French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
7 nights from €3042
4.92Discover the phenomenal beauty of the arresting French Alpes
This cycling tour allows you to experience for yourself the most legendary climbs of the world-famous Tour de France: conquer the commanding Col de la Croix de Fer, cycle to the top of the awe-inspiring Alpe d'Huez, climb the captivating Col du Galibier, and ascend the magnificent Mont Ventoux! Along the way, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the astounding French Alpes and explore charming Provencal villages.
If you're an experienced and passionate cyclist seeking out the ultimate challenge, then this French Alpes and Mont Ventoux cycling vacation is definitely for you!
Experience of a lifetime!
“Every single thing about this trip, from the planning, to the rides, the bike, the food, the hotels, were perfect! Do not hesitate to book this trip and anticipate an experience you will cherish. Suggest that you bring your own saddle so you are comfortable on the bike.”
—Jon V
Trip of a Lifetime
“Exceeded my expectations in every way. The routes, the climbs and the cuisine were superb. And adding a guide with a van took the experience to another level (water, food and even…” Full Review
“Exceeded my expectations in every way. The routes, the climbs and the cuisine were superb. And adding a guide with a van took the experience to another level (water, food and even shelter in a rainstorm). The meticulous planning of routes, the well-maintained bikes and the personal touch all combined to make this a fantastic way to ride and enjoy some of the best of France at the same time!” Less
—Julian McManus
Awesome experience
“Overall I really enjoyed the tour. Everything from the hotels to the suggested climbs were fantastic. I trained pretty heavily for this and that definitely paid off in form of…” Full Review
“Overall I really enjoyed the tour. Everything from the hotels to the suggested climbs were fantastic. I trained pretty heavily for this and that definitely paid off in form of being able to complete the more difficult routes and not be too exhausted for the next day. The hotels were all great, especially Hotel Cassini in Freney. They went above and beyond to help us out, like when my bike came with the wrong pedals for my cleat type. They gave us a ride into town to the bike shop where we resolved the issue with Discover France/Biketours.com. The only other issue (the reason I removed a star) was the way the tour company sizes you for the bike. They went by height alone and manufacturer recommendation. I'm right on the line for sizes, but if they took inseam measurement into consideration, it would have been clear that I needed the smaller of the sizes. Unfortunately they assumed the larger size and there really wasn't time to rectify the situation. There was no "bike fitting" on day 1. The hotel showed us our bikes that had been shipped there and that was that. Even with the seatpost slammed all the down and saddle pushed far forward it hurt to ride. I made due with it, but I would have enjoyed it even more being able to ride comfortably. I left France with knee and Achilles pain unfortunately. I would suggest knowing your frame size and requesting that vs leaving it to chance and I would suggest the tour company take note of this review and start considering other measurements like inseam in the sizing process.
The suggested routes were fine, but I would say trust the local knowledge, especially in Freney. Maarten at Hotel Cassini was very knowledgeable and helpful and can give you some insider recommendations should you want to deviate or add more to your day.
Lastly time of year should be a consideration for this tour. We knew going in June might be iffy weather wise. We did have to miss the Galibier climb due to an avalanche, but again Hotel Cassini helped us out there with alternatives.” Less
—Daniel Radosevich
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival
Travel from Grenoble to the hotel in Le Freney-d'Oisans where you'll be welcomed with an introductory meeting, orientation, and bike setup. Stay in a charming hotel in Le Freney-d'Oisans.
Overnight in Le Freney-d’Oisans.
Day 2: Loop ride to Col du Glandon and La Croix-de-Fer
62 or 68 miles/100 or 110 km; elevation: 2820 or 3400m
The first climbs of the tour take place today - Le Glandon and La Croix-de-Fer. La Croix-de-Fer is a very long and irregular col! When you reach the crossroad with the Glandon, you can make a small detour of 1 mile (1.5 km) to reach the top of La Croix-de-Fer and enjoy the excellent view. This pass has been included in the Tour de France numerous times, for the first time in 1947, and most recently in 2022. The total ascent is 11,880 ft/3,621 m.
