breaking his bike in the process. The crash and Froome’s on-foot ascent was caught all on camera here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHfKHpurzR8.
The French commentary really demonstrates the chaos that ensued after the crash https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKpa3hYjeGo.
Provence
The surrounding area is perhaps equally fantastic for bike riding, with the breath-taking Gorges de la Nesque lying to the south. A narrow road cut high into the side of a deep gorge provides spectacular views as we roll through. Provence is renowned for its wine production and of course for the lavender which provides the scent to go with the beautiful views.
Once you leave the Ventoux area, you’ll enter the Luberon. This is considered to be the heart of Provence. It’s a place where time has seemingly stood still for centuries, and you can still sample the alluring Provençal charm that has captivated countless visitors throughout the years. Many films and books have been set in this part of France, and indeed it attracted some of the most famous painters of all time to reside here, due to its outstanding beauty and stunning natural light. Painters such as Van Gough and Cézanne made their homes nearby.
During your rides, you’ll get the opportunity to pass through some of the most beautiful villages in France. Of ‘Les plus beaux villages de France’, 5 of them are located in this area. Your ride will pass through Gordes and Roussillon. We’ll surely stop for a coffee or a cake and sample the Provençal life.
Climate
Gearing
Details
What's Included
- 5 nights of accommodation at hotels selected by La Fuga
- Breakfasts & evening meals at hotels and restaurants*
- La Fuga guides (ride guides – mechanic/driver support staff)
- Airport transfers (on La Fuga suggested flights)
- Support vehicle to follow the rides
- Roadside lunch stops
- Detailed GPS files for use on Garmin Devices
- Photos taken, uploaded and sent to all riders post-trip
- Complimentary energy drinks and gels
*Meals are included up to a specific budget, after which a supplement will be applied
What's not Included
- Flights
- Restaurant lunches stops and coffee stops
- Some meals may incur extra charges
- All drinks with meals
- Personal travel insurance
- Incidental expenses
- Parts and spares used during the trip
- Tips and gratuities
- Massages
- Bike Rental option available during the checkout
Itinerary
Your La Fuga guides will meet you at Marseille Provence Airport and take you to your hotel in Mazan; this drive will be just over an hour. Here we will help you check in, and our mechanic will build your bike, ensuring it is ready for the journey. You should have time to test the legs out with a loosener depending on arrival time.
We will take you over the hills from the Vaucluse vineyards growing the wine for the Cote du Ventoux appellation and over towards the Luberon. The roads are typical of this area, and even but fairly rough surface with just enough room for two cars to squeeze by each other as they amble along to the boulangerie. Take the time just to relax and pedal peacefully as you set into your new Provençal lifestyle for a week.
We’ll dine in the excellent hotel restaurant this evening, where your tour manager will give you an outline of what to expect over the next few days of riding during the Mont Ventoux and Provence Cycling Tour.


The first real day of riding starts with a gentle amble from Mazan to Bédoin, but once in Bédoin the amble finishes. Once you’ve passed through the town, it’s a right turn at the roundabout, and the climb starts to make itself known. You’ll have 21 km to get into the rhythm, and at first, the weather station at the top is in view. The steepest part comes as you enter the forest and continues until you get to Chalet Reynard and the vegetation gives way to a barren landscape. Only 6km remains to the top, but if the wind is blowing, this is where you will feel it.
Once at the top, there will be a moment for the obligatory photo with the summit sign and to take in the breath-taking views of the landscapes below.
The descent can be pretty fast as some straight sections can see you easily hitting 80km/h. Once in Malaucene, you’ll take some of the quieter roads to trace around the northern side of the mountain and through the lavender fields.
Once you get to Sault, you’ll have a short climb to the top of the Gorge and then look down on one of the most spectacular cycling roads in the world. You’ll be pleased to know it’s all downhill from here and you can swoop around the bends looking at the views as you go. Once back at the hotel, enjoy the late afternoon by the pool with a cool drink.
We’ll eat once again in the hotel before moving onto a new hotel tomorrow evening.


