The Mont Ventoux Loop

5 · 1 review
Next departure from Mar 15, 2027
Cyclists in the Toulourenc gorges - Drôme and Vaucluse - France
Cycling past orchards between Venasque and Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Vaucluse - France
Cyclist riding past an orchard - Venasque to Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Vaucluse
cyclistes-dans-un-champ-de-lavande-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur
Cyclists in a lavender field - Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - France
Clifftop road through the Nesque Gorge - Provence - France
Lavender field with a hilltop village in the background - Baronnies - France
Mont Ventoux and countryside - Baronnies - France
Drôme valley between Provence and the Vercors - Drôme - France
Olive tree and vineyard at sunset - Ventoux - Vaucluse - France
Hilltop village of Séguret and vineyards - Vaucluse - Provence - France
Village lane on the Mont Ventoux cycling tour - Provence - France
passage-au-marche-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur
vallee-de-la-drome-entre-la-provence-et-le-vercors

At the foot of Mont Ventoux, this cycling holiday in Provence invites you on a journey of discovery through the heart of the “Provence of the Popes”. Starting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, renowned for its prestigious vineyards, you set off on a route that perfectly balances cultural discovery with the pleasure of cycling.

This circular route immerses you in varied, iconic landscapes. You will ride alongside the sculpted ridges of the Dentelles de Montmirail, through the cool Toulourenc gorges and across the lavender-covered plateaux around Sault. The route takes you through villages full of character, several of which are listed among the “most beautiful villages in France”, such as Séguret and Venasque.

Designed as a self-guided holiday, this tour lets you set your own pace. Your electric bike helps you tackle the hills with ease, making every climb a real pleasure. It is an opportunity to take your time over a tasting in the vineyards of the renowned Côtes du Rhône crus, in Gigondas or Vacqueyras. For more athletic cyclists, climbing the “Giant of Provence” remains an option for testing yourself against this legendary mountain.

Itinerary

Map FRALV0009
See interactive map

Program

Arrive in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the main wine-growing areas of the Côtes du Rhône, famous for its 13 grape varieties and its village full of character. Settle into your accommodation. Make your own arrangements for dinner.
Overnight in a 3*-star hotel or guesthouse in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Accommodation3*-star hotel or guesthouse

You will pass through the villages of Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Séguret (listed among the most beautiful villages in France), all renowned Côtes du Rhône crus. You will cross the Rhône valley to ride through these beautiful villages beneath the Dentelles de Montmirail, between Gigondas and Séguret, and finish the day in Vaison-la-Romaine.

The terrain is easy, with no significant elevation gain apart from the stretches through the villages of Gigondas and Sablet and at the foot of Séguret. We recommend visiting the village of Séguret. Make your own arrangements for dinner.
Overnight in a 3*-star hotel in Vaison-la-Romaine.

Accommodation3*-star hotel
Distance40 to 45 km

The route passes through the Toulourenc gorges and the village of Entrechaux, then over the Col de Veaux (368m) and a short stretch at 480m, before a brief descent towards Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux. We follow the course of the Toulourenc between Ventoux and the Montagne de Bluye, passing beneath the beautiful village of Brantes to reach Savoillan. A little further on, you will pass through Reilhanette, one of those villages brimming with local character, before reaching Sault and its lavender fields.
Overnight in a 3*-star hotel in Sault, with dinner and breakfast included.

Accommodation3*-star hotel
Option AVia Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux
Option BVia the Col de Fontaube

A day to enjoy the countryside behind Ventoux, on the elevated Sault plateau. Immerse yourself in wide-open spaces and let the endless lavender fields enchant you. You may also take the opportunity to visit a lavender distillery.

Overnight in a 3*-star hotel in Sault, with dinner and breakfast included.

Optional route (replacing Day 4 or added between Day 4 and Day 5): Ascent of Mont Ventoux

For fitter cyclists looking for a challenge, you can tackle the iconic ascent of the Giant of Provence. The day begins gently, taking you through rural landscapes where lavender fields and vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see. As the vegetation becomes lower-growing and the scents of thyme and rosemary fill the air, the first hairpin bends appear, marking the start of a tougher climb. A series of tight bends takes you steadily up the mountain passes, gradually revealing Ventoux. You will enjoy breathtaking views over the Rhône Valley and the Southern Alps. Halfway along, the vegetation changes again, giving way to limestone rocks and steep cliffs. Every pedal stroke becomes a victory over the gradient, until you finally reach the summit, where the magnificent panorama rewards the intense effort of this memorable adventure.

55km – 25km of ascent

Overnight at a 3*-star hotel in Sault, with half board.

Accommodation3*-star hotel
Distance45 to 55 km

From the village of Sault, you will ride through the Nesque Gorges to reach Venasque, a hilltop village listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Venasque gave its name to the Comtat Venaissin. Visit Notre Dame Church and the Baptistery, a masterpiece of Romanesque art.
Overnight at a hotel in Venasque.

