High above us soars the Mont Ventoux (1909 metres), the “Géant de Provence” that cyclists the world over fear and respect. But there are also innumerable little roads which run hither and thither, weaving their way over the lower slopes of the mountain for the delight of cyclists whose pleasure is more about enjoying the countryside, than breaking records!
Small winding roads link vineyards, olive groves, orchards and fields of lavender. Along the way, cyclists plying their passage through the heart of this austere yet lovely limestone countryside may enjoy exploring typical little villages that surprise by their charm and character.
Every day there’s a different outing with new places and faces to see. Every evening there’s a friendly welcome and a table set with dishes of the ever-inventive Provençal cuisine.
Delightful provençal village through which runs the Ouvèze river. Remarkable bridge and fountain.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with its own pool at Mollans sur Ouvèze
D2
Ride from Mollans sur Ouvèze towards Malaucène and back
29 km stage with total uphill 585 metres. Around 3hrs.
A surprising ride that takes you through wild places where time seems to have stood still. Scenery of a thousand colours and practically untouched by visual pollution. Then the lovely little Provençal borough of Malaucène and its remarkable old town centre.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with its own pool at Mollans sur Ouvèze
D3
Ride from Mollans sur Ouvèze towards Vaison la Romaine and back
43 km stage with total uphill 575 metres. About 4hrs.
This sally out to and around Vaison la Romaine takes you through rich and little-known territory. Each village crossed has its own little architectural treasures, and tasting (in moderation, please!) the local wines only adds to the agreable nature of the experience.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with its own pool at Mollans sur Ouvèze
D4
Ride from Mollans sur Ouvèze to Sault
36 km stage with total uphill 740 metres. About 4hrs30.
Today you'll encounter the valley of the Toulourenc, a river that flows at the foot of the Mont Ventoux. The largest water course draining the mountain, its source is beside the Château d'Aulan near Montbrun les Bains. It flows full 30km down a narrow valley with deep wild gorges to gush into the Ouvèze after sweeping through several very pretty places, and thus limiting in a starkly definitive way the north face of the Mont Ventoux.
Dinner and night in a 3* hotel in Sault
D5
Ride from Sault out towards Saint Christol and back
52 km stage with total uphill 480metres. Around 4 to 5hrs.
An easy itinerary on the boundary of the plateau of Albion, during which you will enjoy seeing fine testimony of the past of this region.
Dinner and night in a 3* hotel in Sault
D6
Ride around Sault towards the Gorges de la Nesque or the ascent of Mont Ventoux
30km or 51 km with total uphill 650 and 1220m - Estimated time: between 3 and 6 hours (depending on the stage chosen)
This ride takes you through the heart of the lavender region and its charming hamlets. You'll climb up to the viewpoint at Le Rède, the high point of the route, from where you can contemplate Mont Ventoux overlooking the Nesque gorges. If you're feeling brave, you can also climb Mont Ventoux, a legendary mountain pass that has attracted amateur and professional cyclists since the invention of the bicycle!
Dinner and night in a 3* hotel in Sault
D7
Ride from Sault to Mollans sur Ouvèze
42 km stage with total uphill 200m. Around 3hrs30.
One of the pleasures of today's ride is that the profile shows that there is more downhill than uphill. (You've earned it!) You'll have time to enjoy a visit to the hilltop village of Montbrun les Bains and why not take in a little detour to see Buis-les-Baronnies, whose shady terraces lend this popular borough an undeniable charm.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with its own pool at Mollans sur Ouvèze
Accommodation is half board in 3 star hotels, one with its own pool.
Roadbook and detailed maps provided.
Update GPS tracks.
Technical and logistical assistance.
Baggage transfers assured.
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike for adult or junior : 150 €
Bike cart for child : 80 €
Child seat : 10 €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 230 €
What's not included?
Beverage and extra
Return transfer from Home to the first accomodation
Facultative cancellation and repatriation insurance
Characteristics of circuits
Cycle holiday going from place to place, unaccompanied.
Daily distances: between 30 and 42 km, around 3 to 5hrs of cycling per day.
Total daily uphill: between 190 and 840 metres.
The circuits are at altitudes between 250 and 950 m
Small, narrow country roads.
Suitable for road and country bikes.
Organisation
These outings are much more about relaxed exploration than athletic performance. We transport your luggage from one lodging to another, and your roadbook will guide you throughout your stay. We provide the logistical and technical support necessary.
On longer holidays you change accommodation every other day, which gives you the chance to better explore your surroundings or simply take your time and relax...
Accommodation is in 2 star hotels or 3 'épis' guest houses chosen for their atmosphere, warm welcome and environmental and architectural setting.
N.B : the accommodation described above is given as an indication and may vary according to availability at the moment your reservation is finalized.
Access
By car
Highway A7 exit Bollène - 50 km
By air
Marseille-Provence airport or Lyon St-Exupéry airport
By train
Orange railway station then by bus or taxi to Mollans-sur-Ouvèze. The entrance to the first accommodation with public transports is not recommended. Call the agency for more information .
Comments
Global note
4.5
The tour was magnificent, the book and maps very clear, and the welcome in the accommodation perfect. The Château de la Gabelle was such a wonderful discovery and the owners were so kind and thoughtful. (transladed from french).
We have had a wonderful experience with a good service from Safrantours !
From its lofty 1,909 metres, the massive Mont Ventoux soars above the Provençal region below. Known as the Giant of Provence, the mountain's very isolation ensures its visibility from vast distances all around. Your first outings are…
From its lofty 1,909 metres, the massive Mont Ventoux soars above the Provençal region below. Known as the Giant of Provence, the mountain's very isolation ensures its visibility from vast distances all around. Your first outings are fairly easy,…
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