Dirty Wknd

Provence and Mont Ventoux

Cycling in Provence – Rural France at its Best

Rolling hills, quiet roads, beautiful scenery and the fabled sunshine of the South… these are the ingredients that make Provence and the Mont Ventoux region such a superb destination, and one of our favourite cycling holiday locations.

Imagine a long Dirty Wknd spent riding amongst vineyards and olive groves, passing through historic villages perched on hill tops and taking in scenic gorges, rolling hills and great climbs too. The region of Provence and the Ventoux really does have something for everyone.

Our short breaks are designed to be the most convenient and hassle-free road cycling holidays – we will ensure that with 2 days off work, you enjoy 4 days of relaxing and fun cycling.

We look after everything – so you just need to turn up to Marseille airport on Thursday evening and be ready to ride!

Although the riding in Provence is not as challenging as that in the Alps, our rides and routes include some good climbing and varied terrain to suit all levels.

And of course don’t forget the mighty Mont Ventoux, one of the most famous cycling ascents in the world… enough to provide a stiff challenge for even the most experienced riders!

Classic Cycling Routes touring Ventoux and the Luberon

We are spoilt for choice in this region as there are so many great cycling routes and so much beautiful Provençal countryside to explore. Throughout our many trips to this region we have tested, refined and selected our selection of riding routes to make sure that you experience the best Provence has to offer.

Village provenal de Grignan dans la drme en France

We’ll spend a day exploring the rolling Luberon (made famous by Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’) as well as riding through the wine region of the Dentilles de Montmirail (inc. Gigondas), and of course we’ll include an ascent of the ‘Giant of Provence’ – Mont Ventoux – which tops out at over 1900m.

Rides are typically between 50km – 110km and usually feature between 1000 and 2000 metres of climbing. Our ‘Classic’ package format includes a set ride each day – chosen for the best roads and scenery around.

Our minibus and Bike Weekender team will be supporting you all the way and will mark the route ahead of you, as well as carrying spare clothes, extra water, drinks, snacks and spare bike gear.

The village of Bédoin is our base in Provence and our friendly hotel here is perfect for a relaxing stay. Enjoy the views of Mont Ventoux from the sheltered swimming pool, or take a post-ride stroll through vineyards and olive groves. Dinner is taken at nearby restaurants and features dishes using the fantastic local produce that Provence is famous for – so a treat for your taste buds too.

Dirty Wknd cycling weekend in Provence – we have it all taken care of

Thursday 26th – Monday 30th September 2019

In conjunction with Dirty Wknd, we have devised a special itinerary for you, to ensure you get the most from your trip and experience the best the area has to offer.

Our Classic Provence and Ventoux breaks may be short, but they feel like a real holiday… you’ll be amazed at how much riding we fit into your 4 day weekend.

With a relaxed and comfortable base, great cycling and stunning weather, a ‘Classic’ break in Provence is active relaxation at its very best!

The terrain is undulating; rolling climbs and twisty descents are the order of the day.

Each ride has a different view and feel, but on all of them we find you the quietest country lanes to explore.

From our base at the foot of Mont Ventoux we’re right in the middle of cycling country… and you too will have a chance to join the hundreds of people taking on the climb to this historic summit each day.

Our short breaks mix riding challenge with enjoyment and relaxation – you can take time on the rides to soak up the sunshine and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.

‘Classic’ weekends are designed to give you a varied selection of the best riding to be found in the region. We set a fixed itinerary for rides, but for each day there is lots of flexibility to ride longer or shorter route versions.

Dirty Wknd Cycling Weekend Itinerary – 4 days riding through Provence

On each day of a ‘Classic’ cycling weekend break, we’ll head out on the scheduled ride after breakfast at your base.
Lunch (not included in the package) is taken at cafés / restaurants along the ride route.
After each ride, there’ll be time back at base to relax and unwind by the pool, before a 3 course evening meal taken at local restaurants.

Thursday – Arrival
You arrange afternoon flights to Marseille Airport.
Marseille has a range of flights from the UK – see full details on travel options here >>>
Our airport pick-up is at 17:00 – transfer to your base in Bédoin is 1.5 hours.
There’ll be time to build bikes / set up hire bikes, before dinner is served.

