Alps & Mont Ventoux
This cycling tour let you experience the most legendary climbs of the Tour de France: conquer the Col de la Croix de Fer, cycle to the top of Alpe d’Huez, climb the Col du Galibier and finish up by riding the world famous Mont Ventoux!
Along the way you will enjoy the beauty of the spectacular French Alps, as well as exploring the charming Provencal villages.
If you are an experienced and passionate cyclist looking for the ultimate challenge, then this French Alps & Mont Ventoux cycling vacation is definitely for you!
BIKE INCLUDED
Region : Alps
Duration : 8 Days / 7 Nights
Level :
Type : On the way
Category : Bike
Trip : Self-guided
Activity : Hybrid
Dates : Starts any day
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day 1 : ARRIVE IN FRENEY D’OISANS
Travel by bus or private transfer from Grenoble to the hotel in Freney d'Oisans where the welcome meeting, orientation and bike setup will take place. Stay in a charming hotel in Freney d'Oisans.
Accommodation : Hotel Cassini - "Freney D'Oisans"
Accommodation : Hotel Les Grandes Rousses - "Alpe d'Huez"
Day 2 : Loop ride to Col du Glandon et Croix de Fer
Option 1 : 62 Miles - 100 Km
Option 2 : 68 Miles - 110 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 2820 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 3400 Meters
The first climbs of the tour : Le Glandon and La Croix-de-Fer. It's a very long and irregular col. When you reach the crossroad with the Glandon, you can make a small detour of 1,5 km to reach the top of the Croix the Fer and to enjoy the view. This pass has been included in the Tour de France 14 times, the first time in 1947, and most recently in 2006.
Accommodation : Hotel Cassini - "Freney D'Oisans"
Accommodation : Hotel Les Grandes Rousses - "Alpe d'Huez"
Day 3 : Loop ride to Alpe d’Huez
Option 1 : 30 Miles - 48 Km
Option 2 : 42 Miles - 68 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 1730 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 2300 Meters
Alpe d'Huez is a vertical climb of 1.120m (3.733 feet), 14 km (8.75 miles) long, gradients between 7.7 and 12% and its 21 switchbacks are famous for cracking or elevating cycling legends in the history of the Tour de France. The ride is 49km but you have the option to climb les deux alpes as well. Total distancee would be 69km (37mi). Stay in the same hotel in Freney d'Oisans from the previous day.
Accommodation : Hotel Cassini - "Freney D'Oisans"
Accommodation : Hotel Les Grandes Rousses - "Alpe d'Huez"
Day 4 : Loop ride to Col du Galibier or Col de la Berarde
Option 1 : 42 Miles - 67 Km
Option 2 : 44 Miles - 71 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 2035 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 2057 Meters
Option 1: Two tough by rewarding climbs in the Alps: the Col du Lautaret and the Col du Galibier.You will climb the Col du Lautaret (40kms - 25 miles) from the village of Le Bourg d'Oisans, with a vertical climb of 1.400m (4.666 feet) and an average gradient of 3.8 % (max 9%). And if that was not enough, you will then tackle the climb to the Galibier ( 8.5 km -5.3 miles) with a vertical climb of 585m (1.950 feet) and an average gradient of 6.9 % (12% max).
Option 2: Ride today to the nice Vénéon Valley, a charming valley and then to the Col de la Berarde.
Accommodation : Hotel Cassini - "Freney D'Oisans"
Accommodation : Hotel Les Grandes Rousses - "Alpe d'Huez"
Day 5 : Leave the french Alps for Bedoin
Departure from the Alps after breakfast with a 10am transfer to the village of Bedoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Allow 4 hours travel time. In Bedoin, you have free time to explore the village or relax for the rides ahead.
