Mont Ventoux Challenge Weekend

A Unique & Iconic Mountain

Climbing Mont Ventoux

Five enticing Ventoux Challenge Weekend trip highlights.

  • Climb Mont Ventoux from all three sides and join the elite Ventoux Club des Cinglés.
  • Experience an impressive network of roads and magnificent scenery as you complete a tour of this iconic mountain.
  • Enjoy the views from the Gorges du Nesque some of the most beautiful in France.
  • Benefit from experienced guides, coaches and vehicle support every day.
  • Stay, relax and enjoy great cuisine in a charming hotel situated in the pines surrounding Bedoin.
May 2019
Mont Ventoux from the Gorges de la Nesque
photo of Colin Best

The rides are well prepared and supported, the accommodation is excellent, so all in all I would recommend without hesitation.

Colin Best
 

Mont Ventoux Cycling Challenge Weekend

Mont Ventoux Cycling Holiday Summary:

Our Mont Ventoux cycling weekend is based in Bedoin, at the foot of the iconic giant of Provence. Challenge yourself to 3 days, fully guided and supported riding on the legendary Mont Ventoux and attempt the triple Mont Ventoux cycling challenge. 

We will show you how much there is to this stunning region of Provence more than Mont Ventoux alone, even though that is our main goal for the weekend. In addition to two days on Mont Ventoux, we will guide you around the skirts at the foot of Ventoux on day 3 which boasts an exhilarating descent through the stunning Gorges de la Nesque.

The accommodation for our Mont Ventoux cycling trip is a great place to unwind at the end of each day of riding. The Hotel des Pins is a unique establishment that provides an exceptionally comfortable place to stay, complete with pool and massage facilities. We have been using this accommodation for years because of its spectacular service and lovely spaces. 

Our trip times are chosen to provide excellent conditions for riding Mont Ventoux. As we will be so much further south than the Alps, the longer season makes for great riding and invites you to spend your down time outside in the hotel grounds or enjoying the cafes of Bedoin.

Even though the centerpiece of this weekend is one of the biggest single-day road cycling challenges out there, our unique, flexible itinerary and full support will ensure you have the ultimate Mont Ventoux cycling adventure! 

 

Mont Ventoux Cycling Holiday Itinerary:

Bedoin To Mont Ventoux Cycling

The summit of Mont Ventoux
Carry out reconnaissance and fine tune your pacing strategy.
  • Climb the iconic Mont Ventoux from the classic side.
  • A great opportunity to finalise logistics for the big day.

Day one provides the perfect opportunity to find your riding legs ahead of the Mont Ventoux cycling challenge on day two. We'll climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux via the classic route from Bedoin. Once we've enjoyed the views from the summit the exhilerating descent to Malaucène gives you a glimpse of tomorrow's second climb. Finally we'll return to Bedoin via the Col de la Madeleine and a delightful undulating section of road.

Today also allows us to prepare the logistics for the big day so we can focus on the Ventoux Club des Cinglés challenge. It’s best to acclimatise gracefully without wearing yourself out too much on the first day.

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Mont Ventoux Cycling Challenge

Club de Cingles du Mont Ventoux accomplished
Challenge yourself against the Giant of Provence.
  • Join the Club de Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux by climbing Ventoux from all three sides.
  • Experiencing the glorious views from the summit.

Join the elite group of riders in the Ventoux Club des Cinglés and conquer the mighty Mont Ventoux cycling challenge with the triple ascension. We will provide top quality, comprehensive support throughout the day, starting with the classic route from Bedoin, then from Malaucene, before the final climb from Sault. 

The day will begin with the two most demanding climbs, before relenting for the third and final challenge. Today is about achieving personal goals, whatever they are. Become a member of the exclusive club or push your personal limits and enjoy some of the best and most famous road cycling in the world.  

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The Mont Ventoux Tour

Stunning scenery during the Tour of Ventoux
Quiet roads, picture postcard views and the magnificent Gorges de la Nesque.
  • The fantastic roads around the foot of Ventoux passing through quaint villages and picturesque countryside.
  • The swooping ride through the Gorges de la Nesque.

Catch glimpses of the Giant of Provence from all angles as we begin a stunning ride around the foot of Ventoux towards the Gorges de la Nesque. The Gorge is an astounding place of natural beauty and certainly one of the finest that can be experienced during a road cycling trip in France.

We can enjoy an easier day today following the exertions of the previous two days of cycling Mont Ventoux. Relax at the hotel after our ride ahead of the final evening’s celebration meal.  

