Overview
Cycle through the olive groves, vineyards, lavender fields and apple orchards of Provence, finishing with an ascent of one of the most famous climbs in the world – Mont Ventoux. This trip begins in Marseille from which you’ll be transferred to the charming town of Arles on the banks of the Rhone for our first evening. Over the next few days you’ll cycle through the stunning landscapes of Provence, through the Luberon Valley and the iconic Gorge de Nesque. Mountain backdrops, quiet country lanes, tranquil and unspoilt French countryside, hilltop-perched medieval villages, fabulous local food…this really is the perfect cycling destination.
Highlights
- Pedalling the stunning Gorges des Nesques
- The dramatic wild landscapes of the Luberon valley
- Roman architecture and amphitheatre in Arles
- Rugged countryside, limestone outcrops, vineyards and olive groves
- Sampling the culinary delights of this unique region
- Tackling Mont Ventoux
You will be cycling for between six and eight hours each day but this is not a race! This is a group trip and we like to cycle as such, the pace will be determined by your Cycle Leader.
You must be an experienced cyclist who cycles regularly and maintains a good level of bike fitness. There are significant climbs throughout this trip that will require stamina, bike fitness and technical ability on descents.
We can provide you with a training plan, please contact us on info@moreadventure.co.uk.
A link to our trip grades that explains in depth our star rating is here: www.moreadventure.co.uk/cycling-grades
Itinerary
Day 1: Marseille – Arles (0 miles)
The trip begins at Marseille airport where you’ll be met by the More Adventure team and transferred to our first hotel in Arles. Founded by the ancient Greeks and set around a 2000 year-old Roman coliseum, Arles is a lively town and the perfect introduction to this incredible region. At our hotel we’ll have a tour brief, build bicycles if needed and have our first group meal at a local restaurant. If you’ve decided to take advantage of our bicycle transfer service, this is also when you’ll also be reunited with your bicycle and luggage.
Day 2: Arles – Apt
97 km & 1250m⬆ / 60 miles & 4000 ft⬆
After breakfast we begin our first ride heading east towards the jagged limestone landscape of Les Alpines, a small range of mountains that offer fantastic panorama views of the valleys below. This designated natural park is home to a number of rare species, including Bonelli’s eagle, the Egyptian vulture and the eagle owl. We’ll ride through vineyards, lavender fields, olive groves and almond trees, passing through a number of pretty French villages. Our route enters the town of Cavaillon which marks the start of the National Park of Luberon, an area of spectacular beauty and home to many fascinating hilltop villages. Our final destination is the sleepy town of Apt. Here we’ll check into our hotel and have a well-deserved evening meal at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Apt – Gorge de Nesque – Sault
84km & 1700m⬆ / 52 miles & 5500ft⬆
Today’s ride begins by heading northwest through the pretty villages of Rousillion and Gordes. Our route then enters the mighty Gorge de Nesque on a stunningly scenic road. This dramatic gorge is one of the most beautiful in France and makes for an incredible ride. Several tunnels seemingly cling onto the hillside with fabulous views of the valley below at every turn. It’ll be a long and slow climb to the top, but the views will undoubtedly make it worth the effort. Our overnight destination is the town of Sault where we’ll have our evening meal and get some rest before the big day ahead.
Day 4: Sault – Mont Ventoux – Bedoin
65 km & 1600m⬆ / 40 miles & 5100ft⬆
The day has arrived – you’re going to take on one of the most iconic climbs in the world, the mighty Mont Ventoux or the bald mountain. We tackle the climb on what is considered the easiest route, but make no mistake, this is a tough climb whichever way you ride it. Today’s route is shorter than previous days, but if you are so inclined (and are a sucker for punishment) you do have the option of tackling Ventoux from Bedoin in the afternoon (optional). In the evening we’ll have our final celebratory meal and overnight in Bedoin.
Day 5: Bedoin – Marseille
After breakfast in our hotel, you’ll be transferred with your bikes and luggage to Marseille airport for your flight home. Here we say our farewells and the trip ends.
FAQs
How do I book a bicycle transfer?
Once you have made your booking and the trip has been confirmed we will send out a simple form for you to fill in your specific requirements of the pickup and dropoff. We'll then look at the logistics and work out whether it is viable and provide you with an invoice for the pickup and a date/time slot for the pickup.
How much are flights to and from the trip?
Flights costs around £100 - £200 return to Marseille from London.
How does the bicycle transfer service work?
The bicycle transfer is a door-to-door bicycle and luggage transfer service. Basically a few days before the trip begins your bicycle and main piece of luggage will be picked up from an agreed address at a specific time slot and driven to the start point of the trip. At the end of the trip they will be returned to an agreed address a couple of days after the trip ends. The price will depend upon how many others in the group require the service and where your pickup point is, it is however usually cheaper than hiring a bike box, checking your bike box onto the plane and the logistics of getting your bike to the airport. You do not need a bike box and your bicycle will not need to be dismantled. It saves you a lot of hassle and time, and allows you to fly with hand luggage only!
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