Included: An experienced, certified local gravel cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the Ventoux region 5-day guided gravel cycling tour in Provence (4 days of riding) Accommodation for 4 nights in charming hotels, guesthouses, and a traditional Provençal farmhouse (double occupancy) All meals — 4 breakfasts, 4 (picnic) lunches, 4 dinners Wellness activities (yoga, meditation, relaxation) Return transfer from Avignon TGV train station Dedicated support and transportation van On-trail mechanic support Visits to various historical and cultural sites An evening of celebration Welcome pack Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout): Gravel bike or e-gravel bike rental Not included: Transportation to/from France Travel and repatriation insurance Personal drinks and souvenir purchases Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout Guide gratuities—optional

How fit do I need to be?

To join this Provence cycling tour, great fitness is required , along with some experience riding a bike—gravel-specific experience is not necessary. This trip is best suited for active cyclists ready for occasionally technical sections and longer days in the saddle. The most you’ll cycle in a day is up to 70 km (43 mi), with up to 1,400 m (4,593 ft) of elevation gain. The trip is built around a supportive, non-competitive spirit: we start together and we finish together. E-gravel bikes are available to rent for those who want the extra boost. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more France bike tours here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Gravel or road bike (if not renting from your guides) Padded cycling shorts and cycling jersey Cycling shoes and helmet Lightweight layers for cooler mornings and descents Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat and sunglasses Water bottle or hydration pack (2L capacity) Small day pack for trail essentials Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, etc.) Camera — optional

I've never ridden a gravel bike before, does it matter?

Not at all. No gravel-specific experience is needed to join this tour —your guides welcome cyclists of all backgrounds, as long as you’re comfortable on a bike and up for the adventure. The itinerary is designed to be accessible, the group sets a shared pace, and your guides are on hand the whole time to support and adjust as needed. If you prefer, you can also rent an e-gravel bike at checkout, which takes the edge off longer climbs without taking anything away from the experience.

Are bike rentals available?

Yes—your guides offer premium gravel and e-gravel bike rentals for riders who don’t have their own, would rather skip the hassle of bringing one to Switzerland, or simply want to try something new. Generally, the following models are used: the lightweight Graxx GTO (8.1 kg) and the Help e-gravel (12 kg) . Rental bikes are meticulously maintained and set up for your comfort. You can add a rental to your booking at checkout.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this cycling tour in Provence, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 20 participants. Cycling tours in Provence can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 15 may be permitted to join the cycling tour in Provence on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18 , contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of this Provence cycling tour is Avignon , in the south of France. Most people fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) , both of which have good transport connections to Avignon. Avignon is also directly served by TGV high-speed trains from Paris and other major French cities. You will meet your guide at Avignon TGV train station on Day 1 at 11 am. A return transfer back to Avignon TGV station is included on Day 5, arriving around 5 pm.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Check out Early bird options for best sellers here

PROVENCE | FRANCE

Gravel Biking in Provence: 5 Days Around Mont Ventoux

5 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $1,744 ()

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Mont Ventoux has a reputation—most people know it from the Tour de France, that brutal white moonscape near the top. But there’s a whole other side to it that almost nobody sees: wild forest tracks, hidden limestone ridges, lavender-scented descents, and villages so quiet you’ll wonder if anyone else knows they exist. This trip is five days of riding through all of it, guided by people who know these trails better than most locals do. The Baronnies Massif, the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Gorges de la Nesque—each day opens up a different corner of Provence, on gravel and off the beaten path. Everything’s included, the group is fun, and the riding is exactly as good as it sounds.

Aurel

Adventure Highlights

The lunar side of Ventoux: As you climb higher, the vegetation drops away and the landscape turns white and otherworldly, making it one of the most surreal riding experiences in all of France
Provençal rhythm, fully sorted: Farmhouse base camp, charming village hotels, local food, a mechanic, a support van—the logistics are handled so you can just ride and soak it all in
Three massifs & zero crowds: The Baronnies, the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Gorges de la Nesque. Three strikingly different landscapes, all linked by secret gravel trails that most cyclists never find

Duration

5 days

Season

April through October

Group size

Up to 20 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

A 5-day guided gravel bike tour through the most beautiful and least-ridden corners of Provence—the secret trails of the Baronnies Massif, the sun-soaked Dentelles de Montmirail, and the wild ridges surrounding Mont Ventoux. Designed for active cyclists who want to go beyond the obvious, with all logistics, meals, and accommodation fully handled. Nights are spent in charming Provençal hotels and a traditional farmhouse base camp, and a certified guide and mechanic ride with the group from start to finish. Small groups of up to 10 riders keep things personal throughout.

