“La Grande Echappée Provençale” is a road bike or E-bike adventure of 5 days / 4nights.
You’ll be based at the foot of Mont Ventoux – Provence’s highest mountain – in either the village of Bedoin, or Crillon le Brave, exploring the countryside that surrounds the Giant of Provence. Mont Ventoux is a Mecca for cyclists all over the world, who come to test their legs on arguably the toughest road climb in all of France. With vegetation ranging from Mediterranean to Arctic, and everything in between, Ventoux is like no other mountain.
You can choose between 10 different itineraries, starting and finishing at your hotel. You can choose to ride the Dentelles de Montmirail, a set of limestone cliffs that soar above world-renowned vineyards; you can choose to ride the Nesque Gorge, a narrow road that hovers dizzyingly above a canyon, and twists into tunnels carved directly into the limestone. And let’s not forget the climb of Mont Ventoux, atop its moonscape summit, from where a panorama extends to the entire range of the Alps.
You can choose between two different categories of accommodations: Cosy in Bédoin, and Luxury in Crillon le Brave.
10 itineraries are available
Examples:
Summit of Mont Ventoux
Distance: 79 km
Clmibing: +2158 m
Challenge yourself with the 21-kilometer climb of Mont Ventoux, made famous in the Tour de France. The first few kilometers are a warm-up, cycling through the foothills, passing tiny hamlets among cherry orchards. The hairpin turn at Saint Estève marks the toughest section: 10 kilometers of climbing at 10% grade, through the pine, then cedar, and finally beech forests. Exit the trees at the Chalet Reynard, where you enter Ventoux’s moonscape, climbing it to the summit. Freewheel down to the village of Malaucène on the western foot of the mountain, with the Alps in view. Cycle into the Dentelles de Montmirail range and its vines before returning to Bedoin.
Tour of Mont Ventoux
Distance: 115 km
Climbing: +1686m
It’s a complete circumnavigation of Mont Ventoux: a collection of climbs and descents including the remote Toulourenc Valley. Ride to the perched medieval village of Brantes, on Ventoux’ north face, and through lavender fields off the beaten track. You’ll pass tiny villages and ride through a countryside of fruit orchards and olive groves. You’ll visit the village of Sault, perched high above a plateau of lavender fields.
The Tour de France 2016
Distance: 60km
Climbing: +1100m
Ride southbound and into the Monts du Vaucluse range, harbouring hidden villages along its remote roads. Visit the village of Fontaine de Vaucluse and its mysterious spring, from where the emerald waters of the Sorgue River are borne. Visit the perched medieval village of Gordes, recently elected by Travel and Leisure magazine as the world’s most beautiful village. Cycle by 12th century Sénanque Abbey, set among its iconic lavender fields.
La Route des Vins
It’s a more tame itinerary, less climbing, heading into the plains of the Rhône Valley, the world’s 2nd largest vineyard. You’ll cycle through some of the region’s most sought-after wine-making villages, such as Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, or Sablet. Finish your ride by climbing the scenic Col de la Madeleine pass, and back to the southern foot of Mont Ventoux.
What is included in the price of your stay
- Nights and breakfasts in your hotel(s) for the duration of your stay.
- Transfer of your luggage between hotels.
- Welcome and end-of-stay briefing.
- Concierge service for advice and reservations for restaurants or activities.
- Bike rental (including bags, water bottles, locks, energy bars). If you come with your personal bike, a deduction will be made from the price of the stay.
- Your cycling routes loaded onto a GPS application.
- Assistance in case of problems 24/7.
What is not included in the price of your stay
- Transfer to reach the starting point of your stay.
- Transfer at the end of your stay.
- Lunches and dinners.
- Activities during your stay (wine tasting, visit to a wine estate, etc.)..