Accommodation : Hôtel des Pins - "Bedoin"
Accommodation : Chateau De Mazan - "Mazan"
Day 6 : Loop ride to Mont Ventoux
Option 1 : 44 Miles - 71 Km
Option 2 : 47 Miles - 76 Km
Option 3 : 55 Miles - 89 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 990 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 1515 Meters
Elevation gain 3 : 1985 Meters
Conquer Mont Ventoux. This itinerary begins with a warm-up ride between the vineyards of Bédoin, followed by the challenging climb and descent of Mont Ventoux. Climbing the Mon Ventoux is an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Stay in the same hotel in Bedoin from the previous day.
Accommodation : Hôtel des Pins - "Bedoin"
Accommodation : Chateau De Mazan - "Mazan"
Day 7 : Loop to Beaume de Venise
Option 1 : 33 Miles - 53 Km
Option 2 : 43 Miles - 69 Km
Elevation gain 1 : 860 Meters
Elevation gain 2 : 1037 Meters
A beautiful tour warm-up ride through the vineyards of Ventoux and Rhône valley. You will pass through the wine villages of Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and the more famous Rhône wine villages in Upper-Vaucluse before returning to Bedoin.
Accommodation : Hôtel des Pins - "Bedoin"
Accommodation : Chateau De Mazan - "Mazan"
Day 8 : Departure Day
Departure after breakfast; transfer to Avignon included.
Post-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of post-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Post-tour night : (Optional)
We can take care of post-tour hotel reservations as well
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.Accommodation : Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis - "Avignon"
Click below to see hotels versions.
Day : 1, 2, 3, 4
Hotel Le Cassini lies in the heart of the French alps and is therefore the ideal destination for your ultimate cycling holiday. As passionate as you are about cycling the legendary cols surrounding us, Sophia and Maarten are about taking care of you. Hotel le Cassini is a charming hotel with 10 rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and toilet. In this magnificent setting you can lift your heart at cycling and true hospitality.
Day : 5, 6, 7
Blue, green, white... Mont Ventoux towers skyward watching over the hills and vineyards. At the foot of Ventoux is the hotel Les Pins, a provencal guest establishment with the charm of yesteryear... swimming pool, pond, waterlilies, garden, romantic rooms with a medley of love-at-first-sight furnishings. Savours, aromas... The cuisine at L'esprit Jardin , crafted with the marvels of taste and freshness gleaned from nearby Provencal markets, croons with a delectable local accent. Dine indoors or on the outdoor terrace under the pine trees.
Day : Post-tour Night
Situated in a historical building dating back to the XVIth century, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a home for the elderly.After a thorough renovation in 1990, the building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous French achitect from Nouvel.
Day : 1, 2, 3, 4
A 360° view of the village and the mountain. A lively environment where every moment is precious! With its spacious interior and intimate atmosphere, this Alpe d'Huez hotel combines a refined environment with innovative touches to bring you the best accommodation available. The premises were designed to ensure that all the guests can enjoy their perfect atmosphere.
Day : 5, 6, 7
The Chateau de Mazan has plenty of history and was built around 1720, during France's early Regency Period. The most notorious individual in the Chateau's past is, without a doubt, the Marquis de Sade. The Chateau has since been renovated and is now a charming four star hotel with a gourmet restaurant.
Day : Post-tour Night
Situated in a historical building dating back to the XVIth century, Hotel Cloitre Saint Louis Avignon offers an extremely quiet and serene environment.Initially a religious school for Jesuits, the Cloister saw its function changed over the centuries to a military hospital, and a home for the elderly.After a thorough renovation in 1990, the building is now a prominent cultural center and a four star hotel. Rooms and facilities are found both in the ancient cloister, and in the splendid modern extension designed by the famous French achitect from Nouvel.