Day 1: First pedal strokes through the Baronnies Provençales

We transfer from Avignon train station to Montbrun-les-Bains—a beautiful hilltop village nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux—arriving at 11 am for lunch at our base camp. The afternoon is a first loop ride with the local guide: an ideal warm-up to get familiar with the bikes, meet the group, and soak up the first hit of Provençal atmosphere. We’re back at camp by evening for a convivial dinner in a renovated former farmhouse surrounded by nature. As night falls, if you listen carefully, you might just catch the call of the deer.

Meals: Lunch, dinner
Cycling: 34 km (21 mi)
Elevation: +700 m (+2,297 ft)
Accommodation: Base camp, renovated traditional farmhouse

Day 2: Around the legendary climb

The first proper point-to-point stage, and a big one—70 km winding through the wild landscapes of the Ventoux massif on hidden gravel tracks that most cyclists never find. This is the day the adventure really kicks in: building confidence on the trails, settling into the Provençal rhythm, and exploring the quieter faces of the Giant of Provence. We end the day at a cosy hotel, where dinner and a good night’s rest are well and truly earned.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 70 km (43 mi)
Elevation: +1,300 m (+4,265 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in the Ventoux region

Day 3: Between vineyards and lavender at the Dentelles de Montmirail

Another point-to-point stage, another 70 km through some of Provence’s most varied and unspoiled terrain. Today we push deeper into the wild side of the region, tracing remote trails through rolling hills, oak forests, and small southern villages that feel like they haven’t changed in decades. The Dentelles de Montmirail—a dramatic jagged ridge rising above the vineyards—make for one of the most memorable backdrops of the trip. A friendly dinner and a well-earned rest close out the day.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 70 km (43 mi)
Elevation: +1,400 m (+4,593 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel in the Ventoux region

Day 4: Along ridges and through the Gorges de la Nesque

A gradual return toward Sault, tracing more remote trails with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and its surroundings at every turn. The Gorges de la Nesque—a wild canyon carved into the limestone plateau—is the standout moment of the day, with dramatic cliffs dropping away on either side of the trail. We arrive in Sault for a final dinner together, spending the night at the same place as on day one.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cycling: 65 km (40 mi)
Elevation: +1,300 m (+4,265 ft)
Accommodation: Base camp, renovated traditional farmhouse

Day 5: A loop through the Baronnies before heading home

A shorter, more relaxed final loop through the Baronnies Provençales—the perfect way to ease out of the adventure, savour the last stretches of gravel, and share a final lunch together. We transfer back to Avignon train station, arriving around 5 pm, with everyone heading home carrying a few more stories than they arrived with.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

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Lodging & food

Charming hotels, guesthouses, & a traditional Provençal farmhouse

We start and end the trip at a renovated farmhouse base camp deep in nature at the foot of Mont Ventoux—the kind of place where you hear the deer at night. In between, nights are spent in charming Provençal hotels and guesthouses, chosen for their warmth, character, and ideal position along the route.

The price is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

Food

All meals are included throughout the trip—hearty breakfasts to power the morning’s ride, picnic-style lunches out on the trails, and convivial dinners showcasing the best of Provençal cuisine. Local specialties, regional products, and shared tables: the food is very much part of the experience. Dietary requirements can be accommodated on request

Adventure, packed to go

Gravel Biking in Provence: 5 Days Around Mont Ventoux

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Aurel

Aurel calls 2021 his year of reckoning. He walked away from a career in Finance to stop deferring life and start living it — off the beaten track and fully in the present. Joining two kindred spirits in a venture built around freedom, exploration, and authentic human connection, he found a project that didn't just match his ambitions, but his values too.

5.00

JB is a seasoned cycle adventurer with a decade of exploring China and Southeast Asia by bike. After years of roaming distant landscapes, he returned to Europe with his family in 2021 — not to settle down, but to rediscover the continent with fresh eyes and an undiminished hunger for adventure, new places, and the connections that travel makes possible.

5.00

Olivier

Olivier is a seasoned travel professional turned cycling adventure entrepreneur. After 13 years working internationally for a major hotel group, he traded conventional tourism for something more meaningful — crafting authentic, locally rooted experiences. His passion for gravel riding and cycling expeditions became the bridge between his two driving forces: a love of travel and the pursuit of personal challenge through sport.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (6 reviews)

Romain D.

Another great weekend with friends. It’s the third year in a row we’ve done this trip, with Mont Ventoux as the destination in 2024. A great team to guide us, under our guide’s supervision.

Christophe J.

