Mont Ventoux and Provence Classic Cycle Climb
pie is a cycling events company delivering amazing bespoke bike rides throughout the UK and Europe. We create, develop, manage, operate and deliver fully supported guided group cycling trips for companies, charities and groups of individuals. All to your specific brief.
The notorious Mont Ventoux stands proud in Provence, southern France. Famous for its barren landscape and unrelenting heat, this is truly one of the great ‘classic climbs’. We attack the mountain on day two of a three day ride amongst the lavender fields and vineyards of the Rhone Valley.
323km total distance
5080m climbing
3 / 3.5 days guided cycling
Full support crew
Itinerary
Pre Event
Fly from the UK to Marseille Airport, with a transfer to the town of Cavaillon. Depending on flight times, lunch is taken in a local restaurant, with time to meet your guides and the rest of the pie crew. A short warm up ride follows in the afternoon, before heading back for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Day 1 – 102km, 1420m Climbing
After a breakfast briefing, we head east then north from Cavaillon, towards the ominous Mont Ventoux. Towards the end of the day, there is an option of cycling through Les Gorges de la Nesque, along quiet roads with an average gradient of just 2%. This adds on a few kms, but is worth the effort.
Day 2 – 97km, 2410m Climb
Two words: Mont Ventoux. This is what the ride is all about – attacking Mont Ventoux from either Malaucène or Bédoin, our guides will lead you up the famous climb, past the Tom Simpson memorial and onto the summit.
Both routes are tough, with an average gradient of 7.2% from Malaucène, or 7.1% from Bédoin:
With every uphill there is a downhill, and we are soon on our way back down the Mont, heading towards our overnight accommodation amongst the lavender fields of Saint-Christol. Dinner (and no doubt a few celebratory drinks!) is taken either at the hotel, or in a local restaurant.
Day 3 – 124km, 1250m Climb
The final day in the saddle sees us heading south, towards the town of Saint Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume. There are just a few rolling hills to contend with, before arriving at our hotel for a well-earned celebration meal, and time to reflect on the achievements of the past few days.
Day 4 – Travel Home
Transfer from the hotel to Marseille airport, in time for your flight home.