Overnight in Le Freney-d'Oisans.
Day 3: Loop ride to Alpe d’Huez
29 or 42 miles/48 or 68 km; elevation: 1730 or 2300m
A legendary day. This vertical climb up the Alpe d'Huez is nearly 9 miles long (14 km), 3,733 ft high (1,120 m), and features gradients between 7.7% and 12%, as well as switchbacks that make it one of the most historic and heroic sections of the Tour de France. The ride is 49 km, but you'll have the option to climb Les Deux Alpes as well (total distance would be 37 miles/69 km).
Overnight in Le Freney-d'Oisans.
Day 4: Loop ride to Col du Galibier
42 miles/67 km; elevation: 2,035 m
Today features two tough but rewarding climbs - the Col du Lautaret and the Col du Galibier. You'll climb the Col du Lautaret (25 ft/40 km) from the village of Le Bourg-d'Oisans. The vertical climb is 4,593 ft/1,400 m, with an average gradient of 3.8% (max 9%). If that's not enough, you'll then tackle the climb to the Galibier (5.3 miles/8.5 km), featuring a vertical climb of 1,950 ft/585 m and an average gradient of 6.9% (max 12%).
Overnight in Freney-d'Oisans.
Day 5: Bedoin and Mount Ventoux
Depart from the Alpes after breakfast with a 10:00 am transfer to the village of Bedoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Allow 4 hours travel time. In Bedoin, you'll have free time to explore the village or relax in preparation for the rides ahead.
Overnight in Bedoin.
Day 6: Loop ride to Mont Ventoux
options: 40 miles/64 km, elevation gain 3,550 feet/1,082 m; 45 miles/73 km, elevation gain 4,944 feet/1,507 m; or 55 miles/89 km, elevation gain 6,496 feet/1,980 m
Today you'll conquer the magnificent Mont Ventoux. The itinerary begins with a warm-up ride between the vineyards of Bédoin, followed by the challenging climb and descent of Mont Ventoux. Climbing this mountain is an experience that will stay with you for a long time! Total ascent is 6,496 ft/1,980 m (if you choose the 55 mile ride).
Overnight in Bedoin.
Day 7: Loop ride to Beaume de Venise
33 or 44 miles/53 or 69 km; elevation: 860 or 1037m - shorter version only possible by hybrid bike
Enjoy a beautiful ride through the vineyards of Ventoux and the Rhône Valley. You'll pass through the wine villages of Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and the more famous wine villages of the Upper Vaucluse before you return to Bedoin.
Overnight in Bedoin.
Day 8: Transfer to Avignon – Departure
Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Avignon included.
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
3-star hotels
Freney-d'Oisans: Hotel Cassini
Bedoin: Hotel des Pins
Note: upgraded hotel options are possible; please inquire for pricing.
Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.
Bikes
Road bike
The SCOTT ROAD BIKE ADDICT 30 Disc (Standard) (or equivalent)
With a new geometry that focuses more on endurance. The SCOTT ADDICT 30 Disc will become your preferred choice for long distance travel.
Available sizes : XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Accessories
Equipment included with your bike rental:
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Water bottle
- Lock
- Pannier and handlebar bag
- Repair kit (2 spare tube, tool kit, tire levers, patch kit, pump)
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals (Look Ke, Shimano SPD-MTB, and Shimano SPD-SL pedals. are available on request). If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
Helmet:
A helmet is included with your bike rental; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The proposed climbs have an elevation of between 2,397 feet (719 m) and 8,520 feet (2,556 m). Gradients vary between between 3.8% and 12%.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Turin (TRN)
Nearest train station: Grenoble
Tour end
Nearest airport: Avignon (AVN)
Nearest train station: Avignon
The local bus service from Grenoble is regular to Freney-d'Osains, or we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee. Please inquire at the time of booking. Return transfer to Avignon at the end of the tour is included.
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