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.
Sisteron is a small medieval village that sits nestled between the banks of the river Durance and the rocher de la Baume rock. This warren of winding narrow streets and small squares makes for a pleasant afternoon of strolling around and sampling the local coffee and pastries. Look out for the Citadel of Sisteron perched precariously on the rock above the town, dating back to the 11th century.
Mazan is a small village nestled at the foot of the mightly Mont Ventoux. Some parts of the town date back the 5th and 6th centuries, while today is well known for its wine and vineyards and the Notre-Dame de Pareloup chapel.
The spectacular Mont Ventoux, a white giant, can be seen from miles around in Provence, dominating the patchwork landscape of small villages, green pastures and lavendar fields. It is one of the most famous ascents in the world for cycling, and takes around two hours (or more) to reach the top. At some 25 km in length, with an average of around 4.5%, it is a gruelling climb, and has featured at least 18 times in the Tour de France since 1951! Its remoteness gives the mountain something gigantic and dominating and if the weather is clear, you can see the Alps in the east, the Cevennes to the west and the Mediterranean see in the south from its top.
The Verdon Gorges, or Gorges du Verdon in French, is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the South of France. Turquoise waters flow calmly for around 25 km, flanked on both sides by rough and wild rock, creating a dramatic spectacle for both onlookers and sailers or kayakers. At the end of the canyon, the Verdon River flows into the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. It is the world’s second largest canyon after the Grand Canyon.
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.
The big players on the European cycling scene always top the list for the best European country for cycling: France, Italy, Spain. There’s no doubt...
For many of us, the beauty of exploring new destinations by bike lies in the opportunity cycling gives us to move at our own pace,...
The Alps offer some of the best cycling routes in Europe. Known for their skyscraping peaks, their pristine, glassy lakes, and sweeping alpine valleys, the...
