44|5’s Most Iconic BikeTour

Alpe d’Huez – Ventoux

Overview

The Perfect Cycling Balance

You would be hard pressed to find two more epic Tour de France climbs than Alpe d’Huez and Mont Ventoux in the same cycling tour, given their distinct personalities. Alpe d’Huez is in the middle of the high Alps, surrounded by other famous (and beautiful) cols. It is high-mountain riding at its best. Contrasted to this, Mont Ventoux is located in sun-kissed Provence, surrounded by lavender fields, lovely laid-back villages, and endless vineyard roads. The combination makes a perfect cycling experience that allows you to enjoy two of France’s most stunning and varied areas to ride.

Your HighRoad Alpe d’Huez – Mont Ventoux Bike Tour has two ‘bases’: one on top of Alpe d’Huez and the other at the foot of Mont Ventoux, in comfortable 3 and 4 star hotels perfectly positioned for the best riding the areas have to offer.

HighRoad Alpe d’Huez – Mont Ventoux is one of our ‘Challenging‘ cycling tours. Distances can be up to, or over, 100 km (60 miles), with long sustained climbs of 16 km (10 miles) or more. Riders should be experienced and have good confidence in their fitness and abilities on the bike.

INCLUDED

Tour Price

Double occupancy: €4500
Single Supplement: €650
Deposit: €500 per person

Accommodation and Dining

7 nights accommodation (4**** and 3***)
All breakfasts, lunches and 6 dinners (including wine)
Energy bars, gels, snacks and water on your rides

Support

Pick-up at Lyon Airport (LYS); drop-off at Marseille Airport (MRS)
All baggage transfers
Owner-operator guides to see to your needs
Maps and elevation profiles of each day’s route
Support van that will be on the road with you, offering assistance, encouragement, and nutrition
44|5 Cycling Tours jersey and water bottle

NOT INCLUDED

Transportation to France
Alcohol outside meals
Hotels before and after your tour
Personal expenses, such as mini-bars, telephone or souvenir purchases
Bikes (we can arrange for rentals)

Day to Day

A typical day on your Alpe d’Huez-Ventoux cycling tour begins with a healthy buffet breakfast, followed by a ride in one of these two distinct and gorgeous regions. Most rides will end back at your hotel for a post-effort lunch. However, on longer days in the saddle (Day 4 and 7 for example) it will be a light lunch on the road. You will always have a few hours in the afternoon to relax and explore your surroundings before we meet for a dinner of delicious local fare.

Day 1

Transfer to Hotel and Afternoon Ride

Your guided Alpe d’Huez-Ventoux cycling tour begins at Lyon airport, where we will pick you up and transport you to Le Pic Blanc, our 4-star hotel on Alpe d’Huez. After setting up your bikes and taking a “shake-out” spin, we will have a ‘welcome dinner’ in the hotel restaurant and talk about the amazing rides to come.

Day 2

Ride: Col de la Croix de Fer / Col du Glandon. Approximately 76 km and 1800 m of ascent.

Our first ride takes us across the quiet ‘balcony road’ to the west of Alpe d’Huez before descending to the Barrage du Verney, where we begin to climb our first big col. The ride up to the Col de la Croix de Fer is long, with some steep stretches, but the views that hit you once you exit into the high alpine meadows near the top are more than worth the effort. The Col du Glandon is a short jog off the main climb, with magnificent views down into the Maurienne Valley.

Cyclists in front of Col de la Croix de Fer sign

Day 3

Ride: Alpe d’Huez. Approximately 50 km and 1800 m of ascent.

A Tour de France victory on Alpe d’Huez immortalizes a pro cyclist, as is evidenced by the names of its conquerors on each and every 21 hairpin turn. You will be following in the pedal strokes of Fausto Coppi, Bernard Hinault and Thibault Pinot on The Alpe, but before we get to it you have a wonderfully-scenic ride along the ‘eastern balcony’, before descending down to the valley floor where the climb of Alpe d’Huez begins.