Bikes available for your tour |
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The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
Saddle Bag Containing:
Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent) INCLUDED 
The all-new TREK Emonda SLR 7 is the lightest model of the American Brand. Equipped with the Shimano Ultegra Di2 transmission, the gear shift is faster and more precise. Available sizes : XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Road bike - Premium
TREK EMONDA SLR7 - ( or equivalent) with supplement (150€) 
An exclusive geometry well adapted to the widest riding public. Our Tandem MTB will accompany you on long excursions or for more sporty rides. Traveling as a pair will become a new way for you to share your passion. Available in size : M, S Included with your bike rental :
Tandem bike - Premium
LAPIERRE TANDEM - ( or equivalent) with supplement |
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The characteristics of this bike are presented as an example and are not guaranteed Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee. |
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Road bike - Standard
SCOTT ADDICT 20 - ( or equivalent)
INCLUDED
The SCOTT Addict 20 was redesigned from the ground up with those longer days in mind. With new geometry that is less focused on racing and more on enduring, the Addict 20 will be your go to when you're looking to put the miles.
- All sizes available: S, M, L, XL.XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XLX
Saddle Bag Containing:
- Toolkit,
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 2 spare tubes
- 1 hand pump.
- Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
- 2 souvenir water bottles
- Pedals (flat or cages on request). You can bring your own pedals to clip in but remember to bring a pedal wrench to take them off at the end of the tour.
Accessories
INCLUDED
Roadbook for Discovery allows you to travel freely with all the information you need for your trip: Stages, points of interest, itineraries with interactive guidance, travel documents.
All in offline mode, you download your file before leaving, then you have all the information necessary for your trip. (Phone not provided).
INCLUDED
Our roadbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. We have invested significant time and incorporated the feedback of our customers over many years (since 1997!) to make our roadbooks even better. Our roadbooks include: color maps, highlighted routes, touristic information, orientation points to reach hotels, and easy to follow step by step directions (cue-sheets). Please note that for custom itineraries you will not have cue sheets. Only maps and GPS routes.
INCLUDED
Our Travelbooks are complete packages of information that will help you to guide yourself through the itinerary that we have planned and laid out. You will find information about the hotels, itinerary, regional informations...
Option 1: 62 Miles - 100 Km Elevation gain 1 : 2820 Meters
Option 2: 68 Miles - 110 Km Elevation gain 2 : 3400 Meters
Option 1: 30 Miles - 48 Km Elevation gain 1 : 1730 Meters
Option 2: 42 Miles - 68 Km Elevation gain 2 : 2300 Meters
Option 1: 42 Miles - 67 Km Elevation gain 1 : 2035 Meters
Option 2: 44 Miles - 71 Km Elevation gain 2 : 2057 Meters
Option 1: 44 Miles - 71 Km Elevation gain 1 : 990 Meters
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Option 2: 47 Miles - 76 Km Elevation gain 2 : 1515 Meters
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Option 3: 55 Miles - 89 Km Elevation gain 3 : 1985 Meters
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Option 1: 33 Miles - 53 Km Elevation gain 1 : 860 Meters
Option 2: 43 Miles - 69 Km Elevation gain 2 : 1037 Meters
Included
- 7 nights of accommodation in superior hotels of charm with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 7 dinners included
- Orientation by telephone
- Road bike rental included
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
Guidance Application (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
What's not included
- Airfare to and from the trip
- Lodging before and after the trip
- Drinks
- Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Informations & Recommendations
TGV trains are available from Paris to Grenoble from the Gare de Lyon. From here, a regular bus service is available for a very low cost, or we can arrange a private transfer based on your arrival to the Grenoble train station.
Tour rates
Contact our tour consultants for more information and an exact rate based upon your travel dates.
| Price from* & per person | Double occupancy | Single supplement (traveling with a group) | Solo traveler (traveling alone) |
| Standard | 1990 € | 280 € | 2900 € |
| Post-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
| Upgraded | 2190 € | 510 € | 3290 € |
| Post-tour Night | ** | ** | ** |
This tour is available at any day from the 1st of June to the 15th of September.
Accessories
| Accessories | |
| Guidance Application | Included |
| Biking Roadbook | Included |
| Travelbook | Included |
Bikes available
| Bikes available | Options per person |
| Road Bike Rental | |
| Standard | Included |
| Premium | 150 € |
| Tandem Bike Rental | |
| Standard | 45 € |
Please note that any bike changes during the trip may incur an extra fee.