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Mont Ventoux Cycling Holiday Accommodation:

Hotel des Pins

Rating: 

Location: Bedoin

Why chosen: Stylish and calm set between the pines of Bedoin with great cuisine and terrace to watch the sun set over Provence from.

A demanding day of riding during your Mont Ventoux cycling holiday requires a great place to stay and time to relax. Our chosen hotel, the Hotel des Pins, is a stylish and inviting space with excellent facilities. Relax by the pool, have a massage with an experienced soigneur, or swing in the hammocks between the pines in the hotel’s private grounds. The hotel is full of cool spaces, with each room showcasing individual décor.

The selection available for evening meals means you can always look forward to a great choice of carefully prepared dishes using fine local ingredients. Depending on the season, dinner can be served in the dining room or outside in covered spaces. You can also take full advantage of the bar area or retire to your deluxe room, which all come with a private terrace or balcony, perfect for relaxing after a day of Mont Ventoux cycling. 

The pool area has a massage cabin where you can go for a post-ride massage. These massages are renowned, by both us and many guests who have been grateful for the expertise on offer.

Hotel des Pins
Celebration dinning after conquering Mont Ventoux
Bedoin hotel bedrooms
Relaxing by the pool after a day on the road
Social space and time to relax
Great space for dining inside and out

Miraj Makin

Everything is taken care of, all I had to do was spin the pedals!

Russ Lewis

The organisation was excellent, and made everything very stress free, from airport transfers, route planning and execution, to food options

Mark Smith

It's hard to imagine a better bike trip company. My friend and I booked the Ventoux weekend and were both incredibly impressed by the care and support we got during the trip.

The Holiday Includes

  • 4 nights half board accommodation.
  • Prestige rooms at the hotel.
  • A superb choice of 3 course dinner each evening.
  • 3 days guided and vehicle supported cycling.
  • Daily fresh fruit and top up sports nutrition in support vehicle to power your ride.
  • Client to staff ratio of 4-1.
  • Private airport transfers to and from Lyon airport.
  • Access to British Cycling Level 3 coaching to help improve any aspect of your cycling.
  • Daily photos shared post trip.

Not Included

  • Flights.
  • Lunches.
  • Travel or bike Insurance.
  • Any drinks or incidentals at the hotel.
  • Single occupancy (on request & subject to room availability).

Trip Cost

Double Occupancy Single Supplement Deposit
6th Oct 2022 975.00€ 400.00€ 400.00€

Bike Rental

Prices from : 35.00€ / per day

Bike rental is available for this trip from our established local partner close to our hotel in Bedoin. A variety of models with varied specifications are available depending on your needs and budget. Bikes always have a set up suitable for riding here on and around Mont Ventoux.

On arrival we’ll accompany you to the shop in Bedoin to collect your bike and make sure it’s set up for you. If you have a bike fit document bring this along to allow us to make the fit even better.

If you would like to rent a bike for this trip to Mont Ventoux please let us know and we’ll help ensure you get the right bike for your Mont Ventoux cycling holiday.

Bike Rental in Bedoin

3 Month Pre Trip

Prices from : 180.00€ per month

Investing time and energy in a private cycling coach for 3 months is a great way to tune your fitness and gain all of the one to one coaching benefits ahead of your holiday. There’s still time for performance gains even if you’ve had to leave things late because life’s taken over.

The British Cycling Level 3 coaching qualification is the highest recognised coaching certification in UK cycling and working with a Level 3 coach will:

  • Optimise performance gains from the realistic time you have available to train ahead of your weekend to Mont Ventoux.
  • Ensure you focus on areas that will really improve your cycling in the build up to your Mont Ventoux cycling trip.
  • Improve not only physical but also tactical and psychological awareness & strength all of which contribute to you climbing stronger than ever on this iconic mountain.

6 Month Pre Trip

Prices from : 180.00€ per month

If you are serious about making significant long term improvements to your on bike performance, investing time and energy in a private coach for 6 months is one of the most effective ways to increase your cycling performance, stay motivated and achieve your goals. You'll reap the rewards on on Mont Ventoux!

The British Cycling Level 3 coaching qualification is the highest recognised coaching certification in UK cycling and working with a Level 3 coach will:

  • Maximise performance benefits from the realistic time you have available to train for your holiday to Ventoux.
  • Ensure you focus on areas that will really improve your cycling and allow you to realise (often exceed) your goals for the season and this exciting Mont Ventoux Cycling weekend.

Before Trip

Lyon has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list with a history dating back to Roman times. The Quartier Saint-Jean and Colline Croix-Rousse districts have an enchanting Old World character, while the Presqu'ile exemplifies 19th-century elegance, these areas along the Rhône and Saône Rivers reflect the city's rich heritage.