AccommodationOvernight at a hotel
Distance50 km

Via Pernes-les-Fontaines, the Rhône plain and Bédarrides. Pernes-les-Fontaines is known for its 40 sculpted fountains, some monumental, others discreet. It is the former capital of the Comtat Venaissin, with several historic mansions, the Porte Notre Dame, the keep of the former castle of the Counts of Toulouse, the medieval covered market hall and more. Dinner at your own expense.
Overnight at a 3*-star hotel or guesthouse in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Accommodation3*-star hotel or guesthouse
Distance40 to 50 km

Your trip ends after breakfast.

We may occasionally need to make slight changes to the itinerary shown, particularly due to hotel availability. You can trust us: these changes are always made in your best interests, for your safety and greater comfort!

You can complete this itinerary in 6 days by leaving out Day 4.

Dates, prices and booking

Participants
Price per person
Book

Details

Depart on a date of your choice from mid-March to late October. Please bear in mind that the intense heat in July and August can make the trip very challenging.

Price per person2 or 3 people4 or 5 people6 people or more
15/03 to 30/10/20261175 €1025 €970 €
15/03 to 30/10/20271225 €1070 €1010 €
Price includes
  • Accommodation in a twin room with breakfast
  • Half board in Sault
  • Luggage transfers
  • Digital travel pack
  • Tourist taxes
Price excludes
  • Drinks
  • Lunches
  • Dinners in Châteauneuf du Pape, Vaison la Romaine and Venasque
  • Printed travel pack
  • Bike hire
  • Visits to attractions
  • Insurance
  • Booking fees
  • Anything not listed under “Prices include”

Options & supplements

  • Printed travel pack: 35 €
  • Single room supplement: 535 €
  • Hybrid bike hire: 210 € (additional day’s hire: 20€)
  • Electric bike hire: 295 € (additional day’s hire: 55€)
  • Hybrid bike peace-of-mind option: 30 €
  • Electric bike peace-of-mind option: 45 €
  • Extra night with bed and breakfast at a guesthouse in Châteauneuf du Pape: 110 €/person in a room for 2; 200 € in a single room
  • Extra night with half board in Sault (ascent of Mont Ventoux): 130 €/person in a room for 2; 210 € in a single room

Your advisor

Estelle Torterotot

Estelle Torterotot

Travel Advisor

Write

Technical and practical information

For intermediate to experienced cyclists. On a hybrid bike or an electric bike (much easier!). Mostly on minor roads: 30 to 55km per day of cycling. There are no particular technical difficulties apart from the elevation gain if you are riding a hybrid bike. The route is very manageable on an electric bike, which we recommend.

Please note: the ascent of Mont Ventoux is only suitable for very experienced cyclists accustomed to sustained exertion.

You carry only what you need for the day, including your lunch, in a small bag or pannier. Your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel each evening: it is transferred by taxi between overnight stops and is limited to 1 bag per person.

From 2 people.

7 days, 6 nights, 5 days of cycling.

Choose your departure date from mid-March to late October. Please bear in mind that the intense heat in July and August can make the trip very demanding.

A self-guided tour without a guide. We provide a digital travel pack containing access to our smartphone navigation app, a list of your accommodation, any vouchers required and all the information you need for your trip to run smoothly.

If you wish, we can provide a printed travel pack with maps, a route guide and a travel wallet, for a supplement of 35 € per pack. For printed travel packs requested less than 45 days before departure, and for travellers living abroad, the packs will be sent to the first hotel

Accommodation

Accommodation in 3* hotels or equivalent (unrated hotels and guesthouses offering comfort comparable to a 3* hotel). You will stay in a room for 2 people with a bathroom / WC; single or family rooms are available on request. This level of comfort is standard for most cycling holidays in France, reflecting the accommodation traditionally available across the French regions.

Hotel ratings

In France, increasing numbers of hotels and guesthouses are choosing not to be rated, including establishments that still held a rating a year or two ago. This does not mean their quality has declined—far from it. Many guesthouses offer charming rooms.
If, for example, we specify a comfort level of “3* or equivalent”: this means that the establishment may not have an official rating, but offers comfort comparable to a 3* hotel.

Meals

In Châteauneuf du Pape, Vaison la Romaine and Venasque, accommodation includes breakfast (but not dinner). Dinner is included for the nights in Sault. You can generally order packed lunches from the hotels: please enquire directly with them.

Please let us know about any food allergies or special dietary requirements when booking; we will do our best to adapt your meals.

Please note: accommodation photos are for illustration only. Accommodation may change. Depending on availability, we may book other hotels offering an equivalent standard and level of comfort.

Start

On Day 1 in the afternoon in Châteauneuf du Pape.

