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Challenging Ventoux and Upper Provence
offered by supplier M09630 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 7
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 20
people
Destination(s):
France
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Season: April - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: Yes
Minimum Per Person Price: 770 Euro (EUR)
Maximum Per Person Price: 795 Euro (EUR)
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Upper Provence offers and unmatched variety of terrain making this area a perfect training ground for riders who want to prepare for l'Etape du Tour or some other challenging cyclosportives such as La Marmotte. Our tour is also a goal in itself as it will allow you to climb up Ventoux from its three sides. Besides doing Ventoux, you will ride through some of the most beautiful parts of Provence (Gorges de la Nesque, Gorges du Toulourenc, Dentelles de Montmirail) including the visually stunning lavender-growing region of Sault where you will be located on Day 4, Day 5, and Day 6. Note that a supported version (with support vehicle and guide) of this tour is available May 20 thru 27 in conjunction with the Ventoux Cyclosportive that will be held on May 26, 2007.
tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival - Afternoon ride through Luberon (70 km or 44 miles)
Our tour starts from Bedoin, at the foot of the Giant of Provence, all 1,1910 m (5,700 ft.) of Mont-Ventoux! Note that if you arrive in Avignon, we'll transfer you at no additional cost. Before getting on your bike for our suggested 70-km ride, you will meet our local representative who will give you all the necessary materials, go over your next few days' itinerary and answer all your questions. Your afternoon ride will take you through two of France's prettiest villages, Venasque and Gordes.
Day 2: Ventoux from Bedoin "The Classic Way" (60 km or 37 miles)
Today's the day! You'll climb Ventoux the classic way, from Bedoin. The climb form Bedoin is the toughest, it is also the one most often done by Tour de France riders. The record to beat is 55 minutes 52 held by Iban Mayo. The views from the top are climb-worthy as are the exhilarating dowhnill to Malaucene where lunch options are many. You'll then return to Bedoin following a scenic roller-coaster road through Cotes-du Ventoux vineyards and pine trees.
Day 3: Recovery Loop through wine-making Dentelles-de-Montmirail (77 km or 48 miles)
Today's recovery ride will take you through the scenic area known as the Dentelles-de-Montmirail with its interesting rock formations ("dentelles" is "lace") and its very famous wine-making villages such as Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, or Seguret. Also of interest on today's ride is Vaison-la-Romaine where you may want to stop for a quick look at France's largest archaelogical site.
Day 4: Ventoux from Malaucene - Ride to Sault (62 km or 38 miles)
Your second way up Ventoux will be done from the west side of the mountain. Although slightly easier, it is still a challenging climb that requires and excellent fitness level, the appropriate gearing, and a lightweight jacket (even on summer's hottest days, the bald mountain can be dreadfully cold!) Gravity will take you down through fragrant and colorful fields of lavender all the way to Sault where you'll stay for the next three nights. Feel free to use the rest of the day to wander through the pretty town of Sault. Note that "apres-velo" massages can be arranged.
Day 5: Sault - Sault through lavender-growing Albion mountain (60 km or 38 miles)
Today's recovery ride will rival everything you've seen so far. Your detailed directions (on GPS) will take you on very quiet roads through the Albion mountain, a lavender-growing area of stunning beauty and along the beautiful "Gorges de Toulourenc." A few minor climbs will be on your itinerary, including Col de l'Homme Mort (1,212 m or 3,600 ft) done by Tour de France riders in 2000. The ride is short enough so as to allow for time, if you so desire, to lunch at your return at one of Sault's many outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Day 6: Ventoux from Sault - Return via Gorges de la Nesque (80 km or 50 miles)
If your last day of riding may be another painful day for your legs, it will sure be another treat to your eyes! And what a treat! After climbing Ventoux the "easy way" from Sault and an adrenaline-pumping downhill to Bedoin, you'll ride back to Sault through the picturesque Gorges de la Nesque, the perfect exclamation point to end your tour.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, we will drive you back to Avignon.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- 6-night accommodations in 2- and 3-star properties
- Daily breakfast
- 4 dinners (drinks are not included)
- Meeting with our local representative
- Detailed directions/Climb profiles
- Luggage transfers
- Transfers to/from Avignon
- Assistance if necessary
- All tax and service charges
Price does not include:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature
- Bike rentals. Rental bikes can be arranged through us. Please contact us for more information.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Bicycle Touring
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