Short description
Which cyclist has never heard of the iconic mountain? Everybody dreams of climbing Mont Ventoux at least once in their lives. There are in fact three roads to the summit (two of them join together at Châlet Reynard with 6km to go), each with their own character. During the week, you’ll have the opportunity to do all three of them, perhaps on the same day if you are up for the challenge!
At peak periods, literally thousands of cyclists climb Mont Ventoux every day. Sadly, many of them only come for a short period and miss out on the extraordinary cycling paradise around the famous mountain. There are innumerable quiet roads, beautiful climbs and stunning views to be seen in the Luberon, just to the south, and in the Baronnies Provençales, to the north and east.
During your week with us we will show you sights to take your breath away, such as Gordes, officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, the stunning Gorges de la Nesque, the vast lavender fields, cherry orchards and vineyards characteristic of the region and Brantes, a medieval village constructed as an eagle’s nest above the Toulourenc valley.
Join the Club des Cinglés!
The word cinglé is best translated as nuts, crazy, bonkers, which gives a good indication of the challenge: climb Mont Ventoux three times in the same day, once by each of the three routes. Like many physical challenges, however, how hard it really is depends on how fit you are. The distance is 137 km and the total climbing 4,400m. Any reasonably well-trained cyclist riding at a sensible pace should be able to achieve this.
Whether you wish to be a Cinglé or not, our goal is for you to have a fantastic time … More than that, we hope you become friends who will come back again and again - as is already the case for many of you!
The itinerary
Day 1
Gordes, via the col des Trois Termes (102 km, 1,700m)
We begin the week with an excursion to the Luberon and a visit to Gordes, consistently voted amongst the most beautiful villages in France.
The first 20km are an easy descent on quiet roads through vineyards and cherry orchards. The first proper climb of the week then brings us to the col des Trois Termes and on to Gordes. There’s a stunning view-point looking south to the Luberon as we round the escarpment
More climbing awaits after Gordes, interspersed with short descents, as we cross the col de la Ligne and descend to Sault, one of the three starting points for Mont Ventoux.
We return over the col des Abeilles by a charming traffic-free road which winds through the scrub and stunted holm-oak forests.
Day 2
Col de la Ligne (83 km, 1,500m)
Whether you intend to compete in Sportives and GranFondos or not, descending is a crucial skill to master if you are to cycle in the mountains. The Alpine Cols coaches are all expert descenders, and over the past 8 years we have developed several effective techniques to teach the skill, including the use of video feedback.
Our chosen route today includes two 10-11km descents with multiple twists, turns and hairpins for practice. Few cyclists come this way and even fewer cars (the cyclists don’ know what they are missing).
If you do not need or want to benefit from the coaching, you are of course free to ride ahead and either enjoy a longer coffee stop, or a longer ride!
Day 3
Mont Ventoux, once, twice or three times! (138 km, 4,400m)
This is it, time to become a Cinglé (or certified nutter!)
We start from Bédoin and make the first of our three ascents direct to the summit. Sometimes if the weather is kind people like to start before dawn in order to be on top as the sun comes up: this is truly a magical moment.
A fast descent brings us to Malaucène where we enjoy a coffee stop before the second climb. Many people find this one the hardest: there are 3 leg-breaking kilometres in the middle at a constant 11-12%.
Again at the summit, we descend to Sault and after another coffee and a short break we start up again for the third and final time. The feeling when you summit again for the third time is indescribable.
Celebrations back at the hotel!
Day 4
Gorges de la Nesque (74 km, 950m)
This is the one ride that should be on the bucket list of every cyclist visiting Ventoux, together with the Big One itself. It is a bit of a stretch to call it a recovery ride, but it is certainly much easier than the previous day!
The Gorges de la Nesque is a site of outstanding natural beauty, where the river has carved a deep valley into the limestone rocks. The road is cut into the northern flank of the gorge and rises gently for 20km, occasionally diving through short tunnels in the bare rock. Every bend in the road opens up new vistas, and we find ourselves stopping often to take pictures.
The return is via (most of) the col de la Ligne and Méthamis. For those who would like to do more, there’s an option to include the col de la Liguière.
Day 5
Tour du Ventoux (118 km, 2,000m).
Today’s ride is a full tour around Mont Ventoux, with an option to finish via the summit for those who have the legs and the energy!
We take the quiet road to Sault via the col des Abeilles, and then begin the long climb to the often wind-swept col de l’Homme Mort (it’s not as bad as it sounds).
The most enjoyable – and memorable – part of the ride is the next 20km of pure joy descending the valley, with Mont Ventoux visible ahead and to the left.
We take a detour to pass by the cliff-side village of Brantes, and complete the loop via another charming road which brings us to Malaucène. From here you have a choice: direct to the hotel, or up to the summit!
Adding the summit to your ride takes the distance up to 135km, with 3,350m of climbing.
Day 6
Col de la Chaîne, Châlet Reynard via Sault. (118km, 2000m)
For our final day we take you to a new area, the Dentelles de Montmirail. This is a group of small mountains to the west of Ventoux. Off the beaten track, the roads are quiet and charming. We pass over the col de la Chaîne on the way to Suzette (photo), and then return through several other tiny villages, often with long views south over the Rhône valley.
We will stop for coffee in Crillon-le-Brave where there’s a memorial to the Duke of Crillon, reputed to be Henry IV’s bravest and fiercest general during the Wars of Religion.
It would be a shame not to climb Ventoux once more on the final day! We propose to make a decent ride of it and go up via Sault, and either turn down at Chalet Reynard or continue to the summit one last time.
Key information
- Highlights
- Whats included
- What's not included
- Expert coaching, on and off the bike (coach:rider ratio 1:5)
- Excellent food: all meals included (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner)
- Small groups, matched by level
- On-the-road support vehicle with free energy drinks and snacks
- Mechanical assistance
- Coach’s Corner evening seminars on cycling performance
- Written summary of your strengths and focus areas as a cyclist
- Photographs and videos taken during the week (digital copies)
- Official Tour Operator, registered and approved in France
- Full financial protection (International Passenger Protection Ltd.)
- Bicycle hire (optional extra)
- Massage or osteopathy (optional extra)
- Outstanding 3* hotel with secure bike storage
- Climb Mont Ventoux several times, and discover fantastic cycling in the surrounding area
- Accommodation in a superior 3* hotel
- Excellent food: all meals included (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner)
- On-the-road support vehicle with free energy drinks and snacks
- GPX files for the daily rides
- Expert coaching, on and off the bike (if desired)
- Photographs and videos taken during the week (digital copies)
- Travel to Mont Ventoux (contact us for help if needed)
- Bicycle hire (available as an optional extra)
- Massage (available as an optional extra)
- Drinks at the hotel bar or from the mini-bar
Food & drink
We have carefully selected the hotel for the quality of its restaurant as much as the quality of the rooms.
All meals are included. From convivial buffet breakfasts to relaxed dinners in the cosy dining room, French gastronomy takes pride of place and the meals are a real highlight of the day. Beer and wine are included with the evening meal.