Having spent another night in the Mazan you will have settled into the gentle and relaxing pace of life on in Provence, but now it is time to move on to our next location.
You’ll get to ride the side of Ventoux that you descended yesterday. This is equally as tough as the Bédoin side but has not been used in the Tour de France, with the race preferring to stick with tradition and climb the side from Bédoin every time the race come here.
First, you ride a small climb of the Col de la Madeleine, but this is a very short climb.
At almost the same distance the side from Malaucene is just slightly easier in gradient by virtue of the fact you start slightly higher than at Bédoin. But once at the top, you’ll descend all the way to Sault, descending the third side that you haven’t experienced yet.
The rest of the ride is more or less flat until you start to descend to Forcalquier and into your new home for the next two nights at the Bastide de Saint George. You’ll eat in the hotel this evening and sample some local Provençal cuisine.


Today is quite a tough day. The ride starts with a steady climb through the town of Forcalquier and towards the Montagne de Lure which is where we’re heading. The main climb to the top of the Montagne de Lure at 1750metres – similar in altitude to Mont Ventoux – after the village of Fontienne. The climb is beautiful, through the forest at first before allowing you views over the surrounding valleys. The gradient is manageable too at only 5% average over the 23km climb.
The remainder of the loop back to the Bastide de Saint George is steadily up the Jabron valley road before arriving at the double peak of the Col de la Pigére and the Col du Négron. Both of them essentially one climb but on two different roads.
The road is mainly downhill back to the hotel, where you can relax and unwind in the spa overlooking the views from the gardens.
You’ll eat out in the town of Forcalquier this evening and be able to take in an evening stroll around the town.


Today is your final full day as you return to the original hotel, Chateau de Mazan. Some fast kilometres on a wider road start the day before turning off onto smaller roads to really explore the Luberon.
There is no one climb that dominates today but rather an up and down day means that you may be climbing around 4 or 5km at a time as we work ourselves from one stunning village to the next.
We’ll take time to pause and soak up the atmosphere with a coffee, ice cream or cake as we stop in Apt, Roussillon and Gordes on our way back to Mazan.
We will have one final meal at a local restaurant to celebrate a great week of cycling and fully exploring Mont Ventoux and this part of Provence.


Today you’ll have one last chance to ride with a short loop over to the famous town of Gigondas.
You’ll pass a few of the vineyards on the way up the short climbs towards Beaumes de Venise and Gigondas. A chance to take in the last few moments of Provence and enjoy a coffee in the town square or maybe even a glass of the famous Gigondas wine.
Once back at the hotel, your bikes will be packed up and ready for the journey back to Marseille airport and the flight home. Two transfers will allow riders to leave after breakfast and also for those who want the extra ride to be able to leave late afternoon.


Accommodation
The Hôtel des Pins at the foot of Mont Ventoux offer a special atmosphere. A natural, design or baroque, contemporary or romantic atmosphere is combined with cosy comfort and unparalleled serenity. In the shade of the pines, dive into the swimming pool and relax in the garden, lulled by the song of the cicadas.
Your first 2 nights (as well as your final night) will be in the excellent Chateau de Mazan. At the heart of a Provençal village, Chateau de Mazan is a family-run, independent hotel that’s perfectly situated between Mont Ventoux and the hills of the Vaucluse. This is an elegant, warm and welcoming hotel with a gourmet restaurant. It’s an ideal base to discover from which to ride the roads of Provence. A great place to arrive back to after a day on the bike; relax by the pool or have a drink in the ornate bar before dinner.
Built around 1720 for the aristocratic De Sade family and finally opening as a hotel in 2001, the chateau is a firm favourite with La Fuga. The Sade family may be familiar in some way; as the Marquis de Sade whose name was given to a particular type of torture.
The village of Mazan features pretty, narrow streets with houses painted in pastel shades typical of this region. Home to around 5,000 people, the lively town is encircled by buildings dating from the 14th century—all in all, a great place to explore between rides.
The hotel “Mas de la Tour is waiting for you in its quiet setting where not even the cricket is disturbed. This authentic 12th-century country house in the heart of the ochre hills was originally part of the Sénanque abbey, near the charming village of Roussillon, Gordes and Bonnieux. It offers panoramic views, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant, a jazz bar and lounges.