Mont Ventoux to The Mediterranean
From the Giant of Provence to the sea.
Highlights
✓ The spectacular Gorges du Verdon, one of France’s most iconic natural wonders.
✓ Three unforgettable days of cycling from Mont Ventoux to the Mediterranean.
✓ Fully supported throughout with experienced guides and support vehicle.
✓ Return airport transfers from Marseille and to Nice Airport.
✓ Welcoming family-run hotels and excellent Provençal cuisine.
| Tour at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Accommodation | Family-run 3-star hotels |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Distance | Approx. 650 km |
| Climbing | Approx. 11,500 m |
| Support | Experienced guides and support vehicle |
| Start | Puyméras (Mont Ventoux) |
| Finish | Vence (Nice Airport) |
Introduction
This unforgettable journey begins at our VeloVentoux base in the heart of Provence, where you’ll spend four days discovering some of the finest cycling in France. From the legendary ascent of Mont Ventoux to the quiet roads of the Baronnies Regional Park, you’ll experience the spectacular landscapes that make this region a cyclist’s paradise.
The adventure then continues south through the beautiful Luberon and the dramatic Gorges du Verdon before reaching the Mediterranean coast. Along the way you’ll enjoy three unforgettable days of point-to-point riding, finishing with a spectacular 45 km descent from over 1,100 metres above sea level to the sparkling sea.
Dates
22nd to 29th May 2027
Also available as a custom tour.
Cost
From £1550.00 per person
Single supplement £450.00
What's included
✓ Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast.
✓ One evening meal during the tour.
✓ Return airport transfers from Marseille Airport and to Nice Airport.
✓ Six fully guided rides with experienced guides and support vehicle.
✓ GPX files for your GPS device.
Not included
✓ Flights.
✓ Lunches during the rides.
✓ Evening meals (except where stated).
✓ Travel insurance.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and shake-down ride
A transfer from Marseille Airport (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes) is included, with both morning and afternoon transfers available. Guests arriving on the morning transfer will have time to assemble their bikes before heading out on a relaxed 45 km shake-down ride to the beautiful hilltop village of Brantes, enjoying magnificent views of the north face of Mont Ventoux.
This evening, we’ll enjoy our first meal together at The Dandelion in the nearby village of Faucon, the perfect way to begin the week.
Day 2: Mont Ventoux
Today we tackle the legendary Mont Ventoux, one of cycling’s most iconic climbs. Riding from our base in Puyméras, we’ll approach the mountain via Bédoin, following the famous 21 km ascent through the forest to the barren lunar landscape of the summit at 1,909 metres.
After taking in the spectacular views from the top, we’ll descend via Malaucène before returning to Puyméras through the vineyards and quiet country roads of Provence. It’s a challenging but unforgettable day that every cyclist should experience at least once.
Distance: 78 km
Elevation gain: 2,300 m
A memorable first day as you take on the legendary Giant of Provence.
Day 3: Tour du Ventoux
Today we ride the VeloVentoux Tour du Ventoux – our signature route and one of the best ways to experience the incredible landscapes surrounding Mont Ventoux. This spectacular 112 km ride with 1,400 m of climbing circles the mountain in an anti-clockwise direction, taking in quiet roads, dramatic scenery and picturesque Provençal villages.
We’ll stop for coffee in the charming village of Villes-sur-Auzon before climbing through the breathtaking Gorges de la Nesque, one of the most scenic roads in France. After lunch in Sault, we’ll return via the beautiful Toulourenc Valley, completing a memorable circuit of the Giant of Provence.
- Distance: 112 km
- Elevation gain: 1,400 m
A fantastic day’s riding that perfectly showcases the quieter, lesser-known side of Mont Ventoux and the beauty of Provence beyond the summit.
Day 4: The Baronnies 10 Cols Challenge
Today we explore one of our favourite rides, showcasing the very best of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park. Quiet roads, dramatic limestone scenery and picturesque hilltop villages combine to create a truly unforgettable day in the saddle.
The full route takes in ten cols over 135 km with around 2,300 metres of climbing. For those looking for a shorter day, there’s also the option to ride a seven-cols version, without missing out on the spectacular scenery.
Distance: 135 km (or shorter 7 Cols option)
Elevation gain: 2,300 m
One of our favourite rides through the hidden gems of Provence.
Day 5: Puyméras to Gréoux les Bains
Today marks the start of our journey towards the Mediterranean as we leave the VeloVentoux base behind and head south. Our route skirts the northern slopes of Mont Ventoux through the beautiful Vallée du Toulourenc before crossing the Plateau d’Albion.
From there we enter the Luberon Regional Natural Park, where, in early summer, the landscape is transformed by fragrant lavender fields stretching across the hillsides. It’s a wonderful day of varied riding through some of Provence’s most picturesque countryside.
Tonight we’ll stay at the excellent Hôtel Les Alpes in the charming spa town of Gréoux-les-Bains.
Distance: 90 km
Elevation gain: 1,300 m
The first stage of our journey to the Mediterranean takes us through the heart of Provence.
Day 6: Gorges du Verdon
Today’s ride takes us to one of France’s most spectacular natural wonders, the Gorges du Verdon. After a gentle warm-up across the Durance Valley, we’ll climb from the beautiful village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to the Col d’Ayen, a steady 15 km ascent averaging just 3.5% to an altitude of 1,031 metres.
A short descent brings us to La Palud-sur-Verdon, where we’ll stop for coffee before continuing our journey. Riders looking for an extra challenge can choose to add the famous Route des Crêtes—a spectacular 23 km loop around the rim of the Verdon Gorge, offering breathtaking views into Europe’s largest canyon.
This evening we arrive in the charming town of Castellane, where we’ll stay at the welcoming Nouvel Hôtel du Commerce.
Distance: 92 km (115 km with the Route des Crêtes)
Elevation gain: 1,700 m (approx. 2,100 m with the Route des Crêtes)
An unforgettable ride through one of Europe’s most spectacular river gorges.
Day 7: Castellane to Nice
Our final day in the saddle takes us from Castellane towards the Mediterranean, following quiet mountain roads through the beautiful Alpes-Maritimes. It’s a fitting finale to the week, with one last climb before an unforgettable finish.
From the Col de Vence, at over 960 metres above sea level, we enjoy a glorious descent all the way to the Hotel La Florial.
Tonight we’ll celebrate the end of our adventure with our final night in the historic town of Vence.
Distance: 115 km
Elevation gain: 1,800 m
An unforgettable finale, finishing with a spectacular descent from the mountains to the Mediterranean.
Day 8: Departure Day
After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to Nice Airport for your onward journey. The transfer takes approximately 30 minutes, giving you time to reflect on an unforgettable week of riding from Mont Ventoux to the Mediterranean.
You’ll leave with tired legs, great memories and, we hope, plans to return.
Tour Map
Is This Tour For Me?
Ideal if you:
✓ Want to ride from Mont Ventoux all the way to the Mediterranean.
✓ Already ride 100 km comfortably.
✓ Enjoy climbing and multi-day cycling adventures.
✓ Want full vehicle support throughout.
✓ Prefer riding with a small, friendly group.