Provence, France

Below are some examples of the rides that we’ll be offering in Provence.

Riding To the south there are plains with fruit trees and vineyards and medieval villages perched above. To the west the Dentelles de Montmirail offer varied terrain and some small passes such at the Col de la Chaine, Col de Suzette which often mark people’s memories. To the north is the Drôme Provençale with endless curvy roads, small climbs, hidden valleys, quaint villages and an occasional lake. To the east is the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux

All these rides to the scents of wild rosemary, thyme, lavender and olives, apricots and more. Provence is a wonderful ride for the senses.

Mont Ventoux + Gorges de la Nesque An amazing ride that starts with a 21km climb up Mont Ventoux from Malucene. Having enjoyed the view, had a coffee we start a 32km descent to Sault for lunch on the town green. The town is best known for lavender and there are many fields of this delightful plant to see. The second half of the day takes us through the Gorges de la Nesque, A 22 km progressive descent marked out by tunnels and by belvederes in the heart of an exceptional landscape: The Gorges de la Nesque is a most beautiful hydro geologic sight and a wild canyon. Once at the bottom we head towards Bédoin and around the south side of Mont Ventoux before tackling a small Col de la Madelene and coasting back to Malaucene. 105km, 2070m climbing

Les Barronies After a relatively flat 15k this ride heads to Buis Les Baronnies and then up the Col d’Ey with several switchbacks incredible views of Mont Ventoux. A cruise down the other side to St. Jalle and the Eygues valley and a delightful big ring cruise. This ride goes through several rustic ancient villages. Next challenge of the day is the remote Col de la Croix through cherry and abricot orchards. Back at lower elevations and surrounded by vineyards our next stop is Villedieu and its famous “Café du Centre”. We’ll pass through VaisonlaRomaine on our way back to Le Madelene. (A longer option is to ride the Col de Soubeyrand rather than the Col d’Ey).

Toulerenc 8 (harder) Heading northeast our first objective of the day is the Col de Fontaube looking at the ominous north face of Mont Ventoux. The bucolic road winds through cherry and apricot orchards and overlooks the deep Toulernc valley which will ride on the way back. 115 km, 1380m climbing

Toulerenc 8 (easier) Similar to the Toulerenc 8 hard with one less climb 70km, 742m climbing

Flassan + Suzette Exploring local back roads from the get go this ride wonders through numerous Provençale villages and finishes with a climb through the Dentelles de Montmirail. 75km, 785m climbing (There are several options to make this longer, shorter easier or more challenging)

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Fontaine de Vaucluse + Venasque Using our vans we will drive south about 45 minutes to Fontaine de Vaucluse where we’ll start our loop of the Luberon valley taking in iconic provencale villages such as OppedeleVieux, Ménerbes (Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence), Roussilon and Venasque. Option: From where the van is parked float down the Sorgues river in kayaks for an hour. There is no better way to cool off on a hot summer day. 17€/person in single or double kayaks. Shuttle back to Le Madelene.

Trente Pas 20 minute van shuttle to Villedieu for coffee on the square before exploring the olive and wine country north of Nyons. We’ll cycle through the Vinsobres and Valréas vineyards. We’ll ride up or down the gorge des Trente pas depending on the wind. Along the way we’ll cross several 2 wonderful passes, Col de Pertuis and Col de Sausse as we meander along on small roads traffic less roads. 105km, 1280m climbing Option: Without the shuttle 145 kms, 1455m climbing