Short description
Mont Ventoux has been stirring things up in the Tour de France world since it was first introduced over 60 years ago. It became infamous when it claimed the life of the British rider Tom Simpson in 1967 and has since become a Mecca for cyclists from all over the world wanting to battle the elements up this iconic, arid, rocky moonscape of a climb.
The Club des Cingls de Mont Ventoux translates as the brotherhood of the Ventoux nutters very apt for anyone that cycles up Mont Ventoux 3 times in a day from all directions (4443m ascent in 136km)! Marmot Tours loves a challenge and this focused minibreak is a fantastic addition to our portfolio. As usual, we follow the official route so you get awarded a certificate and substantial trophy if you make all 3 climbs, though there is no pressure to take part in the challenge if you prefer to just climb the mountain once (or twice!).
In order to give you the best chance of success on your Ventoux Assault, the mini break involves 2 days of cycling plus a warm up ride, so we can choose the day with the best weather for your triple ascent. The 2nd full day on the bike offers a beautiful circuit through Provence, around the base of Mont Ventoux, with optional extras depending on how far you want to go. We stay in the perfectly located and very relaxing 3* Domaine des Tilleuls hotel with swimming pool, and eat dinner in the town of Malaucene, a short walk away. Non cycling partners are welcome to book too to grab a couple of days R & R in great surroundings.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
The itinerary
Day 0: Travel Out
We offer included transfers from Marseille Airport to Malaucene at the base of Ventoux. Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes. Meet your guides, assemble bikes and go for a pre-dinner ride in the hills to the West. We suggest a 52km route through vineyards and rural villages, with 700m of ascent to warm up the legs and check that all is well with the bikes. You may even get time for a quick dip in the pool before the evening meal.
Day 1: Tour of Ventoux (Choice of routes available)
Size up your challenge with a ride around the base of Ventoux on one of 2 routes, allowing you to choose how much to do today. Provence offers an extensive network of quiet roads, pretty villages, gorges and cheeky little climbs so you will love todays route. Option 1: Cote de Bluye + Col de Aurel + Gorges de la Nesque (103km, 1400m ascent)
Undulate on the road flanking Ventoux to climb up the Cote de Bluye (578m) from where you can see the weather station at the top high up above you. Continue to Sault for a sneaky cafe stop before joining a narrow cliff hugging road to the Gorges de la Nesque. The descent towards Bedoin is a highlight. Nip back to the hotel over the Col de la Madelaine (451m) Option 2: Option 1 + Col de Macuegne + Col de lHomme Mort (122km with 1900m ascent)
Branch off from Option 1 at Montbrun les Bains to climb up the Col de Macuegne (1068m). It leads you neatly into the Col de lHomme Mort (1213m), a very pleasant climb, offering amazing views of Ventoux. Descend into Sault to rejoin Option 1.
Day 2: Club de Cingls Challenge (136km with 4443m ascent)
The rules are simple: ride all 3 roads up Mont Ventoux (1911m) in a single day, getting your route card stamped each time at the base and at the summit. The ascent from Sault is the easiest so we will do this last,the jury is out as to which of the other 2 (from Bedoin or from Malaucene) is the tougher! With our 2 support vehicles we will be there to support you regardless of your speed and would like to emphasise that there is no pressure to complete the challenge. Climbing Ventoux just once is an achievement and this is an opportunity to meet your own personal goals.
Day 3: Travel Back
Our included transfers drop you at Marseille Airport. Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes.
Key information
- Highlights
- 2.5 days cycling: The Challenge day PLUS a fabulous Tour around base of Ventoux (choosing the best weather for the challenge day)
- Exceptional support from 2 experienced guides in customised vehicles
- Lovely 3* hotel in its own grounds, with swimming pool
- Included transfers from Marseille Airport or Avignon station (Eurostar)
- Package available for non-cycling partners
- Official Ventoux Club des Cingls challenge: 3 ascents of Ventoux in a day