Gravel weekends in the Morvan in May 2023, the Vosges in September 2023, and the Ventoux in May 2024. Each time, breathtaking landscapes and excellent organization by the guides, from the guides, lodging, meals, support, and bikes, to of course the gravel routes through pristine nature and absolute tranquility. It’s always an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to do more!

Pat D.

I had an unforgettable weekend around Mont Ventoux! The organization was top-notch, and the group dynamics were super engaging, making the experience even more enjoyable. This was my first weekend with them, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. I can only highly recommend this experience!

Show all reviews

Romain D.

Another great weekend with friends. It’s the third year in a row we’ve done this trip, with Mont Ventoux as the destination in 2024. A great team to guide us, under our guide’s supervision.

Christophe J.

Pat D.

Eric L.

Heading to Sault for a trip “around the Ventoux.” Our guide introduced us to his stunning playground, with routes adapted to the weather! The team—always on top!

Marie L.

An amazing trip in the Ventoux! The organization was fantastic, and our guide shared his passion by taking us along all the stunning gravel trails around Ventoux with some serious climbs and taught us how to descend safely without falling! And let’s not forget our organizer, who took great care of us, always ready with some local snacks for a little boost, and even setting up a table with a tablecloth at the top of a pass! An unforgettable experience!

Gaëlle M.

A fantastic gravel trip to reach the summit of Ventoux. Breathtaking landscapes, backroads through the woods, charming villages—an incredible human adventure, an amazing guide, a great team, as always! Did a similar trip with them last year. Now, just need to decide on the next destination.

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, certified local gravel cycling guide with extensive knowledge of the Ventoux region
  - 5-day guided gravel cycling tour in Provence (4 days of riding)
  - Accommodation for 4 nights in charming hotels, guesthouses, and a traditional Provençal farmhouse (double occupancy)
  - All meals — 4 breakfasts, 4 (picnic) lunches, 4 dinners
  - Wellness activities (yoga, meditation, relaxation)
  - Return transfer from Avignon TGV train station
  - Dedicated support and transportation van
  - On-trail mechanic support
  - Visits to various historical and cultural sites
  - An evening of celebration
  - Welcome pack
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
- - Gravel bike or e-gravel bike rental
Not included:
- - Transportation to/from France
  - Travel and repatriation insurance
  - Personal drinks and souvenir purchases
  - Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
  - Guide gratuities—optional
To join this Provence cycling tour, great fitness is required, along with some experience riding a bike—gravel-specific experience is not necessary. This trip is best suited for active cyclists ready for occasionally technical sections and longer days in the saddle.

The most you’ll cycle in a day is up to 70 km (43 mi), with up to 1,400 m (4,593 ft) of elevation gain. The trip is built around a supportive, non-competitive spirit: we start together and we finish together. E-gravel bikes are available to rent for those who want the extra boost.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more France bike tours here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Gravel or road bike (if not renting from your guides)
  - Padded cycling shorts and cycling jersey
  - Cycling shoes and helmet
  - Lightweight layers for cooler mornings and descents
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat and sunglasses
  - Water bottle or hydration pack (2L capacity)
  - Small day pack for trail essentials
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, etc.)
  - Camera — optional
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Not at all. No gravel-specific experience is needed to join this tour—your guides welcome cyclists of all backgrounds, as long as you’re comfortable on a bike and up for the adventure.

The itinerary is designed to be accessible, the group sets a shared pace, and your guides are on hand the whole time to support and adjust as needed. If you prefer, you can also rent an e-gravel bike at checkout, which takes the edge off longer climbs without taking anything away from the experience.
Yes—your guides offer premium gravel and e-gravel bike rentals for riders who don’t have their own, would rather skip the hassle of bringing one to Switzerland, or simply want to try something new.

Generally, the following models are used: the lightweight Graxx GTO (8.1 kg) and the Help e-gravel (12 kg). Rental bikes are meticulously maintained and set up for your comfort. You can add a rental to your booking at checkout.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this cycling tour in Provence, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 10:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 20 participants.
Cycling tours in Provence can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 15 may be permitted to join the cycling tour in Provence on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The price for this cycling tour in Provence is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
The starting point of this Provence cycling tour is Avignon, in the south of France. Most people fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), both of which have good transport connections to Avignon. Avignon is also directly served by TGV high-speed trains from Paris and other major French cities.

You will meet your guide at Avignon TGV train station on Day 1 at 11 am. A return transfer back to Avignon TGV station is included on Day 5, arriving around 5 pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits

Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

Basic
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30-59 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
Super Flexible
- - If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  - If cancelled 30 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  - If cancelled within 29 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.

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