Provence is well known as one of France’s cycling paradises. The sometimes-challenging terrain, spectacular scenery and pothole-free, quiet roads have made this part of southern France a hotspot for cyclists.
It’s also become a destination for fans of gravel riding and mountain biking, thanks to the almost-limitless dirt roads and trails. The countryside is idyllic, with rolling hills and steep cliff faces.
The region is famous for its gorges, in particular the Gorges de la Nesque — a stunning climb of almost 20km but only 2.3%. This legendary warm-up ride almost overshadows the nearby iconic mountain of Mont Ventoux. Provence has also forged a well-deserved reputation for fresh food, wine and warm hospitality for cyclists at the many roadside stops, cafés and restaurants.
The cycling standout in the region is the mighty Mont Ventoux, a freestanding mountain on the western periphery of the Alps. Set in a vista of lavender fields and vineyards, with a contrasting lunar landscape in the final few kilometres, it dominates the scenery for miles around. The site of numerous exceptional Tour de France stages, it’s particularly famous for its three different road routes to the summit.
Riders can tackle the Cinglés challenge (literally “Crazy Club”) by climbing all three routes in one day. At almost 85 miles and 4,600m of ascent, it’s a truly hard day in the saddle. The route from Sault is the gentlest of the three and encompasses the muscle-reviving sights and smells of lavender, plus a biosphere that’s classed as a UNESCO reserve for its unique flora and fauna.
Using the 18th-century refuge stop, Chalet Reynard, as your marker, brace yourself for the gradients that ramp up to 10% amid a craggy, exposed landscape. As you pass the Tom Simpson Memorial, where the British Tour de France legend tragically collapsed and died from dehydration, ensure you’re prepared for all weather conditions — there’s zero protective cover. In fact, this is one of the windiest places on earth: the iconic Meteorological Tower recorded gusts of 313km/h in 1967.
But it’s worth the effort and resilience — the views from the summit are truly stunning.
As the road winds back down, pause at the turnpoint. Do you take the Malaucène or Bédoin descent, and perhaps ride back up if you dare? Or enjoy some welcome downhill to Chalet Reynard, a place renowned for all things Provence and cycling, where exchanging stories and legends of Mont Ventoux’s historical feats never gets boring.
What you need to know
Big dates
Provence can get unpleasantly warm, so April to June and September to October are ideal months to visit. Sportive Breaks offer all-inclusive weekender packages with transfers from Marseille, accommodation and three days of guided rides (sportivebreaks.com).
Don’t miss
While Ventoux is the headline climb, the Gorges de la Nesque is one of the most stunning rides in the area. The Luberon, a massif made famous by one-time resident artists Van Gogh and Cézanne, encapsulates the quintessential vision of Provence — ethereal landscapes of vineyards, lavender and cliffside villages.
Travel
Marseille is the nearest airport to Sault, and from there it’s a train journey to the town. If you prefer to drive, it’s around 10 hours from Calais.
Accommodation
Hotel Le Nesk (lenesk.com/en) in Sault is packed with cycling memorabilia. It has a secure bike store, spa and sauna, workshop and e-bike charging station.
Tourist info
Head to ventouxprovence.fr for more information.
The route
The initially sheltered climb from Sault up Mont Ventoux isn’t as steep as the other two routes, but an early start is advised to avoid the worst of the wind. The average gradient of 4.9% is skewed by a prolonged flatter section mid-climb, and it gets tougher towards the summit — both in gradient and in exposure to the elements. After the descent to Malaucène, there are climbs on the way back east to Sault, but nothing on the same scale as Ventoux.
- Distance: 96km
- Elevation: 2,233m
1. Bike shop
Albion Cycles, located in Sault, offers a wide range of bikes including carbon Giants and Livs, as well as e-bikes and tandems — ideal for exploring the many routes within the Mont Ventoux Natural Regional Park.
2. Lunch stop
Chalet Reynard, situated 6km from the summit, is a famous old refuge converted into a restaurant. It’s a great place to regroup on the way back down for snacks, hearty meals, and to exchange stories about your climb.
3. Photo op
Pose next to the Meteorological Tower at the summit — the 360° views from the peak are absolutely stunning.