This self-guided tour offers you the opportunity to discover the Mont Ventoux and the Mont Ventoux area on your own pace. You have a choice of very charming country hotel with pool, or very deluxe country chateau. We welcome you in Avignon and you’ll be transfered to the village of Bédoin or Crillon le Brave just at the foot of Mont Ventoux and among the lovely countryside of the Luberon, in Provence.
This mythical mountain has influenced many Tours de France over the years being famous for its steep ascent, its heat, its bald and exposed peak, and simply its legend. For those who are really strong, there is the "Club des Cingles", for which we will propose a service to achieve this status.
Can you conquer the ‘Giant of Provence’?!
Itinerary
SEE the latest tours available at Cycling Classics - in 2009 we offer a guided program at Mont Ventoux
Day 1 | Arrival Day - see bottom for arrival day options
Arrive in Avignon by train (easy connection from Paris city or airport) – Transfer to Bédoin or Crillon– Installation in your hotel - receive bike, route info and rides. Excellent gourmet dinner included tonight. If time allows, you can do a short ride to stretch and warm up. (D)
Day 2 | Mont Ventoux
Today, its best to start the attack today. You can opt for a different ride to stretch and prepare if you rather do it tomorrow. All of the rides below are at your disposal. You are free to ride them in any order you wish.
To start, we suggest to climb the Mont Ventoux via the south side from Bedoin which is the most difficult route ! Starting from Bédoin, we have a climb of 21km but we suggest you to make first a nice warm-up ride through the vineyards of the Ventoux area. And then, finaly the climb: between 2 and 6% during the first kilometers but after Saint-Estève between 9 and 10,5% until Chalet Reynard... and then there are still six kilometers to go to the peak winding up in a steep stone-desert landscape. (B,D)
If you will attempt the Club des Cingles, we have additional advice for your preparation. This is not advised but for the strongest of riders.
Day 3 | Gorges de la Nesque, Gordes, Vineyards
Take your pick, all are lovely country rides. We strongly suggest the Gorges de la Nesque, it will take you through lavender country and wind alongside deep gorges and provide wonderful views. It does come with some climbs:
Combe de l’Hermitage, Col N.D. des Abeilles and back via Gorges de la Nesque (canyon). (B,D)
Day 4 | Transfer to Avignon – Departure
If you have time, you can do some more riding this morning, or you can add on some additional nights. Hotel checkout is noon, and return transfer to Avignon included. (B)
ADD ON The ALPES: you can add our 4 night French Alpes tour to this program to make a week of cycling. See the combo rates below.
Price
per person. (convert)
Single Supplement:(convert)
Details
During this 3-night stay, we propose you 6 different ride itineraries in the Ventoux-area : Self Guided
- Mont Ventoux via Bédoin ***** most difficult
- Mont Ventoux via Malaucène **** very difficult
- Mont Ventoux via Sault **** very difficult
- Gorges de la Nesque *** challenging & spectacular
- Provence Vaucluse tour to Gordes ** moderate
- Vineyards of the Rhone Valley ** moderate
Options:
Options for 'A la carte' services booked independently:
Hotel 3 nights with breakfast and dinner daily, taxes included, double room: 480 euros
Roundtrip Avignon/Bedoin transfers for up to 3 persons with no bike boxes: 170 euros
Orientation to meet and answer questions (1 hour) + daily technical support by phone for 4 days (up to 6 persons): 190 euros
Routebook with maps, profiles, tourist info: 135 euros
Maxime Energy package: 35 euros
Bike rental: 120 euros/bike; 4 days
Club des Cingles: if you think you can ride up Ventoux 3 times in one day, 1 time each from the main routes above, you can apply to join this elite and "nutty" club. Advance arrangements required - more than 30 days prior to travel. We charge a booking service fee of 30 euros per registration and will include a translation of the instruction booklet and club documentation to apply and enrollment upon successful completion.
Included in the Package price of 455 euros above price:
Hotel in Bedoin: Charming 3 star hotel with swimming pool, quiet terrace, gourmet restaurant, and secure bike lockup with 3 dinners and breakfast, round trip Avigon transfers, arrival orientation, road book/routes/profiles, Maxim sport drink and energy bars, and emergency/technical assistance by telephone.
Extra nights: 75 euros/person double, 110 euros single.
Rent an Eddy Merckx racing bike, Gara model
Rental price per person: 100 EUR with tour booking
Dates 2008: Available May-October upon request, subject to hotel availability. Arrival day must be Mon/Wed/Fri during the months of May, June, July, September. All other times any day of the week is possible.
Add on French Alpes: See the program at French Alpes ; including that tour with this tour and transfers for total package price based on participation as follows:
2-3 persons: 1205 euros/person
4-5 persons: 1045 euros/person
6-7 persons: 995 euros/person
Single supplement: 265 euros
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