Self-Guided Cycling Trips to Mt. Ventoux

Introduction

This guide includes all the information you need for an incredible cycling vacation in the Mt. Ventoux region of Provence. From breathtaking scenery to wonderful food and culture, this area is perfect for your first – or tenth – cycling trip to France! This area also includes very diverse cycling, from vineyards on flatter roads to Mt. Ventoux itself, considered one of the most difficult climbs in theTour de France.

Start by reading all of my free guides for general information on things like travel, accommodations, etc. Intended to supplement the free guides, this guide contains very specific information about Provence and Mt. Ventoux, including six distinct cycling routes.

I also recommend that you buy the Michelin Regional Map for this region, “527, Provence-ˇ‐Alps French Riviera” for a detailed view of the area roads including the routes discussed in this guide. You can find Michelin maps online at www.languagequest.com or www.amazon.com, among other places. Bon voyage!
 

Table of Contents
The Area ....................................................................................................................................	2
When to Go ...............................................................................................................................	3
Getting There ............................................................................................................................	4
Accommodations ......................................................................................................................	5
Food and Drink .........................................................................................................................	6
Outdoor Markets .......................................................................................................................	6
Restaurants ...............................................................................................................................	6
Bike Shops ................................................................................................................................	8
Routes  ......................................................................................................................................	9
Mt. Ventoux (from Bedoin, the Tour route) ............................................................................	10
Mt. Ventoux (from Malaucene) ................................................................................................	12
Mt. Ventoux (from Sault) ..........................................................................................................	13
Mt. Ventoux at Night .................................................................................................................	14
The Club des Cinglés du Mont-­‐Ventoux ..................................................................................	14
Gorges de la Nesque Loop .......................................................................................................	14
The Hilltop Village Loop ............................................................................................................	16
The Hills West of Mt. Ventoux Loop ..........................................................................................	17