Services available
| Services available | |
| Cancelation insurance | 6% |
United States
Originally, our goal was to go to France and focus on the two iconic rides, Alp d'Huez and Mont Ventoux. We didn't think too much about what else may come our way beyond those two rides. But it turned out to be as though we were given the key to Disneyland. Every day at every turn there was an amazing moment or experience. This included the hotels and the way we were welcomed, the food prepared just for us by great chefs, the people we met and the warmth of the conversations, the patience and understanding in those moments when language was a temporary barrier, the old world quaintness of the villages and architecture, and the grandeur of the scenery. We constantly reflected on how perfect each day was and how every detail was easy and contributing to the almost magical experience of the trip. We especially appreciated how you were able to dial in perfect weather for us each day. We thought you should include that service in your promotional material. We settled into a new, slower pace with no distractions that allowed us to appreciate each moment and what was going on around us. Martin and Sophia at the Cassini Hotel were super hosts who provided for our every need. Those two set a very high standard for service and culinary excellence. Similarly, Joanna and Alain in Bedoin did an excellent job and the restaurant provided excellent meals with a wonderful evening ambiance for dining. We would return to either hotel without hesitation. The transportation arrangements were always on time and helped reduce the stress of traveling in a foreign country. The only wrinkle in this trip was my bike. We know that the bike provider received the correct specifications from you because Chris' bike was exactly what was ordered, and the replacement bike for me that arrived on Thursday was also the correct bike. But what I received in Le Freney was an older well-used, ike. All in all a great trip that will provide great memories for years to come. Larry
United States
Trip was personalized to everyone's needs. Guides were excellent!
United States
Guides were Fantastic! The Accomodations were great! The food was Tremendous! The guides were able to adjust our rides on the "fly" to accommodate our hunger for more suffering. They made it so easy for us. The all inclusive aspect of this, meant we could focus on our riding only without worry about eating, transferring from place to place, etc. I can't wait for next time.
Bubba
United States
After many months of training, our local group, Team Bubba, went to France to take on the Alps and Ventoux. I can't say enough good things about the local guides and the hospitality they showed us, as well as our wives, who went with us. Having local guides was definitely a distinct advantage. We are already planning our next trip to the Pyrenees.
United States
A great mix of Alpine and Provence scenery. Wonderful small hotels with charming hosts and gourmet food! Challenging but not intimidating terrain with easy navigation. Would love to go back!
Casual : Beginners and occasional cyclists. Easiest tours we provide. Typically flatter terrain, no notable hills or anything of a steep gradient.
Hobby : Weekend riders. People with some cycling experience, rolling countryside, possible short climbs.
Active : Cyclists with experience on longer rides. Hilly terrain with reasonable amount of climbs and difficulty
Pro : Avid cyclists, ride every week and love long and challenging rides. Dream on riding the Tour de France cols.
Comparison chart : (15km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 28 | < 45 | < 300m | 3-4 |
| Hobby |
18 - 35 | 30 - 55 | 300-550m | 3-5 |
| Active |
30 - 60 | 50 - 100 | 550-1000m | 4-6 |
| Pro |
> 60 | > 100 | > 1000m | > 5 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions
Casual : Beginners and occasional hikers. Typically flatter terrain with just rolling hills.
Hobby : Weekend hikers. People with some experience hiking around trails.
Active : Hikers with experience on longer hikes. Hilly terrain with some steep gradients.
Pro : Randonneurs avides, randonnée chaque semaine et adore les longues et difficiles randonnées.
Comparison chart : (4km/hrs)
| Average dist (miles) | Average dist (km) | Elevation max/day (m) | Average hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casual |
< 6 | < 10 | < 150m | 2.5 |
| Hobby |
6 - 9 | 10 - 15 | 150-300m | 25-375 |
| Active |
9 - 11 | 11 - 18 | 300-450m | 3.75 - 4.5 |
| Pro |
> 11 | > 18 | > 450m | 4.5-6 |
Some of our tours can be in 2 different level, we have itinerary for both versions