Custom Short-stays

Ventoux BreakAway Bike Tour

Overview

The Giant of Provence

Mont Ventoux lives up to its name before you even take your first pedal stroke at the bottom of the climb. The mountain completely dominates its surroundings in the heart of Provence, and with it’s bald summit, gives the impression that it is snow-capped, and therefore higher than its 1909 meters. Mont Ventoux is arguably the most famous and feared Tour de France climb and is justifiably on the Bucket List of any aspiring grimpeur!

Climbing Mont Ventoux is an incredible experience, but there is plenty of amazing riding near the mountain as well. 44|5 offers short, custom Mont Ventoux bike tours, centered around your dream climb, with guided rides and cycling-friendly accommodation included. Click on the tabs above to find out more. If you want to add even more ‘epic’ to your stay with us, add a supported climb of Alpe d’Huez (extra costs apply)!

Prices depend on number of nights/rides and the level of accommodation you choose, but for a couple sharing a room in our 2-3 star option and riding together, here is what you can expect per person:

2 nights / 2 rides: €475
3 nights / 3 rides: €685
4 nights / 4 rides: €895

INCLUDED

All accommodation
All breakfasts
Energy bars, gels, snacks and water on your ride
Pick-ups and drop-offs at your accommodation each day (when necessary)
Owner-operator guides to see to your needs
Support vehicle (Ventoux climb), offering assistance, encouragement, and food and drinks
44|5 Cycling Tours water bottle

NOT INCLUDED

Transportation to France (*We can arrange transport from Marseilles airport or Avignon train station.)
Lunches and dinners
Hotels before and after your tour
Personal expenses, such as mini-bar, telephone or souvenir purchases
Bikes – bring your own or you can rent high quality road bikes

Day to Day

Your Mont Ventoux bike tour is custom and private and perfect for individuals, couples and groups.

You can choose the number of days you’d like to spend cycling in Provence with us, and we make sure your guided rides are tailored-made to your expectations and abilities. Your BreakAway can be as short as two nights and as long as you’d like to stay.

Below is an example itinerary for a typical 3 day/3 night tour.

Day 1

Dentelles de Montmirail

We will meet you at your hotel/B&B then head off on a ‘warm-up’ ride through the pretty Dentelles, the foothills of the géant itself! Although right next to Mont Ventoux, its hidden valleys, hilltop hamlets and tiny roads give the Dentelles a unique feel that make this one of the best areas to ride in Provence.

Day 2

Mont Ventoux Ascent

Now that the legs are warmed up and you are full of energy from last night’s dinner, today is the main course of your tour! We meet early at your hotel, make sure your bikes are set up perfectly for your climb, then make our way to Bédoin.

Today you are supported by a vehicle with water and energy when you need it. After your successful ascent of one of the most famous climbs in France (and a celebration at 1912 meters, of course!) we ride back to your hotel, descending the northern side of the mountain to Malaucène, then looping back on a wonderful route through vineyards and Mediterranean pine forests.

44|5 Cycling Tours guide climbing Mont Ventoux

Day 3

Vaucluse Valley

With your objective achieved, we head out on the road today for a southerly loop right into the heart of Provence. Today’s route cuts a lovely loop to the south of Ventoux on roads lined with vineyards and olive groves. This large, open valley offers a few short climbs with stunning views in all directions, and plenty of village cafés if we feel like a break along the way!

Accommodations

44|5 partners with several comfortable and well-situated hotels/B&Bs in the Mont Ventoux area. Your accommodation will depend on availability and the rides you choose to do with us. Below are examples of what you can expect.

Hôtel Domaine des Tilleuls

This former silk farm is situated at the beginning of the northern climb of Mont Ventoux, in the village of Malaucène. Its Medieval town center plays host to a market on Wednesdays, and offers plenty of restaurant choices, not to mention a bike shop or two. Domaine des Tilleuls has welcomed many cycling legends over the years, including Eddy Merckx.

Domaine des Tilleuls - Alpe d'Huez Ventoux cycling tour

La Ferme des Bélugues

La Ferme des Bélugues is a 15th century mas (farmhouse) situated at the foot of Mont Ventoux. It is nestled in a valley on the road from Bédoin to Malaucène, making it an ideal place to stay for tackling any of the Ventoux climbs. Its setting has beautiful views and is very tranquil and relaxing and it is this along with the amazing cycling facilities that brings cyclists of all levels from road champions to cyclo-tourists from across the world to stay here.

Hotel Le Siècle

Housed in a 16th century private “bourgeois” residence, Le Siècle is located in the charming village of Mazan, to the south of Mont Ventoux. Steeped in history from Roman times to the Revolution, the village offers everything you need during your stay. The surrounding area has a wide variety of cycling options in all directions.

Chateau de Mazan (4-Star Upgrade option only)

If you want to spoil yourself, our 4-star 18th century chateau hotel is for you. The Chateau de Mazan’s most famous resident was the Marquis de Sade and his family up until 1850. The rooms are large, modern and bright and the grounds are calm and meticulously maintained. The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant that serves bistro-style lunches and gastronomique dinners, either inside the airy dining room, or outside in the garden.

Crillon le Brave (5-Star Upgrade option only)

Perched on one of the small hilltop villages that dot the countryside near the base of Mont Ventoux, this Small Luxury Hotel (SLH) property is a cyclist’s paradise. The location offers excellent access to the area’s best riding roads, and when not on your bike, you might decide to take advantage of their spa services, eat a meal at one of two on-site restaurants, or just take in the view of Mont Ventoux from the patio.

Dates & Prices

Tour Dates – Choose your own

Tour Availability – From April to October

Price Per Person – Packages start at €475

Single Supplement – from €125

Travel Details

Arrival Airport / Train Station – Marseille or Avignon

Driving distance from: – Avignon (30 min); Marseille Airport (1.5 hrs)

Departure Airport / Train Station – Marseille or Avignon

There are many ways to get to Provence. We’ve had clients come in from all directions and by all means of transportation, so make sure you tell us your personal circumstances and we’ll be sure and help you out.

If you have the time, extending your stay in this area is always a good idea. Nice and the Riviera are less than 3 hours away by car and there is plenty to keep you occupied in Provence, too, with hill-top villages, great museums and delicious food. We’re always happy to share our knowledge, so just ask!

Gallery

What our Guests have to say about our Ventoux BreakAway Package

Among the Best Cycling Experiences of my Life

The 4 days I rode with John and Gerry were among the best cycling experiences of my life. The Ventoux area of France is a great area to ride. The roads are both scenic and offer a wide range of difficulty. Gerry and John know the area and did a terrific job of selecting rides… Read more “Among the Best Cycling Experiences of my Life”

Alan - Texas

Great Experience

Five of us just spent a fantastic 4 days doing a bike tour with John and Gerry in the Ventoux region. John and Gerry’s approach is professional, but also very relaxed and flexible – they have an impressive knowledge of the local area and adapt the rides to the needs of the group on the… Read more “Great Experience”

Richard - UK

A great trip all round

Thanks Gerry, for a great trip. Your choice of hotel was perfect, and it was really nice to ride with you round some beautiful scenery. And most importantly, we conquered Le… Read more “A great trip all round”

Michael - London