Finish

On Day 7 after breakfast in Châteauneuf du Pape.

Bike hire

The bikes are hybrids for greater comfort. They all come equipped with a kickstand, mudguards and a luggage rack. A lock, repair kit (inner tube, pump and basic tools), helmet, map holder and rear panniers are supplied. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are also available.
Your bikes will be delivered to your accommodation on the morning of Day 2 before 10:00, and you will leave them at the final hotel on the last evening.

A security deposit secured by bank card may be required locally.

Please remember to tell us your height when booking and whether you would like a helmet.

HELMETS

These are not supplied. When you book, we need to know whether you would like to hire one and what size you require.

Size guide (head circumference):

SML
52 – 55 cm55 – 58 cm58 – 61 cm

BIKE PEACE OF MIND OPTION
The bike peace of mind option covers damage to or theft of the bike.
In the event of theft, an excess of 100 € / bike for hybrid bikes and 200 €/ bike for e-bikes will apply.

By train

Arrive at Orange railway station.

From Paris (Gare de Lyon): direct TGV, approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.

From Lyon (Part-Dieu): direct TER, approximately 2 hours.
You can check train timetables and fares on https://www.sncf-connect.com/

Then take a taxi from Orange to Châteauneuf du Pape (15 mins / 12,5km)

By car

You can plan your route on ViaMichelin.

Public parking available in the centre of Châteauneuf du Pape

A number of our trips offer opportunities to swim, either along the way or at the end of the day. It would be a shame to miss out. However, please bear in mind that your guides are not lifeguards; you therefore swim at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety.

Member of Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable (ATR)

Since 2012, Grand Angle has been a member of ATR, the leading association for more responsible tourism. We design our trips – on foot, by bike and on snow – to invite everyone to discover the world differently: with curiosity, respect and kindness.

As members of the board of directors since 2018, we actively help move the sector towards more meaningful practices. In practical terms, we are committed to:

  • Transparency in our practices and prices
  • Respect for our partners and local communities
  • Protecting the environment on every trip

We also share the values of the traveller’s ethical charter, which encourages everyone to take simple steps to protect the places they visit and foster rewarding encounters.

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has held Travelife Partner status, an international label that certifies our responsible practices in environmental protection, ethics and sustainable management, both within our company and in our work with partners and the organisation of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification scheme, recognises our practical actions to support responsible tourism. We are actively working towards the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainability policy

For cycling

  • Cycling shorts or tights, depending on the season
  • Cycling gloves
  • A helmet
  • Sunglasses (for protection from the sun, wind and midges)
  • A windproof jacket
  • T-shirts or cycling jerseys
  • A handlebar map holder
  • A water bottle

Note: synthetic technical clothing performs very well. Merino wool clothing is also now available; it performs very well, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of resisting sweat odours (brands include Icebreaker, Ruka, etc.)!
As a general rule, avoid cotton, which makes you cold when wet.

For protection from the sun and rain

  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • A hat, cap or bucket hat (helmet)
  • A windproof jacket
  • A rain poncho or a Gore-Tex jacket

Clothing

  • A jumper or fleece
  • Comfortable trousers for walking
  • Shorts
  • A tracksuit or a change of clothes
  • A lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirt
  • A pair of running-style trainers for the evening
  • Spare clothes and underwear
  • Toiletry bag
  • Swimwear
  • A small first-aid kit: personal medication, adhesive medical tape, medicated gauze or “2nd skin”, gauze, disinfectant, arnica pellets and aspirin for minor aches and injuries …

Luggage

  • If your bike does not have a pannier, bring a comfortable small 40l backpack with a waist belt to carry your personal belongings and picnic during the day. If you have a luggage rack, you can secure your bag to it using bungee cords. Rental bikes come with a pannier for your belongings. Bring a small backpack as well; this makes it easy to carry your belongings when you stop to visit somewhere along the way.
  • A bag for luggage transfers: a backpack or travel bag in good condition

France

Paris

Documents

Travellers, including children under the age of majority, must carry a national identity card or passport (EU nationals).

Health

Bring your Carte Vitale (French health insurance card) and enough of your usual medication for the duration of your stay.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tourist Office
3 rue de la République
84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Website: Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tourist Office
Tel.: 0490837108

Pays de Vaison Ventoux en Provence Tourist Office
Avenue du Général de Gaulle
84110 Vaison-la-Romaine
Website: www.vaison-ventoux-tourisme.com
Email: contactvaison-ventoux-tourisme.com
Tel.: 0490360211

International dialling code for calling France from abroad: +33.

No time difference: GMT +1.

Reviews

5 · 1 review

Nicolas 7/9/26

—  Very well prepared by Grand Angle. The bike rental provider was attentive. The choice of accommodations lived up to expectations.

Would you like to make this a private trip?

Travel with friends or family on dates that suit you. Tell our specialists what you have in mind.

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