This tour is designed around the best and most varied riding in Provence, giving you the chance to discover both the must-see highlights of the region alongside little-known roads and secluded villages. The tour begins in the Préalpes d’Azur and the breathtaking Gorges du Verdon. From here ride north to the Sisteron-Beuch region before riding east up the Gorges de la Meouge & the Gorges de la Nesque to the picturesque village of Mazan. From Mazan take a restful ride around Luberon and the iconic villages of Rousillon, Gordes and Murs before finishing the week with the Giant of Provence, Mont Ventoux.
Stay in beautiful hotels along the route such as the 4-star Bastide du Calalou, Le Patio de Sophie in Sisteron, and the Chateau de Mazan. Enjoy the best of French wines and cuisine each day, with breakfast, lunch and 3 evening meals included in the price of the tour. Some highlights inlcude evening meals at a traditional French gastronomic restaurant, L’Ingénue, a home-cooked meal at Le Patio de Sophie and a moden, creative menu prepared by the chef at Bastide du Calalou.
Don’t miss this chance to explore the spectacular landscapes of Provence on two wheels. Our support vehicle will never be far from the group should you wish to take a break.
Rated 3 out of 4 our Advanced tours are designed for people who ride regularly and want back to back challenging days on the bike. Riders should be confident riding in a small group, comfortable on extended climbs (at your own pace) and have good bike handling skills on corners and descents. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.
Welcome to Provence! Once arrived in Moissac-Bellevue, head out with the Eat Sleep Cycle team for a warm-up ride au Bord tu Lac and settle into the rhythm of the week ahead. Relax by the pool in the afternoon and spend your first night in France at the charming 4* Bastide du Calalou Hotel.
On day 2, enjoy incredible views of the mightly Gorges du Verdon and its wonderful turquoise waters and complete an undulating route through the spectacular Provençal countryside. Enjoy lunch en route prepared by the Eat Sleep Cycle support team and spend the afternoon cooling off in the hotel swimming pool.
On day 3, ride from Moissac-Bellevue to Sisteron, nestled on the banks of the river Durance between two long mountain ridges. Start the ride by passing past the Gorges du Verdon once again, before carrying on north through the hilly countryside. Spend the night at Le Patio de Sophie, a boutique hotel situated in front of the citadel. Enjoy a wonderful welcome & stay with our hostess Sophie.
The tour advances west on day 4, with a 112 km route that starts with a gentle climb. The second half of the ride is a majority downhill route until today’s destination of Mazan. Highlights of the day include the villages of Sederon & Sault, the Gorges de la Meouge. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the quaint village of Mazan. Spend the night in the Chateau de Mazan, a gorgoeus hotel featuring a Chateau & 18th century mansion.
A Provençal loop is on the cards for the penultimate day of this tour. Highlights of the day include the picturesque villages of Murs, Rousillon & Gordes, the Sénanque Abbey. Spend another at the Chateau de Mazan.
The final ride on the cards for this Tour of Provence is one ascent of the mighty Mont Ventoux. It has been the scene of one of the most grueling climbs in the Tour de France, which has ascended the mountain eighteen times since 1951. Make you final day truly epic by adding a second ascent from Malaucène! Spend the final night of the tour at the Chateau de Mazan.
Take some final picturs and exchange contacts with the other members of the tour, it’s time to say farewell! Departures from Mazan.
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy full ride support from our professional guide team & support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
Stay in elegant rooms overlooking the Aups valley in this charming hotel located in the village of Moissac Bellevue. Relax by the pool & soak up the luxury.
A boutique hotel situated in front of the citadel in the historic centre of Sisteron. Enjoy a wonderful welcome & stay with our hostess Sophie.
Finish the tour in style with two nights in this gorgoeus hotel featuring a Chateau & 18th century mansion.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €40 per day
The Filante SLR is an extremely lightweight aerodynamic bicycle used by World Tour team Astana. Enjoy a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and DT Swiss ERC 1400 wheelset.
A comfortable e-road bike with a lightweight carbon frameset and a clean-cut design featuring fully integrated cable routing. The Garda Hybrid uses the proven and reliable Mahle X35+ drive unit with 250 Wh motor inserted in the rear hub while the battery is housed in the down tube. The groupset is Shimano 105 Di2. The Garda has an autonomy of 1,000-2,000m of elevation, or constant use 1.5-2hrs – it’s possible to rent a range extender to double the range for an additional fee.
The Wilier Filante SL guarantees a first-class weight, a precise ride and a great aesthetic clarity thanks to the integrated cables. Carbon Monocoque frame with full internal cable routing Electronic Shimano 105 Di2 shifting Carbon wheels Chainrings: 50/34, Cassette: 11-34
The ultimate bike for climbers. The Diamante features a lightweight fully integrated frameset, a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset and a carbon ERC 1400 wheelset from DT Swiss. The Diamante has gearing for climbing – a 50/34 chainset and an 11-34 cassette.
An endurance all-road bike that increases versatility with features that lean closer to gravel. Enojy a comfortable performance carbon frameset, an electronic SRAM Force AXS groupset and a MicroTech RE38 Carbon wheelset. 48/35 chainrings and 10-36 cassette
Gethyn is from Wales but has been living in Catalonia for 14 years, and having found a quiet spot in the forest not far from Girona, he has no intention of leaving. Gethyn’s been a part of the ESC team since the early days and loves the job. He rides road and gravel with friends and MTB with his dog.
Lavendar, croissants and café au lait... Mont Ventoux, the Gorges du Verdon and the Cote d'Azur. Need we say more?! The South of France offers unique and contrasting landscapes to experience on two wheels. From the picture-perfect lavender fields of Provence, to the iconic Mont Ventoux, to the wild, remote Cevennes & Ardeche mountains, the South of France offers incredible rides for cyclists of all abilities. The region's warm Mediterranean climate makes the South of France the ideal location for year-round riding.
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