The most legendary of all the climbs in Tour de France is Mont Ventoux. This hill, otherwise known as 'The Giant of Provence'  is revered by all and feared by many! Macs Adventure offers a special package for those who want to give Mont Ventoux their best. This short cycling tour is designed for enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves on a legendary journey, and then relax in luxury after a hard day in the saddle. 

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[caption id="attachment_19591" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Smooth Cycling in Provence[/caption]

In a Nutshell

Where? After arriving in Avignon we will transfer you to the award winning Hotel Crillon le Brave, where you can finalise preparations for your Mont Ventoux climb by assembling your bike or completing a bike fitting. You can also fit in a walk or short cycle to stretch your legs, before settling in for a meal in either of the hotel's two restaurants. Day 2 is a warm-up day with a 60 - 80 km cycle around the Gorge de la Nesque, a snaking route that passes through a series of short natural tunnels. You'll rack up a total ascent of 1400m before arriving at the town of Sault. Day 3 sees you take on The Giant of Provence. The Mont Ventoux summit sits at the end of 22 km of snaking tarmac. The ascent of 1450 m with an average gradient of 7.5% means you'll feel your legs burning and lungs screaming as you keep climbing. You will pass the memorial for British rider Tom Simpson at 1.5 km from the summit. The feeling of achievement as you reach the top of the mountain is something else, so take your time to catch your breath and enjoy the views of the surrounding area. Depending on how you feel, you can choose to descend via Maucelene, or take the longer route via Sault on your way back to the hotel pool and a visit to the spa. [caption id="attachment_19592" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Count down the kms as you near the summit[/caption] Distance?  120 - 170 km depending on your daily choices. The trip can be split over 3 or 4 days, and it is available for start from mid May to late October. If you are keen to cycle more of Provence we suggest combining the Mont Ventoux tour with any of our other cycling tours in the region. [caption id="attachment_19593" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The Giant of Provence[/caption] Grade? The tour is graded as moderate to strenuous. Most questions about the trip are about the best time of year to tackle Mont Ventoux. May, June and September offer superbly sunny, warm days across the lower routes whilst in July and August the roads are much busier and the riding can be uncomfortable with daytime temperatures reaching up to 30°C.

Why Cycle Here?

A legendary journey: This is your chance to cycle the Tour de France's best known climb, an accomplishment that you will remember for a very long time. [caption id="attachment_19594" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The views from the summit on a clear day are spectacular[/caption] Luxury: Staying at the award winning Hotel Crillon le Brave, which is a complex of eight village houses connected by bridges, alleyways and courtyards you can relax and reflect beside the pool after a hard day in the saddle. In the evening, dine in the Michelin Guide shortlisted Restaurant Jérôme Blanchet which takes advantage of the world class local produce to craft beautiful dishes. [caption id="attachment_19590" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Avoid the midday sun with an early start[/caption]

Planning and Preparation

Getting to and from Crillon le Brave

Arrival and departure transfers from Avignon are included. Our local representative will collect you from Avignon train station, Avignon Airport or a location of your choice in central Avignon. The journey time is approximately 40 minutes. If any of your party are bringing bikes, please let us know prior to arrival as extra vehicles may be required to transport bike boxes. [caption id="attachment_19589" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The Hotel Crillon le Brave, a collection of converted houses[/caption]

Travelling to / from Avignon

Train Avignon TGV station offers high speed direct connections to a number of cities, including; Paris (2hrs 40 mins, www.sncf.com) and London (5hrs 20mins, www.eurostar.com). Airports Avignon Airport is served by a number of scheduled and low-cost airline carriers. Marseille Airport and Montpelier Airport are a 90 minute drive from Crillon le Brave. Train connections to Avignon are possible. Times and fares can be accessed at www.sncf.com Transfers to / from Marseille or Montpelier Airport are available for a supplementary payment. Prices are from €100 per car. (up to 2 passengers per car). Car Hire If you prefer to travel independently, we can also arrange car hire from Avignon Airport or TGV station. Depending on you’re group size and if you are bringing any bikes, car hire for 4 days is approximately £150 (based on 4 people). The drive from Avignon to Crillon le Brave takes approximately 40 minutes. [caption id="attachment_19595" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Jo, Product Manager for Cycling, looking very pleased with herself at the top of Mont Ventoux![/caption]

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Hotel Crillon le Brave fills up quickly throughout the summer months so we recommend contacting us as soon as your plans are finalised. If you would like to discuss the options for combining this tour with another of our French cycling tours or if you have any questions about the Mont Ventoux in Luxury cycling tour get in touch with a member of our team on info@macsadventure.com.  Sign up for our adventure news and inspiration newsletter to receive regular content on walking and cycling destinations from Macs Adventure including the best of our blog,