Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez Challenge
Sunrise on Ventoux. Sunset on Alpe d'Huez. One unforgettable day.
Highlights
✓ Ride Mont Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez in a single day.
✓ Experience an unforgettable sunrise from the summit of Mont Ventoux.
✓ Cross the spectacular and remote Gorges des Gâts.
✓ Climb the beautiful Col de Grimone.
✓ Fully supported with experienced ride leaders and support vehicle.
✓ One of VeloVentoux’s original and most rewarding cycling challenges.
Introduction
The Ultimate VeloVentoux Challenge
This is our very own creation and, without doubt, one of the finest one-day rides we’ve ever experienced.
The challenge is simple: watch the sunrise from the summit of Mont Ventoux, then reach the summit of Alpe d’Huez before sunset – all in the same day.
After leading countless tours between Ventoux and Alpe d’Huez over the years, we began to wonder if it could be done in a single ride. In 2014, nine riders rolled out of Bédoin at 4:00 am. Following a spectacular sunrise on the summit of Ventoux, they crossed Provence and the Alps before reaching the top of Alpe d’Huez just after 7:00 pm.
Today, the challenge takes place each year on the weekend closest to the longest day, giving riders the maximum daylight to complete this unforgettable journey.
Covering approximately 265 km with over 6,500 metres of climbing, this is a true bucket-list ride. Tough, rewarding and unforgettable, it’s one of the greatest days you’ll ever spend on a bike.
Dates
Custom Tour
Run on demand for small groups, ideally on a date as close to the longest day in June as possible.
Cost
From £925.00 per person
Single Supplement £355.09
What's included
✓ 4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast.
✓ Airport transfer from Marseille Airport.
✓ Return transfer to Lyon Airport.
✓ Fully supported challenge with experienced ride leaders and support vehicle.
✓ Guided warm-up ride before the challenge.
✓ Luggage transportation throughout the trip.
✓ GPX files for your GPS device.
✓ Experienced VeloVentoux hosts throughout your stay.
Not included
✓ Flights.
✓ Lunches during the day.
✓ Travel insurance.
✓ Bike hire.
✓ Personal spending and refreshments.
Example Itinerary
Thursday: Travel day - Shakedown
A transfer from Marseille Airport is included, with both morning and afternoon collections available (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).
Guests arriving on the morning transfer will have plenty of time to build their bikes before heading out on an optional 45 km leg-stretcher ride to the beautiful hilltop village of Brantes. Quiet roads, spectacular scenery and magnificent views of the dramatic north face of Mont Ventoux make this the perfect introduction to the challenge ahead.
Distance: 45 km (optional)
Climbing: Approx. 850 m
Friday
Today’s ride is all about keeping the legs moving and enjoying the Provençal countryside. We’ll head out on a relaxed spin through some of our favourite local roads before stopping for coffee and cake at Pista Café in Bédoin, one of the favourite meeting places for cyclists.
We’ll return to our accommodation in plenty of time to relax, prepare our bikes and enjoy a pre-challenge briefing ahead of tomorrow’s early start.
Distance: 60–70 km
Climbing: Approx. 800m
Saturday - Final Preparations
Tomorrow is the big day, so today is all about making the final preparations. We’ll head out for a short leg-stretcher ride before giving the bikes a final check and making sure everything is ready.
Back at our accommodation, we’ll prepare day bags, luggage and equipment for the support vehicle, as well as organise food, clothing and nutrition for the challenge ahead. After a comprehensive ride briefing, the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax, put your feet up and get an early night before our pre-dawn start.
Distance: 20–30 km (optional)
Sunday: Ventoux to Alpe d'Huez Challenge
The alarm clock rings early for the biggest day of the trip. After a short 30-minute transfer to Bédoin, we roll out at 4:00 am and begin the steady climb of Mont Ventoux beneath the stars.
Reaching the summit just after 6:00 am, we’ll pause to watch the sunrise before beginning our journey north through the spectacular landscapes of the Drôme and the Pre-Alps. The day’s second major challenge is the beautiful Col de Grimone, followed later by the Col d’Ornon before the long descent into Bourg d’Oisans.
After a final refuel in Bourg d’Oisans, there’s just one climb remaining. The legendary 21 bends of Alpe d’Huez provide a fitting finale as we aim to reach the summit before sunset, completing one of the most memorable one-day rides in Europe.
Distance: 265 km
Climbing: Approx. 6,500 m
Monday: Departure Day
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Lyon Airport, giving you time to reflect on an unforgettable weekend and one of cycling’s greatest endurance challenges.
We hope you’ll leave with tired legs, incredible memories and the satisfaction of having completed the VeloVentoux Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez Challenge.
Transfer time to Lyon Airport: Approximately 2 hours.
Tour Map
Is This Challenge for Me?
The Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez Challenge is one of the toughest rides we offer. Covering around 265 km with more than 6,500 metres of climbing, it’s a serious endurance challenge that demands both physical fitness and mental determination.
There’s no selection process, but riders should be confident they have the fitness and experience to complete the distance within the available daylight. Previous experience of long mountain rides or endurance events is highly recommended.
This challenge normally runs as a custom tour for small groups or cycling clubs, allowing us to choose the best date and weather window. We also organise an annual ride on the weekend closest to the longest day.
This challenge is ideal if you:
✓ Regularly ride 150–200 km or more.
✓ Have experience of long mountain climbs.
✓ Enjoy endurance challenges and bucket-list rides.
✓ Want to experience one of VeloVentoux’s original adventures.
✓ Are looking for one of the most rewarding days you’ll ever spend on a bike.