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Tours > Guided Cycling Tours > Nice & the French Riviera

Mont Ventoux to Nice

Ride the training routes of the Pros and take in part of the spring race Paris-Nice ; Guided or Self Guided

New in 2011 - we are throwing a short challenge out for our stronger riders with an extreme challenge in option to ride the Giant of Provence; Mont Ventoux! Leaving the Luberon countryside behind the tour is a one way trip to the French Riviera with some long stages over spectacular countryside.

This is the interior of PACA - Provence Alpes Cote d/Azur. You cross over 400 km in 4 strong days of riding with plenty of hills to cross and charming villages to visit. Take in some of the same routes of the Tour, Paris-Nice, and the overlook on the Mediterranean! It is available in self guided or on a guided tour basis.

Luggage transfers are long and expensive which drive the higher price in the self-guided version, which makes the guided trip price very attractive even for a small group. You can do this anytime, but to have good access to the Ventoux summit, we recommend starting after May 1. Bedoin, Gordes, Greoux Les Bains, Saint Tropez and Cannes are among the many places you discover on this tour!


Itinerary

Click on a day to see that days itinerary.

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6

Day 1: Arrival day: Arrival in Avignon train station and transfer to Bedoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Our staff member will give an orientation and deliver bikes at 4:30 PM. You can explore the village, take a walk, swim in the pool, or relax for the rides ahead. Dinner included tonight. (D)

Hotel les Pins

3

Bedoin

Blue, green, white... Mont Ventoux towers skyward watching over the hills and vineyards. At the foot...

Day 2 and Mont Ventoux: Different ride options including the famous Mont Ventoux - 73 km or Gorges de la Nesque & the lavender fields of Sault 89km. The first itinerary starts with a warm-up tour between the vineyards of Bedoin, followed by the challenging climb and descend of Mont Ventoux. An alternative itinerary will take you through the Nesque River Canyon (Gorges de la Nesque) to the lavender plateaus and the village of Sault.
Strong riders on our guided trips can plan to do more than 1 ascent of the Ventoux with advance notice. (B,D)

Hotel les Pins

3

Bedoin

Blue, green, white... Mont Ventoux towers skyward watching over the hills and vineyards. At the foot...

Day 3 Mont Ventoux to Greoux Les Bains: This stage is long and hilly; and the landscape changes over the stage. You start cycling in the vineyards before reaching "Gordes" one of the most beautiful villages of France by a magnificent road. Then cycle on small roads through the Luberon and cross small villages which were the inspiration behind all of Peter Mayles books on Provence. Relax under the shade of plane trees in the villages as you make your way across this quieter part of Provence. As you approach Greoux les bains, you will start to see the first peaks of the Alps in the distance. Nice 3 star hotel with dinner included. Greoux les bains is a small town where you can relax in a quiet. (B,D)

Villa Borghese

3

Greoux les Bains

Nestled in the vegetation and foliage of the surrounding wooded grounds in the heart of lavender-blu...

Day 4 Greoux to St Tropez: Start with a road that runs along a dry canyon that is mostly rolling. Then, continue on past a pristine and inviting lake and continue riding through the pines as you start to descend to the sea. Just before arriving at St Tropez, you are on a beautiful Mediteranean road that looks like Corsica with sea and mountain vistas as well as wildlife. Upon arriving in St Tropez, reward yourself with a glass of champagne like the rich and famous who frequent this Riviera jewel. Dinner on your own tonight in St Tropez with our recommendations included.(B)

Hotel des Lices

3

St Tropez

Hotel des Lices symbolizes all the best attributes of a beautiful hotel but with all the charm of a ...

Day 5 St Tropez to Nice: The ride profile is more or less flat but it does not matter, you cycle all day close to the most beautiful and prestigious oceanside of the French Riviera. You ride on very well known towns and places such as "la Croisette" In Cannes or "La Promenade des Anglais" in Nice! A great way to finish a long and spectacular ride! The contrast of red mountains and beaches of white sand; with the Alps in the background. Nice 4 star hotel near the beach, dinner on your own. (B)

Hotel Nice Riviera

4

Nice

Ideally located in the city center of Nice, a few steps from the train station and only 10 minutes f...

Day 6 is departure day. You can take your time with breakfast and then transfer to the Nice rail station or airport. Additional nights can be arranged. (B)


What's Included

Trip includes: all lodging in 3 and 4 star hotels with private bathrooms and twin bed arrangements, 3 dinner, daily buffet breakfast, picnic lunches on each ride day, 1 professional cycling guide bilingual in French/English, 1 support vehicle with roof mounted bike carrier, welcome orientation and drink, road book with maps, luggage transfers, vehicle support, energy drinks, water, snacks and picnic lunches and souvenir jersey. Note: 1 guide for 8 pax is maximum. Pricing is based on 6 or 8 pax. Contact us for different size groups.

Tour Rates

Price: TBD euros/person with 8 participants; TBD euros/person with 6 participants. Dbl occup.
Single Supplement: please contact us

per person based on double occupancy - based on 8 participants TBD euros
single supplement TBD
per person based on double occupancy - based on 6 participants TBD euros

Photos & Videos

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Bike Information

Bike: Rent our Look 566 carbon road bicycles for 185 Euros.

Bike rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. Click on our Rental Page link to know more.

General Tour Info

Duration: 5 nights / 6 days - GUIDED Dates 2012: on request by groups of 6 or more to operate on any date, subject to hotel availability.

Accommodation: 3 and 4 star hotels - very comfortable to deluxe hotels. Rooms are twin rooms with 2 separate beds, unless doubles/queens are requested by a couple. Breakfast buffets daily at each hotel.

Tours: challenging tour with some difficult climbing; recommended for strong cyclists only.
Total Distance: 433 km | Total Uphill: 8085 m | Total Downhill: 8383 m

Tour Map