Mont Ventoux cycling weekend
Our France cycling Holidays
Loire Valley cycling holiday, France
Discover the Loire valley and it's iconic châteaux by bike
Provence self guided cycling tour, Avignon to Cassis
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Dordogne self guided cycling tour, France
The cycling on this tour is varied and packed with interest
Nouvelle Aquitaine self guided cycling holiday, France
Idyllic cycling in France with great food, wine and bonhomie
Geneva to Lyon self guided cycling holiday, France
Cycle along the Rhône River from Geneva to Lyon.
Chateau to Chateau Loire Valley cycling tour
A unique tour to discover the sumptuous Loire Chateaux
Loire self guided cycling holiday
An interest-packed, gentle cycling holiday.
Lavender fields cycling holiday in the South of France
Cycle through France's vast lavender fields in Provence
Self guided cycling holiday in Brittany, France
Explore the wild coastline of Brittany
Chateau to Chateau family cycling tour in the Loire
Unique itinerary for families to discover the Loire Chateaux
Provence self guided cycling tours, Avignon to Camargue
Provence heritage and natural beauty on full display
French Alps cycling holiday
Tailor made Alps cycling holiday with Tour de France cols!
Road cycling holiday in Southern France
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Provence self guided cycling holiday, Gastronomic
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Dordogne cycling tour, France
Ride through remarkable Perigord and Quercy countryside
Pyrenees cycling holiday in France
Self-guided cycling tour the vineyards and villages of the Tarn et garonne
Cycle the Camino Frances
Cycle the iconic Camino Frances from London to Santiago.
River Lot cycling tour in France
A picturesque breakaway on the bucolic Lot river
Provence cycling tours, tailor made
Soak up Provençal history cycling in Côtes du Rhône
Loire valley centre based activity holiday, France
A fantastic hotel base and day trips along the Loire by bike
French Pyrenees women only cycling tour
Fully supported women only cycling tour
Cycling holiday in Provence
Pedal through the picturesque landscapes and quaint villages
The Via Rhona cycling tour, Vienne to Montélimar
Riverside towns, vineyards, orchards, nougats and Provence!
Burgundy cycling holiday, France
Eclectic architecture, wines and waterways
Self guided cycling short break in Switzerland and France
Cycle around Lake Geneva's charming countryside
Normandy cycling holidays, France
See the landing beaches and other historic sites in Normandy
Les Deux Alpes mountain biking tour, France
A bucket list worthy selection of parks and trails!.
Burgundy self guided cycling tours, France
Cycle through beautiful Burgundy & taste exquisite wines
Provence cycling tour, France
Cycling tour of Provence for avid riders.
Mont Ventoux & Le Tour de France
Dreams have been dramatically made and dashed here; in 2016 Chris Froome found himself jogging part way up the mountain after a crash with a motorcycle damaged his bike. And the memorial to British cyclist Tom Simpson, who collapsed just half a kilometre from the summit in 1969, offers a sobering reminder that this is a mountain to be taken seriously. Slow and steady most certainly wins this race.
What does a Mont Ventoux cycling weekend entail?
Andy Ross, cycling expert at our supplier Exodus:
“Tackle the climb in under an hour and prepare to turn pro or call in the UCI doing control. Under 1hr 30 is very good for an amateur. Riding all the way without stopping, regardless of time, is the biggest achievement in my opinion.”
Our top France cycling Holiday
Loire Valley cycling holiday, France
Discover the Loire valley and it's iconic châteaux by bike
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Mont Ventoux cycling routes
From Bedoin
From Malaucène
While the route from Malaucène is less ridden it is a beautiful way to conquer the mountain and retains its own Tour de France heritage; the 1951 tour ascended Ventoux from here. From Malaucène the road to the summit rises 1,535m in 21.2km with an average gradient of 7.2 percent – presenting a similar challenge to the Bedoin route. However, the well-surfaced wider roads with marked cycle lanes make this arguably a safer route to ascend.From Sault
The longest route at 26km and with only 1,200m of climbing, the ascent from Sault is often considered the ‘easiest’ of the three. However, this route tackles the same, steep final 5km as the Bedoin route and the long, steady 5 percent climb before you reach the iconic Tour de France summit section can weary even the strongest of cycling legs. Easier, perhaps, but certainly not easy.Practicalities
How fit do I need to be to cycle Mont Ventoux?
“Better to do regular short rides in week plus longer one at weekend, rather than only riding at weekend. Do as many hills as possible, even if it’s reps up and down the longest climb you can find, and get used to climbing at a steady, consistent pace.”
Can I bring my own bike?
While it might be tempting to bring your own chariot for Europe’s longer road cycling trips, for a short weekend break to Mont Ventoux most cyclists choose to forgo the hassle and hire a bike locally. And this isn’t a bad option; the rental bikes are of excellent quality and experienced outfitters will ensure a good and comfortable fit. You are, of course, welcome to bring your own bike with you should you prefer.When is the best time to do a Mont Ventoux cycling weekend?
Cycling Mont Ventoux is most pleasant if you avoid the hottest of the Provençale sunshine, with May, June, September and October all good options. Even during these times you’ll likely set of early to avoid the midday heat and any chance of summer afternoon storms.If you want to time your trip to coincide with the Tour de France, then you’ll need to travel in July. And while nothing may seems quite so fitting as tackling your own cycling challenge a few days before watching Le Tour whizz by, you’ll need to be prepared for hot days in the saddle, especially on Mont Ventoux’s exposed flanks, busy roads and inflated accommodation costs.