Cycling in Provence, a land of challenges
They can be found at dawn, dusk, or in the middle of the day, slender and colourful figures focused on their gleaming machines. They are the sports cyclists, who devour the roads of Vaucluse with determination, passion and one goal: to traverse every kilometre that leads to the summit of Ventoux, the legendary giant, who, silent and imposing, seems to beckon them to join its club, the clan of conquerors, with members ranging from amateurs to professional cyclists.
Vaucluse, the land of cycling
Vaucluse is a cycling hotspot, with:
– 39 itineraries for hybrid bikes (5 of which are classed difficult and are reserved for athletes),
– 84 mountain biking routes (including 9 stages that are part of the 400km Grande Traversée de Vaucluse à VTT)
– and 3 greenways (car-free paths),
As well as over 1500 km of marked paths dedicated to cyclists and lovers of bike rides, for families, friends, professional cyclists, semi-pros or sports cyclists, who find that Vaucluse is an ideal place for physical challenges regardless of the season.
Useful info
With 300 days of sun per day, Vaucluse can be toured by bike all year round.
Cycle sport in Vaucluse: Focus on Mont Ventoux
How hard is it to cycle up Mont Ventoux?
The legendary summit is revered by cyclists and sports-loving tourists who wish to brave the zigzagging paths that are part of the Tour de France, the Paris-Nice and the Critérium du Dauphiné. There are 3 ways to access the summit, the most famous and most athletic route coming from Bedoin, with an ascent of 21 km, an average gradient of 7.5% ( with a maximum of 12 % in certain places) and an elevation of 1600m. The other two routes, which are a little less difficult, depart from the villages of Malaucène and Sault (the least difficult). Every year, cyclists from all over the world, men and women alike, cross paths as they attempt to conquer the giant of Provence.
>> Download the brochure “What you need to know before climbing Mont Ventoux”
The Toulourenc Valley
Though it is a little less well-known, this itinerary is no less physically challenging! This route, part of major cycling races, crosses the hilltop villages of St-Léger-du-Ventoux and Brantes, running parallel to the wild waters of the Toulourenc river. With a length of 57km and an elevation of 870m, the trip takes between 4 and 8 hours.
>> View the itinerary
Did you know?
The weather conditions are extreme and changeable. Real-time weather forecast: www.meteo-ventoux.fr
How long does it take to ride Mont Ventoux?
3 ways to climb Ventoux
A- Ascent from Malaucène
– Distance: 21 km
– Elevation: 1535m
– Average gradient: 7.3% , (maximum 10.5%)
– Duration: between 1h30 and 4 hours.
B- Ascent from Sault
– Distance: 26 km
– Elevation: 1147m
– Average gradient : 4.7% , (maximum 10.5%)
– Duration: 1h30
To increase your enjoyment, you can get to Sault from Villes-sur-Auzon via the Gorges de la Nesque, a magical route!
C- Ascent from Bedoin, legendary climb
– Distance: 21 km
– Elevation: 1610 m
– Average gradient: 7.5% , (maximum 12%)
– Duration: between 1h30 and 4 hours.
Plan your cycling trip in Ventoux
The Luberon by bike
At the heart of the Luberon Regional Natural Park, in a dreamlike setting made up of ochre landscapes, vineyards, orchards, lavender fields, hilltop and hillside villages, this 236 km route is a journey through the land of colour.
The more sporty among you will be able to complete this tour, which crosses both plains and hills (sometimes a large percentage of the route), in two days.
Of course it is possible to split the circuit into several stages depending on your preferences or sporting objectives (in fact it is the recommended option for those who want to discover the riches of the territory), for a cycling holiday in the Luberon. This itinerary can be extended with tours of the “Ocres à Vélo”, the “Pays d’Aigues à vélo” and the “Pays de Forcalquier-Montagne de Lure à vélo“.
VTT6-FFC Provence Luberon Lure
In 2020 a brand new space dedicated to mountain biking in Luberon Lure was opened
>> find out more
