Ventoux & the Verdon Gorge

Overview

A wonderful holiday cycling the best parts of Provence, with daily route options. It offers the chance to experience 'Europe's Grand Canyon': the Verdon Gorge, and climb Mont Ventoux, the infamous Giant of Provence. Accommodation is in charming 3* and 4* hotels in picturesque surroundings. The itinerary is flexible with daily route choices, including challenging optional extras. There's an opportunity to attempt the 'Club des Cinglés de Mont Ventoux' challenge, which involves three ascents in one day. The tour provides exceptional support from two skilled, fun guides in highly customised support vehicles, and includes transfers from and to Marseille airport. Cycling in Provence offers a dream-like experience with its extensive network of quiet roads, pretty villages, fields of lavender, deep gorges, and turquoise reservoirs. Mont Ventoux, one of the most well-known mountains in the world of cycling, is a highlight. The region boasts some of the best cycling roads in France, with smaller cols and rolling hills set in unique scenery. The holiday is ideal for the spring and autumn when tourist numbers are lower. It features flexible itineraries with two route choices each day, catering to different fitness levels. The terrain is generally undulating, with Mont Ventoux being a notable exception. Challenge routes offer tougher options for those seeking them. Two skilled guides provide exceptional support. The tour includes 6 days of cycling with daily route options, detailed GPS route files, on-the-road support from two guides in customised vehicles, water and snacks at support stops, 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation with breakfasts, and 6 three-course evening meals with drinks (all nights for 2026). Airport transfers are included, along with photos of the holiday, tips for restaurant staff, and financial protection via ABTOT and ABTA. Optional extras include single-occupancy rooms, hire bikes, emergency bike parts, and CO2 canisters. Not included are flights, insurance, spending money for lunches and drinks, dinner on one night in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (from 2027), tips for guides, specific energy products, personal bike spares (e.g., derailleur hanger), GPS devices, bike lights, and pedals for hire bikes. The hotels are comfortable 3* with en-suite facilities, selected for their location and cyclist-friendliness. Bikes are stored in a secure garage/locked room. WiFi is available but can be unreliable or slow in the evenings. Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice. Daily schedules typically start with breakfast around 08:00, departure between 09:00-09:30. Lunch is from 12:00-14:00, and return to the hotel is between 14:00-18:00. Dinner is usually at 19:30. Lifts are available in the support van if needed. A recommendation is made against using rim brake carbon wheels due to the risk of catastrophic delamination on descents. Riders bringing their own bikes should also pack bike lights, a pump, tyre levers, inner tubes, brake pads, a chain link, and a spare rear derailleur hanger. Tools for bike assembly are provided. Travel document requirements include a passport valid for at least 3 months after departure from the EU. ETIAS electronic travel authorization will be required for non-EU visitors from 2027. Travel insurance is mandatory. Day 1: Meyreuil to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (108km Classic, 115km Harder, 143km Challenge). Features Montagne Saint-Victoire, Collet Blanc de Suberroque, and optional detours. Day 2: Day ride into the Verdon Gorge (89km Classic, 109km Challenge). Explores Europe's deepest gorge with stunning views and climbs like Col d'Ayen. Challenge route includes the Route des Crêtes du Verdon. Day 3: Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Sisteron (102km Classic, 127km Challenge). Passes through fields of lavender and sunflowers, with an optional climb of Montagne de Lure for the Challenge route. Day 4: Sisteron to Malaucène via the Gorges de la Nesque (125km Classic, 134km Harder, 181km Challenge). Follows the La Méouge river, climbs Col de Macuègne, and traverses the stunning Gorges de la Nesque. Options include a 'Gigondas' loop. Day 5: Day ride from Malaucène - Parc Regional des Baronnies Provencales (97km Classic, 145km Challenge). Explores the mountains north of Ventoux, with options including Col du Perty and Col St-Jean. Day 6: Mont Ventoux (55km Classic, 106km Harder, 136km Club des Cinglés Challenge). Focuses on ascents from Bédoin and Sault. The 'Club des Cinglés' challenge involves three ascents in one day for an additional fee. Day 0 and Day 7 are arrival and departure days respectively, with included transfers from/to Marseille Airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV. Departure Dates and Prices: September 2026 (£1,700.00), May 2027 (£1,840.00), September 2027 (£1,890.00). Single Room Supplements vary by year. Discount Information: 5% early bookers discount (6+ months in advance), 7.5% group discount (10+ people), 10% loyalty discount (from third holiday onwards). Maximum discount is 10%.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included