Cyclists climbing past Huez sign on an Alpe d'Huez cycling tour

Day 4

Ride: Col du Lautaret, Col du Galibier. Approximately 108 km and 2300 m of ascent.

Today’s ride takes you deep into the history of the Tour de France, climbing two cols that have been mainstays of Le Tour since 1911. The Col du Galibier is also one of the highest passes in the Alps (2645 m) and the highest ever stage finish in the Tour de France (in 2011).

Day 5

Transfer to Provence and Afternoon Ride. Approximately 40 km and 600 m of ascent.

After transferring from the Alps to our charming Provençal hotel in Malaucène, we’ll head into the hills north of Mont Ventoux. Here you’ll experience real backcountry riding on deserted roads that lead to hidden villages. Often overlooked, this area will have you begging to come back and explore further.

Day 6

Ride: Mont Ventoux. Approximately 74 km and 2000 m of ascent.

After a scenic warm-up ride through the picturesque Dentelles Mountains we will attack Mont Ventoux from the cycling-mad village of Bédoin, just like the Tour de France pros do. This monumental climb is everything you will have hoped for and more.

Day 7

Rie: Le Geant Loop. Approximately 100 km and 1600 m of ascent.

On our shortlist of favorite rides in the area, this long loop around the base of Mont Ventoux is one of the most varied hundred kilometers you will ever ride. Highlights include stunning gorges, lush lavender fields, hilltop villages and stunning perspectives of Le Geant de Provence from all sides. A perfect way to finish off a fantastic tour.

Day 8

Departures

Morning transfers to Marseille Airport for your connection home.

Accommodations

44|5 has chosen your accommodation for the best mix of comfort, cycling services and ride availability. You’re always within walking distance of village centers, restaurants, bike shops and other necessities. Additional services such as massages can be easily arranged.

Le Pic Blanc

Situated down the road from the Tour de France finish line of Alpe d’Huez, our 4-star pick for The Alpe has the perfect mix of comfort and amenities to ease you into your HighRoad Northern Alps tour.

le-pic-blanc-hotel-alpe-d-huez-double-bed

Domaine des Tilleuls – Ventoux

This former silk farm is situated at the beginning of the northern climb of Mont Ventoux, on the edge of the village of Malaucène. Charming on the inside as well as the outside, the hotel grounds include a beautiful garden with shade trees and relaxing outdoor pool area. Domaine des Tilleuls has welcomed many cycling legends over the years, including Eddy Merckx.

Dates & Prices

Tour Dates – Custom dates only this year

Tour Availability – Places available

Price Per Person – €4500

Single Supplement – €650

If this tour isn’t what you are looking for our HighRoad Northern Alps begins in Alpe d’Huez and travels north, finishing on beautiful Lake Annecy.

Travel Details

Arrival Airport – Lyon (LYS)

Pick-up Point – Airport: Noon

Departure Airport – Marseille (MRS)

Flight Time – Book a flight out for early afternoon or later

Gallery

What our Guests have to say about our Alpe d’Huez-Ventoux Cycling Tour

Excellent Trip

We had a group of 15 – 11 riders and 4 non-riders for a 10 day custom trip, climbing big hills, eating and enjoying the French ambiance of the area. We’re a “diverse” group, requiring significant adaptation, both before and during the trip. John and Gerry are patient and accommodating throughout, As a result, we… Read more “Excellent Trip”

Ken - USA

One of the best meals of my life

I went on a week-long cycling trip in Provance and the French Alps using 44-5 as tour guides – a long trek from California where I live. The trip had been arranged by my friends, so I went in excited but uncertain. It turns out Jerry and John were fantastic – the trip way exceeded… Read more “One of the best meals of my life”

Chad - California

Outstanding Tour

John and Gerry provided an outstanding tour of the Alps and Provence, including Mt. Ventoux, for 11 riders and their spouses. The tour was well-organized and included activities for non-riders, interesting dinners, and wine tasting. John and Gerry went out of their way to ensure that everyone had a good experience and even took photographs… Read more “Outstanding Tour”

Larry - California