ESCAPE TO PROVENCE
Join us to tackle Mont Ventoux and enjoy the delights of the Provencal region
Dates
21st - 28th June 2026
(Minimum numbers of 8)
Price
£3,395pp
(Single supplement of £665)
Experience level
Reasonable level of fitness recommended to ensure you get the best out of your trip!
Provence, with it’s wonderful climate, stunning scenery, ancient hilltop villages, fantastic food and superb wine, is the perfect place for a cycling holiday.
This week-long tour has been designed to take in many of Provence’s highlights whilst also allowing time for relaxation and exploration off the bike. Our tour starts in Avignon, the jewel in Provence’s crown. We’ll spend the night here before starting our journey out into the Provencal countryside over to Gordes. We’ll stay two nights here, taking in a loop around the Luberon mountain range, famed for its outstanding natural beauty, with craggy limestone hills, olive groves and forested valleys.
We’ll then transfer to Mazan, via the Gorges de la Nesque - one of the most picturesque rides to be done anywhere in Europe! Mazan is a small town nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux. From here we’ll do a shorter ride to Chateauneuf du Pape on the first day, enabling you to explore the town as well as partaking in the local delicacies.The next day you’ll take a loop over to the historical Town of Vaison before taking on the mighty Mont Ventoux on your final day of riding!
Alongside the cycling, we've selected prime hotels for you to enjoy your time off the bike - these properties are some of the highest rated in the region, and this alongside the superb food on offer lends itself to an overall cultural and gastronomic experience in Provence.
The Mellow Jersey guides will be on hand to support you every step of the way, with refreshments, support and an encouraging word to get you up that mountain! We hope you're able to join us!
Day 1: Avignon to Gordes (78km, 900m)
Your adventure begins in Avignon, a city known for its rich history and cultural landmarks, such as the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet. Cycling out of
Avignon, you’ll quickly leave the urban landscape behind and head into the open countryside. The roads are generally flat to begin with, offering a relaxed warm-up as you pedal through the Comtat
Venaissin region, with views of Mont Ventoux rising in the distance.
As you roll through the outskirts of the city, you’ll pass by lush vineyards, orchards, and farmland, with occasional glimpses of the Rhône River to your left. The route has a gentle rhythm at first,
giving you time to adjust to the ride and take in the Provençal countryside.
The approach to Gordes is nothing short of spectacular. The village sits perched on a hill, with its white stone houses cascading down the hillside. As you roll into town, you’ll be greeted by the
sight of Gordes' characteristic steep streets, old stone buildings, and terraced fields stretching out into the valley below.
Day 2: Luberon Loop (110km, 1500m)
The Luberon is known for its diverse landscapes that change from lush, verdant valleys to rugged limestone cliffs. Expect to pedal through picturesque vineyards producing renowned wines, groves of
olive trees, and vast fields of purple lavender (especially during summer). The Luberon Massif provides stunning backdrops, with its craggy peaks and scenic ridgelines.
As you cycle through this loop, you’ll encounter the Gorges de Régalon, where narrow limestone canyons carve through the landscape, and the Vaucluse Mountains, offering panoramic views of the
surrounding countryside. Each village you pass—like Gordes, Roussillon, and Ménerbes—is a feast for the eyes, with cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses, and striking architecture.
Day 3: Gordes to Mazan via Gorges de la Nesque (88km, 1500m)
Cycling the Gorges de la Nesque is an unforgettable experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty with challenging terrain. Located in the heart of Provence, France, this iconic route takes
you through one of the region's most impressive and scenic landscapes.
The ride starts with a 20km flat tour of vineyards and lavender fields before climbing up to Lagarde - d'Apt and on to the bustling Town of Sault. From here it is hard to ignore the imposing Ventoux
in the back ground as we turn west and onto the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque! As you ascend, you'll pass through lush forests, rocky outcrops, and tiny picturesque villages, with the scent of
lavender and pine filling the air. The road, while well-maintained, features plenty of twists and turns, offering cyclists both challenge and reward.
