Arrive in Avignon by train (easy connection from Paris city or airport) - Transfer to Bédoin or Crillon – Installation in your hotel - receive bike, route info and rides. Excellent gourmet dinner included tonight. If time allows, you can do a short ride to stretch and warm up. (D)



Today, its best to start the attack today. You can opt for a different ride to stretch and prepare if you rather do it tomorrow. All of the rides below are at your disposal. You are free to ride them in any order you wish.

To start, we suggest to climb the Mont Ventoux via the south side from Bedoin which is the most difficult route ! Starting from Bédoin, we have a climb of 21km but we suggest you to make first a nice warm-up ride through the vineyards of the Ventoux area. And then, finaly the climb: between 2 and 6% during the first kilometers but after Saint-Estève between 9 and 10,5% until Chalet Reynard... and then there are still six kilometers to go to the peak winding up in a steep stone-desert landscape. (B,D)

If you will attempt the Club des Cingles, we have additional advice for your preparation. This is not advised but for the strongest of riders. Read the account of Joe Deyoung from July 2007.



Take your pick, all are lovely country rides. We strongly suggest the Gorges de la Nesque, it will take you through lavender country and wind alongside deep gorges and provide wonderful views. It does come with some climbs: Combe de l’Hermitage, Col N.D. des Abeilles and back via Gorges de la Nesque (canyon). (B,D)



If you have time, you can do some more riding this morning, or you can add on some additional nights. Hotel checkout is noon, and return transfer to Avignon included. (B)

ADD ON The ALPES: you can add our 4 night French Alpes tour to this program to make a week of cycling. See the Details page.

© 2008 Cycling Classics