Over the course of the summer months Lyon holds many outdoor art festivals and events.  While visiting Lyon do not miss out on the famous regional cuisine, the legendary Lyonnais gastronomy can be enjoyed in Lyon’s "bouchons," little brasseries found throughout the town.

Lyon Lights
Grand Hôtel des Terreaux

Visit hotel
Hotel Lyon Métropole

Visit hotel
Hotel Celestins

Visit hotel

After Trip

Lyon has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list with a history dating back to Roman times. The Quartier Saint-Jean and Colline Croix-Rousse districts have an enchanting Old World character, while the Presqu'ile exemplifies 19th-century elegance, these areas along the Rhône and Saône Rivers reflect the city's rich heritage.

Over the course of the summer months Lyon holds many outdoor art festivals and events.  While visiting Lyon do not miss out on the famous regional cuisine, the legendary Lyonnais gastronomy can be enjoyed in Lyon’s "bouchons," little brasseries found throughout the town.

Lyon lights
Grand Hôtel des Terreaux

Visit hotel
Hotel Lyon Métropole

Visit hotel
Hotel Celestins

Visit hotel

Ventoux Challenge Weekend FAQ's

How does support work for the Ventoux Weekend?

As with all of our trips you’ll always have vehicle support and guides/coaches on the road with you every day. Before you arrive great care is taking in preparing the routes. The Ventoux Challenge Weekend routes will be shared with GPX files for your Garmin and detailed road books being sent by email before your arrival day. 

Our group sizes are never more than 12 people and with a staff to rider ratio of 1:4 we’re never far away.

How fit do I need to be for this Mont Ventoux cycling trip?

This weekend trip climbing Mont Ventoux 3 times in a day is quite a challenge but certainly an achievable one. Cycling frequently and consistently following a good training programme that includes plenty of intensity and variety will ensure you’re on the right track especially if you are planning on climbing Mont Ventoux from all three sides (which is optional your challenge can equally be conquering this mountain once or twice). 

There’s always help available during the Mont Ventoux cycling trip to ensure you have a great weekend. If you are unsure and would like to know more about fitness levels required just get in touch.

How flexible is the Ventoux weekend itinerary?

The weekend does have some flexibility. Although the main goal of the weekend is to climb Ventoux from all 3 sides, you can climb it as many times as you like. It’s all about achieving your own personal goal. Due to the layout of the roads on Mont Ventoux you don’t have to make any decisions until you know how you feel during the ride. 

What’s the weather usually like on Mont Ventoux?

The weather is usually great in late May & October in Provence but the mountains can always throw up surprises so it’s always best to come equipped with a selection of kit to cover the majority of eventualities.

The itinerary for this trip is planned so that the triple ascent day can be moved if the weather does change for the worse suddenly.

Will I slow the group down?

You should never worry about this. Everyone is always encouraged to ride at their own pace especially when climbing. This is a weekend of personal challenge and we fully encourage you to ride at a pace that will allow you to achieve your personal goals. We’ll use our experience to make sure everyone has a great weekend regardless of pace.

Is it okay to join the Mont Ventoux cycling weekend solo?

Yes it’s always okay to come alone. You can either share a room at our hotel in Bedoin with another guest (of the same sex) or where available pay a single supplement for sole occupancy of a room.

How do I get further information?

We are always happy to help with any aspect of planning for your Mont Ventoux cycling weekend. Just contact us to let us know how we can help.

Travel Information

All you need to know about getting in and out.

Arrival

Airport: Lyon
Meeting Point: Arrivals Area - Will update on booking
Transfer Departure: Midday

You will be met at the airport in person by ourselves ready for your private transfer to your accommodation in Bedoin.

We aim to leave the airport at Lyon by Midday. When organising your holiday to Mont Ventoux ensure that flights land well in advance of the transfer time, and always confirm with us before booking any flights.

If you are flying in from outside of Europe to Lyon it’s best to arrive the day before to ensure any flight delays don’t impact the start of your holiday.

After the transfer to your hotel in Bedoin the welcome meeting outlines the plan for the weekend and there’s then plenty of time to put the bikes together and take an easy spin to make sure everything is ready for the first day of riding.

Departure

Airport: Lyon
Hotel Departure Time: 9.00am
Airport Drop off: Midday for flights after 2pm

It’s sad your weekend of cycling Mont Ventoux is over but you’ve had a fantastic few days of riding and we are sure your memories of the trip will keep you motivated until the next time.

We will leave the hotel after breakfast at 9.00am for the transfer back to the airport in plenty of time for your flights.