Day 4: Chateauneuf du Pape (36km, 300m)
Today is the very definition of recovery day! After a leisurely breakfast we’ll head over to the famous Wine Town of Chateauneuf du Pape, where the streets are awash with more wine than you’ll know what to do with!
The van will sweep up your bikes and give you opportunity to swap shoes for your wine tasting. You’ll then have time to explore and have lunch before being driven back to base.
Day 5: Vaison Loop (88km, 1200m)
Todays route is a picturesque and moderately challenging loop that offers a true taste of Provence. You'll through stunning vineyards, charming villages, and dramatic landscapes, including
the foothills of Mont Ventoux—one of the most iconic climbs in cycling.
The 15 km (9-mile) ride from Mazan to Bédoin is a steady, moderate ascent, with the terrain rolling gently upward through vineyards, olive groves, and orchards. As you approach Bédoin, the landscape
becomes more rugged, with hints of the looming Mont Ventoux visible in the distance.
The roads here are quiet and peaceful, and you’ll often find yourself alone, surrounded by nature. The scent of wild herbs—thyme, rosemary, and lavender—fills the air as you glide through the
terrain. The Dentelles de Montmirail, a range of jagged limestone peaks, will often come into view , providing an incredible backdrop to your ride.
Day 6: Mont Ventoux from Bedoin (70km, 1900m)
Today is a truly legendary ride that takes you from the charming village of Mazan at the foot of the mighty mountain all the way to the summit of Mont Ventoux itself, often referred to as the
"Giant of Provence." This route is challenging, exhilarating, and rewarding, providing cyclists with a sense of accomplishment and some of the most stunning views in all of France.
A 10km lead in to the Town of Bedoin will warm the legs for the 21km challenge ahead! The first few kilometers of the ascent are shaded by trees, which provide some relief from the sun. The road
is beautifully scenic, with views over the surrounding Provençal countryside, dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and small villages far below. You'll pass through several switchbacks, each offering
a slight break in the climb but also teasing you with glimpses of the vast landscape around you.
As you approach the Col de la Madeleine, at around the halfway point, the road opens up, and the trees begin to thin. The terrain shifts from forested roads to more exposed, rocky landscape, where
the true character of Mont Ventoux begins to reveal itself. The higher you go, the more dramatic the landscape becomes. The haunting beauty of the barren slopes, swirling winds and the iconic
red an white pilar up ahead all add to the sense of grandure, and the incredible feat you're about to acomplish!
The hotels on this tour have been carefully selected to reflect the luxurious and cultural nature of Provence. With comfortable rooms, great facilities and superb food, these properties provide a great base for exploring the wider region.
Cloitre Saint Louis, Avignon
1 night
A 16th century building combining history and modernity, located in the heart of Avignon.
It offers a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, as well as a restaurant, bar and gardens.
Hotel Jas de Gordes, Gordes
2 nights
A charming hotel nestled in 1.5 hectares of wooded park on the outskirts of Gordes, with a panoramic view of the Luberon valley.
It offers comfortable rooms, heated swimming pool, solarium and bar.
Chateau de Mazan, Mazan
4 nights
Château de Mazan has been lovingly renovated into a luxury boutique property in the town of Mazan.
It offers sumptuous gardens, unique rooms, relaxing lounges, refined cuisine and an outdoor pool.
Package includes:
- Transport to / from Marseille airport (based on group arrival / departure times)
- 7 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
- Lunch and refreshments on each riding day
- Wine tasting experience at Chateauneuf du Pape
- Welcome briefing and daily route briefings
- GPX files for route guidance
- Support & guidance of a ride sweeper
- Support vehicle
- Luggage transfer
Excluded:
- Dinners
- Extras in hotels
- Transport to and from the tour
- Travel insurance
- Tourist tax
- Bike hire (can be arranged on request)
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