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Climbing Mont Ventoux
Le Geant de Provence - for experts riders only & not for the faint hearted!
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
Possibly one of the most feared climbs in the Le Geant de Provence (Giant of Provence) is not for those who are new to road biking, but rather for experienced riders looking for a challenge. Sadly the death of a professional cyclist during the 1967 Tour de France has added to the mountain's fame and fearsome reputation. Top British rider Tom Simpson died on the ascent of Mont Ventoux aged only 29, the granite memorial spot where he died has become a pilgrimage for many cyclists.
There are three main routes up Mont ventoux and by far the most popular of these starts from the village of Bedoin that lies to the south west of the peak. Cycling this route you will be following in the pedal strokes of some of the biggest names in cycling and many of those names you will see painted on the tarmac under your wheels.
Bedoin itself is a great place to stay, with traditional markets being held on a Monday, majestic mountain views and full of the colours and smells of Provence. The atmosphere is buzzing with cyclists all day long, and the climb starts directly as you leave the village to the east.
With all the sign posts Mont Ventoux is hard to miss - you will pass through the small towns and villages of Sainte Colombe, Les Bruns and finally Saite Esteve. After this point the gradient becomes pretty consistent at around 10% for at least 10km of gruelling riding. At Chalet Renard the mountain really opens up as you are now above the tree line and facing the last 6km of an almost moonscape type scene. The gradient doesn't let up even near the end and the final 2km are again around 10%.
It is worth noting that the ascent from Bedoin is the most difficult of the 3 routes up Mont Ventoux. Professional riders will complete the climb in an astonishing hour, with the best amateurs managing it in less than 2 hours. But this is not a mountain to take on lightly - preparation is key. Take breaks when you need to, ensure you are prepared for the varying weather condtions and above all, make sure you train in advance!
Distance : 21.4km
Time : 2 - 3hr
Vertical Gain : 1639m
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What to bring
IGN Map 164 (Carpentras Digne-les-bains) covers this area.
- Water - One of the biggest problems in Provence in the summer is the heat. Fit two bottle cages to your bike and take 750ml bottles with electrolyte drinks.
- Sun Cream - The hot southern summer sun means you will burn quicker here than at home. And remember the backs of your hands if you are not wearing cycling gloves!
- Windbreaker - Although it may be warm in valleys temperatures can drop rapidly as you climb, weather can chage quickly and the fast descents can cool you down fast.
- Snacks - Energy Bars and gels are a very good idea if you are planning a day on the roads.
- Mobile Phone - Being able to contact someone to pick you up if your chain breaks is helpful.
- Money - You may need it in an emergency or just for a beer at the end of the day.
- Basic Repair Kit - You can't fix everything by the side of the road but not all breakdowns require the day to end.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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Road bike hire
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
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Mountain bike hire
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
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Town bike hire
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
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Town bike hire
Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
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Town bike hire
This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
What to see
Top British rider Tom Simpson died on the ascent of Mont Ventoux aged only 29, the granite memorial spot where he died has become a pilgrimage for many cyclists.
Sights in Provence
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Chateau du Barroux, Carpentras
A wonderful castle to explore in the heart of the Vaucluse department, offering wonderful views over the surrounding areas.
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Abbaye du Barroux, Le Barroux
This monastery was founded and built in the 1970's and is now famous for its monks broadcasting their Gregorian chants live throughout the day.
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Mont Ventoux
The highest point in Provence at 1,912m, Mont Ventoux is most famous as the killer-climb stage in the Tour de France. It's a mecca for cyclists and hikers, with three routes available for cyclists and a number of trails for walkers.
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Gorges du Toulourenc, near Malaucene
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
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La Synagogue, Carpentras
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
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Saint Siffrein Cathedral, Carpentras
Pope Benedict XIII ordered the reconstruction of this building after the original Romanesque church collapsed, in 1404.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
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La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
