Experience the essence of Provence, a region that embodies the “French Art de Vivre.” With warm, sunlit days, serene roads, breathtaking landscapes, and dramatic gorges, Provence is a cyclist’s paradise. Here, fresh cuisine with a Mediterranean twist and crisp regional wines complement days of adventure, while the legendary Mont Ventoux beckons as a must-conquer destination. All these elements make Provence the ideal setting for an unforgettable cycling holiday in France, promising every cyclist a journey rich in culture, flavor, and natural beauty.
Difficulty: 3,5/5
Arrival in Aix en Provence.
Upon arrival in the beautiful and sunny town of Aix-en-Provence, settle into your hotel and relax after your journey. Then, get your bike ready for the week and meet the Echappée Cycling Tours team, who will brief you on the week ahead. The day will conclude with a welcome dinner in the heart of town. Bienvenue !
Hotel : TBC
Aix en Provence – Gordes – 80 km
Starting from the beautiful city of Aix-en-Provence, you will ride towards Gordes, one of the most picturesque villages in France. Covering 82 km with 1,220 meters of elevation, it’s a gentle warm-up for the week ahead. You’ll cycle through charming vineyards, a few lavender fields, and quaint Provençal villages.
Climbs :
-Saint Esteve (4.6 km at 3.5 %)
-Montée de Bonnieux (3.7 km at 4.2 %)
Hotel : Mas de la Senancole***
Gordes – Gordes – 120 km
Today is Mont Ventoux day. With 119 km and 2,500 meters of elevation, the first part of the ride is rolling hills, followed by a 20 km flat section leading to the town of Bédoin, the base of Mont Ventoux. Get ready to tackle this iconic climb! You’ll pass the Tom Simpson memorial towards the summit. The view from the top is breathtaking, offering a sweeping panorama of the entire valley. By this point, you’ve covered just over 50 km, but don’t worry—the second half of the route is mostly downhill, taking you back to Gordes.
Climbs :
-Mont Ventoux (21.5 km at 7.3 %)
Hotel : Mas de la Senancole***
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Gordes – Moustier-Sainte-Marie – 120 km
Departing from Gordes, you’ll head to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, passing through the incredible village of Roussillon, famous for its striking red ochre cliffs. After a scenic ride along a bike path, you’ll reach the “Plateau de Valensole,” cycling almost 20 km through fragrant lavender fields. The day ends with a beautiful descent into the stunning village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, where breathtaking views await you.
Climbs :
-Cote de Rousillon (1.15 km at 6.1 %)
-Cote de Céreste (2 km at 5,6 %)
-Montfuron (3.7 km at 4 %)
-Cote de Valensole (5.3 km at 4,7 %)
Hotel: Les Restanques***
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Loop around Moustier-Sainte-Marie – 90 km
Staying in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you will embark on a loop around the breathtaking and world-renowned Gorges du Verdon. After 10 km, you’ll begin a climb reaching an altitude of 1,200 meters. From there, the ride consists of rolling terrain with stunning views of the Gorges du Verdon. The final 15 km offer a long, gentle descent back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
Climbs :
-Vaumale (12 km at 5,6 %)
-Saint Maime (3.7 km at 5.6 %)
-La Palud (7 km at 4,6 %)
Hotel: Les Restanques***
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Moustier Sainte Marie – Vence – 125 km
You’ll start the day by climbing the same descent you enjoyed yesterday—almost 15 km of steady uphill. Then, you’ll continue riding along the Gorges du Verdon for nearly 20 km before reaching the town of Castellane and tackling another climb. The last part of the day is mostly downhill, featuring the spectacular descent of the Col de Vence, where you’ll catch distant views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Climbs :
-Col d’Ayen (8 km at 5 %)
-Saint Barnabé (10.5 km at 5.2 %)
-Col de Bleine (4,6 km at 6.4 %)
Hotel: Cantemerle****
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Loop around Vence – 83 km
For the last ride of the week, you’ll enjoy a relaxed route to finish this amazing journey (83 km – 1,500 m of elevation). You’ll ride along scenic and picturesque roads. Nice and its surroundings are a favorite among professional cyclists in Europe, so keep your eyes open—you might cross paths with a champion or two!
Climbs :
-Col de Vence (9.6 km at 6.7 %)
-Gourdon (4 km at 4.1 %)
Hotel: Cantemerle****
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-8 Days/7 Nights in Premium Hotels: Enjoy stays in carefully selected 3- or 4-star accommodations for comfort after each day’s adventure.
-Full-Board Meals: Indulge in daily breakfasts, “en route” lunches, and gourmet dinners at top local restaurants to fuel your journey.
-Expert Local Guides: With a 1:5 guide-to-guest ratio, our knowledgeable guides ensure a seamless, personalized experience on every route.
-Support Vehicles: Our dedicated support vehicles are available to assist you throughout the tour.
-Luggage Transport: We handle all luggage transfers, so you can focus solely on the road ahead.
-Energy Snacks & Drinks: Stay energized with a variety of refreshments provided during each ride.
-Exclusive Echappée Cycling Tours Gear: Receive a complimentary day bag with a jersey, water bottles, and other essentials for your cycling adventure.
‘-Flights: International and domestic flights are not covered.
–Road-bike rental : High-quality road bikes are available to rent for an additional €300 per bike.
–E-bike rental: Choose an electric bike for enhanced ease and comfort, available for an additional €450 per bike.
–Personal and Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend securing personal and travel insurance for peace of mind throughout your journey.
2.800 €
Total: 00 €
