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.
You'll love
visiting the historical town of Vaison-la-Romaine
exploring the Valley of the Toulourenc at the foot of the impressive north face of the Mont Ventoux
the delightful stopover at Montbrun-les-Bains, one of France's prettiest villages
the plateau of Albion, known as the French capital of lavender cultivation
Delightful provençal village through which runs the Ouvèze river. Remarkable bridge and fountain.
Dinner and night in 3 star hotel with its own pool.
D2
Ride round Mollans sur Ouvèze and towards Vaison la Romaine
30 km stage with total uphill 330 metres. Level 1/5. Around 3hrs.
An agreeable foray into the countryside around Vaison la Romaine, full of interest yet little known. The villages you go through often contain handsome gems of architectural interest, and you may like to try the local wines to complete your enjoyment.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
D3
Around Mollans sur Ouvèze and towards Malaucène
31 km stage with total uphill 300 metres. Level 1/5. About 3hrs.
A ride full of surprises through unspoilt spots where time really does seem to have stood still. This is scenery with little in the way of modern visual pollution, in a panoply of glorious colours. You are sure to love Malaucène, too, a lovely small provençal town with a remarkable old centre.
Dinner and night at the hotel.
D4
From Mollans sur Ouvèze to Ferrassières
42 km with total uphill 840 metres. Level 3/5. About 5hrs.
You may prefer the option of a transfer from Montbrun les Bains to Ferrassières, which means a slightly easier 28 km with total uphill 400 metres and a rating of level 2/5. It's up to you.
The valley of Toulourenc runs along the foot of the Mont Ventoux. The route takes you beneath the beautiful village of Montbrun-les-Bains, up onto the Plateau of Albion, perched at more than 900 metres above sea level in a sea of lavender fields.
Dinner and night in splendid guesthouse in a partly restored château.
D5
Around Ferrassières towards St Christol
37 km with total uphill 190 metres. Level 1/5. Around 3hrs.
A fairly easy ride today across the Plateau of Albion, glowing with lavender, all mauvey-blue.
The encounter between forest and fields up here in a range of modest Provençal mountains, often produces delicious and rare effects of colour.
Dinner and night at the guesthouse.
D6
Around Ferrassières towards Sault
31 km with total uphill 280 metres. Level 1/5. About 2hrs45.
No particular difficulty on this ride by the plateau of Albon, where you'll notice a number of distinct signs of the region's past. Especially in Sault, a superb town built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley.
Dinner and night at the guesthouse.
D7
From Ferrassières to Mollans sur Ouvèze
42 km with total uphill 200 metres. Level 2/5. Around 3hrs30.
One of the pleasures of this day is to enjoy a route which is more down than up! You may like, therefore, to take the time to explore the hilltop village of Montbrun les Bains and even, via a short detour, the charming village of Buis les Baronnies with its handsome and distinctive shaded terraces.
Dinner and night at the first hotel you stayed at.
Guest houses with 3 "épis", 3 star hotel with pool
Detailed roadbook and maps
Update GPS tracks.
Technical and logistical support
Baggage transfer
Optional
Bike rental from :
Bike for adult or junior : 145 €
Bike cart for child : 80 €
Child seat : 10 €
Electric power bike rental for adult or junior: 225 €
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…
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