Friday – Gorges de Nesque loop ride
A gentle climb around the base of Mont Ventoux takes us to Sault where we pause for coffee before descending the amazing Gorges de Nesque. A stunning ride in spectacular scenery, we have one more climb to Blauvac before we ride back to Bédoin.
Ride distance = 82 km with total climbing of 1417m

Saturday – the ‘Tour de Luberon’ ride
One of the most picturesque rides we know – taking in the hilltop villages of Gordes, Rousillon, Ménerbes and Lacoste as well as the Col de Murs and the gorges of the Mountains of the Vaucluse. We drive to the start, but those feeling fit can ride on all the way back to base.
Ride distance = 79 km with total climbing of 1683m

Sunday – The Big One – Mont Ventoux
Follow the classic Tour de France route – ride from the hotel through the trees to Chalet Reynard before embarking on the open and exposed climb to the summit. Descend to Maulecène for a well earned lunch, before a lovely (easy!) ride back to Bédoin.
Ride distance = 54 km with total climbing of 1888m

Monday – Dentilles de Montmirail – Departure
Taking in the villages of Crillon-le-Brave and Beaumes le Venise we soon find ourselves in the heart of wine country and riding through Vacqueras and Gigondas. We climb up to Suzette for lovely views out in all directions, before we drop back to Maulecène and our lovely ride back up and over the Col de la Madelaine to Bédoin.
Ride distance = 61 km with total climbing of 1420m
After lunch we need to pack up the minibus in readiness for a 13:00 departure which will get us to Marseille for 15:00 (so good for flights departing after 16:50)

Please Note
The itinerary outlined is provisional, although it’s a very typical outline of the routes you can ride on a ‘Classic’ break.
On rare occasions, we may have to modify this programme due to weather conditions, group ability, roadworks etc.

Hotel Garance swimming pool, Provence, France

Hôtel La Garance – at the base of Mont Ventoux

La Garance is a peaceful retreat hidden beneath Month Ventoux, in stunning surroundings, including open views across to the iconic mountain itself. You will receive a warm and friendly welcome, with a high level of personal service offered by Joanna and her team.

The hotel is very much geared up for cyclists, who pass by throughout the day on their way up and down Ventoux, helping to build your own excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.

The hotel itself is an old Provençal farm building, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and cherry orchards. It really is an idyllic setting, and you’ll get plenty of opportunity to take a dip in the pool or relax on the shady terrace, taking in the sounds, sights and smells of the South.

Hôtel La Garance has 16 tastefully furnished rooms; these are mainly twin / doubles, with a small number of larger rooms catering for up to 6 people available.

Please note that, depending on availability, on some trips we may use other accommodation in the town. All of these locations are chosen for their friendly welcome and service, and their charming character as well as a convenient location.

Hôtel La Garance Food and Drink for Cyclists

All Bike Weekender breaks include half board – a hearty breakfast and 3 course evening meal every night.

Breakfast is a continental buffet with hot option, served from 0730 each morning to set you up for the day’s riding.

Hôtel La Garance doesn’t have its own restaurant, so dinner is taken at 2 local restaurants within 50m of the hotel. Both of these feature lovely outdoor terraces and superb food. Expect lots of great local produce and fresh fruit and vegetables from the market – plus of course the local Côtes du Ventoux rosé wine to wash things down.

A set dinner menu at each of these restaurants is included in your package. Ordering à la carte is possible, with additional costs payable directly to the restaurants.

Wine and additional drinks from Hôtel La Garance or the restaurants are purchased on an individual basis, again payable directly.

Find out more about Hôtel La Garance and see more images here >>>

Special Price for the Dirty Wknd Cycling Break – Provence / Ventoux

Thursday 26th – Monday 30th September 2019

4-day break = £625pp All prices are per-person, based on 2 guests sharing a twin/double room.

Contact us for details of single occupancy options.

Inclusive package includes:-

Airport Transfers from Marseille – pickup at 17:00 for arrivals
Airport Transfers to Marseille – depart resort at 13:00
Ensuite accommodation at Hotel Garance, Bedoin (twin/triple rooms)
Cyclist-focused breakfast and hearty 3-course evening meal
Fully supported rides – route marked, vehicle support, drinks and snacks etc.
The dedicated service of our professional, friendly team

Not included in the package price:-

Flights to / from Marseille – arranged independently
Lunches whilst out riding – bought directly
Additional drinks from the bar – tabs charged on departure
Full carbon road bike hire (optional)

Booking Process

Sign up using the booking form below – please ensure you enter ‘Dirty Wknd’ in the voucher code box to receive your special rate.

We require a deposit of £150pp once your reservation has been confirmed, which is payable online via the link in your confirmation email. Here you can also add guest/flight details and manage your booking.

The remaining balance will be due 6 weeks prior to the trip, and you will be sent a reminder 1 week before.

If you’d like to join us on this special Dirty Wknd short break, please just click on the button below to access the booking form and we’ll be in touch by email shortly to confirm your reservation.

If you have any questions about any aspect of our road cycling holidays, our packages, accommodations or the areas we operate in, just send through an enquiry form here, call us on +44 845 557 5983 or email info@bikeweekender.com

About Dirty Wknd

We love to be active on the weekends, but living in London, it can sometimes be hard to motivate yourself. So we started Dirty Wknd to help Londoners meet like minded people who enjoy being active, but don’t take themselves too seriously. We love to meet new people, share our adventures and end our weekends on a high.

This trip to Provence and Mont Ventoux is a fun way to get to know each other even better, in a stunning location, and to ride in an environment we would never get to experience back at home.

We hope you can join us!

David & Emma, Founders of Dirty Wknd