Provence Retreat
Provence
22nd -29th June 2024
29th June 2024 - 6th July 2024
1st -7th June 2025
Provence is famous for its picturesque and diverse landscapes with blossoming lavender in the summer months. It is also famous for the delicious wines and roses that have been produced in the region for centuries.
The cycling in Provence in made famous by the climb of Ventoux, but what about all the other amazing routes in the area to explore? A vast area that allows for flexibility with every turn, you will ride through adorable sleepy villages, with olive groves and vineyards galore, it is a party for the senses with an undeniable feast of sights and smells. The terrain has gentle routes which can be interspersed with demanding terrains.
The traditional Retreat for Provence has a wonderful feel and creates quite areas for guests to chill out and a hearty community area to spend time chatting about the days cycling. The retreat has a lovely pool to dip in and refresh a head of alfresco dinning delivered to the usual high standards of Cycle Retreats.
Your Route Itinerary: (please note Day 5 is a rest day)
Day One - Arrival Day
Leg Spinner
Distance 30km
Elevation gained 500m
Today is all about settling into your surroundings and getting prepared for a week of cycling. After you have unpacked and had a bite to eat, we head out for a spin on the bikes to ensure they are set up perfectly for you.
Day Two
Gorges De La Nesque
Distance 75km
Elevation gained 1100m
Today’s ride takes us through the breath-taking limestone gorge de la Nesque in Vaucluse. The gorge cuts through the mountains between the imposing Mount Ventoux to the north and the Plateau de Vaucluse to the south. The impressive gorge measures over 400m deep in places which has been patiently eroded through time by the river Nesque. The balcony road we ride on is a firm favourite meandering through some wonderful limestone tunnels providing you with some stunning panoramic views. This ride will create some memories to last a lifetime, it’s something special.
Day Three
Lioux
Distance 92km
Elevation gained 1600m
We head out today in a southerly loop taking in the wonderfully quiet villages including at the southern most point of the loop Lioux. The village is part of the perimeter of The Luberon Regional National Park. The village is bounded to the north by the imposing Falaise de la Madeleine which is a grey limestone vertical cliff 700m long and 100m high. We then head north to the town of Sault to take in some beautiful lavender fields before climbing up to Col N.D. des Abeilles. The climb is rewarded with some stunning views before a beautiful long descent back to the retreat.
Day Four
Gordes Loop
Distance 81km
Elevation gained 1450m
Today is a rolling day so don’t forget to pack your climbing legs. We ride south on some beautifully quiet roads to the town of Gordes which has been officially named as one of the most beautiful villages in France, a perfect spot to take in some lunch. The town is Built on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon area, and is one of the most well-known hilltop villages providing spectacular views across Provence. After lunch we ride north and start a long steady climb where we are rewarded with some wonderful panoramic views before returning back to the Retreat for afternoon drinks.
Day Six
Sault
Distance 67km
Elevation gained 1300m
We head out in a easterly direction and climb Col nd des Abeilles from the east the quite road intersects the landscape between Mt Ventoux to the north and the Lumberton Massif to the south, take some time to enjoy the beautiful views. We then wind our way over to the small town of Sault located above the beautiful lavender fields for a well-deserved traditional lunch stop. After lunch we have a very civilised return back to the Retreat taking in some more of the breath-taking Gorge de la Nesque.
Day Seven
Le Mont Ventoux
Distance 53km
Elevation gained 1750m
So today we reach the finale of the week and what better way to end the week of riding than to take on the “Giant of Provence” famous for its long-standing place in the TDF first included in 1951. At 1,912 metres high, Mont Ventoux dominates the landscape, hence its nickname "The Giant of Provence". From the iconic bald moonscape summit, the view is second to none. This is a must for all cyclists.
Your Retreat:
La Divine - Charming house in the heart of Provence.
Nestled in the heart of the village of Villes-sur-Auzon, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, La Divine opens its doors to you for a stay.
Discover here a concentrate of Provence, preserved during the renovation carried out in the spring of 2021: in a large garden with Mediterranean essences, an ochre façade with green shutters, a mosaic swimming pool, magnificent cement tile floors, coloured walls in the lime, all this close to the centre of the typical Provencal village with cafes and shops and in the heart of the best of Provence.
Your Package Details:
Feel free to bring your own bike, but if you don’t want the stress of transporting your pride and joy, we have it covered. Our hire bikes are all fully carbon with Shimano 105 or Ultegra Di2 group set.
The bikes are not included in the price of the trip.
What's included:
- Airport transfers
- Exclusive luxury breakfast
- Home baked cakes daily (post ride)
- Three course evening meal
- Gala Dinner (one night)
- All soft drinks, coffee and tea
- Unlimited wine and beer
- Retreat hosts a riders fridge stocked with drinks and snacks
- 6-week training programme prior to your holiday
- Guided rides
- Support vehicle on call
- On bike nutrition
- Cycling kit cleaned
- Qualified bike mechanic on site
- Alternative activities arranged if bad weather occurs
Your cost:
€2,250.00 (aprox £1930) per person
€350 (aprox £300) single supplement
Including IVA (Spanish Tax)
Bike Hire is available at an additional cost , please enquire at the time of booking.