Adventourus Active Vacations

A region that will enlighten all of your senses, Provence is an extraordinary place. A collection of sun drenched vineyards, ancient medieval hilltop villages and meandering country roads, Provence is an ideal setting for a road cycling vacation. Spend part of your day exploring some of the best riding that France has to offer, then sit back and enjoy the pace of la vie Provençale (the Provence life): leisurely lunches under the shade of sycamore trees, an afternoon nap with the sound of cicadas in the distance or enjoying the local game of pétanque while sipping on a glass of pastis.

Trip Profile

We’ll be spending our week at the beautiful, Hotel des Pins, located in Bedoin, France. Each morning, we’ll enjoy one the fantastic cycling routes that the region has to offer. (including the famous Mt. Ventoux). Afternoons are free to enjoy at your leisure: explore a nearby village, go wine tasting, visit Roman ruins or just relax poolside.

Trip Details & Map

Location: Bedoin, France

Trip Length: 6 days / 5 nights

Trip Type: Road Biking

Price*: US$2,978 per person, double occupancy

2011 Dates:
- May 8 to 13
- June 28 to July 3
- September 1 to 6

Activity Level: Moderate to Challenging

Daily Rides: 30 - 60 miles

Accommodation: Hotel des Pins (click to learn more)

Notes: This trip is suitable for non-bike riding guests who wish to join their travel companions

* Prices subject to change. Once you book your trip, the price is guaranteed

Notable Climbs: Mont Ventoux, Col de Murs, Col de la Ligne, Gorges de la Nesque, Col de la Madeleine*
*not the one in the Alps

Daily Ride Overview

Day 1: Head out on a relaxed spin to get to know your fellow riders. Pass through picturesque vineyards and orchards. We will ride into the foothills of the Vaucluse Plateau before descending through rural mountain villages back to our accommodations near Bedoin.

Day 2: Today we start our ride through quiet cherry-orchard lined roads before climbing into the medieval streets of Venasque. From here, we continue our climb over the Col de Murs and descend through oak forests for breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley and into the village of Gordes

Day 3: This morning’s ride will start by heading north of Bédoin, where you will have your first glimpse of perhaps the most popular route up Mont Ventoux. We will head along its base and over the adjacent Col de Madeleine before descending into the town of Malaucène. We head home by way of three villages known for their famous Provence wine appellations: Séguret, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras.

Day 4: Warm your legs along 10 km of country roads before attacking the Giant…..Mont Ventoux. The record time up the 21km climb ranging from 3-10% grades is 55 minutes and 51 seconds; however, climbing this mountain is an accomplishment in itself. Celebrate at the top alongside local and international cyclists alike before descending back the way you came.

Day 5: Les Gorges de la Nesque is all-time favorite of riders in the area. Gently climbing over 22 km, you will pass through 4 short mountain tunnels before descending to the medieval town of Sault. Yet another challenge accomplished.

Day 6: We enjoy one last spin through the foothills of the Vaucluse Plateau, visiting the hilltop villages of Blauvac and Malemort-du-Comtat.

This trip includes:

1. All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 4 dinners

2. Transfer to/from Avignon train station at trip start/end

3. GPS bike units for each guest to use during trip

4. Accompanied route support every day with van support

5. Snacks (energy bars, fruit, etc.) and drinks (hydration mixes, water, etc.) provided every day

6. 2 experienced English speaking tour leaders

7. Secure bike storage

Not included:

1.  Transportation to and from trip (i.e airfare)

2.   Bike Rental