French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
★★★★★★4.9/5 (13)
French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux
Self guided from EUR € 2953
Bike tour in France
Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour
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Discover 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!
Highlights
- Col du Lautaret
- Col du Glandon
- La Croix-de-Fer
- L’Alpe d’Huez
- Le Col du Galibier
- Mont Ventoux
- Challenging climbs
- Tour de France routes
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours.
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Tour Photos
![French Alpes Tour: Alpes & Ventoux Bike Tour]()
![Wine tasting in France! NwongPR@Flickr]()
![French Alpes Tour: Alpes & Ventoux Bike Tour]()
![Fine dining in France! vinhosprovence@Flickr]()
![Avignon, Provence, France. Jurre Houtkamp@Unsplash]()
![Macarons in France! Melanie Kreutz@Unsplash]()
![French Alpes Tour: Alpes & Ventoux Bike Tour]()
![Sunflower fields in France! Julian B Solter@Unsplash]()
![Chris Froome & Nairo Quintana taking on Mont Ventoux, 2013 Tour de France. Marianne Casamance@Unsplash]()
![Mont Ventoux in France. Adrien Delforge@Unsplash]()
![Mont Ventoux in France. Minova@Flickr]()
![Mont Ventoux, France. Adrien Delforge@Unsplash]()
![French Alpes Tour: Alpes & Ventoux Bike Tour]()
![Beaume de Venise, France. Thomas MARCHAND@Unsplash]()
![Chateauneuf-du-Pape Wine from Avignon, France. Patrick Gaudin@Flickr]()
![Perhaps a stop in Avignon, France. JoostCrop@Unsplash]()
![Col du Galibier (2642m), Valloire, France. Jérémie ABITTAN@Unsplash]()
![Mont Ventoux. BlueBreezeViki@Flickr]()
![Pont du Gard, Avignon, France. Z S@Unsplash]()
![Avignon, France. J Roel Bruinsma@Unsplash]()
![Avignon, Provence, France. CC:Otavignon]()
![Rhône River in Avignon, Provence, France. CC:Rolf Sussbrich]()
Traveler photos
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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 (68 miles/110 km; elevation gain 11,880 feet/3,621 m)
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 (option: 30 miles/49 km; elevation gain 5,748 feet/1,752 m or 43 miles/69 km; elevation gain 7,034 feet/2,144 m)
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 gain 6,677 feet/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 (55 miles/89 km)
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. -
Accommodation
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.
3-star hotels
Freney-d'Oisans: Hotel Cassini
Bedoin: Hotel Les 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.
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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
Equipment included:
- Toolkit
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- 2 spare tubes
- 1 hand pump
- Rear pannier
- Helmet
- Odometer
- Lock
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals (flat or cages on request). If you bring your own pedals, be sure to bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmet rental is available on this tour; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
- Tour package 2025 Daily Jun 1–Sep 15 from € 29532025 departures: Daily Jun 1–Sep 15
2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour package Double occupancy € 2953 Single occupancy € 3342 Solo traveler € 4236 Bike rental Price Road bike Included
Included services
- 7 nights accommodations in 3-star hotels
- 7 dinners and breakfasts
- Road bike rental
- All luggage transfers
- Detailed road book, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets and comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
- Orientation via telephone
- Concierge service for assistance during the tour (taxi transfers, restaurant and activite suggestions, etc.)
- Transfer from Freney d'Oisans to Bedoin and Mont Ventoux (on Day 5 of program)
- Navigational app
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: GrenobleTour end
Nearest airport: Avignon (AVN)
Nearest train station: AvignonThe 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.
Reviews
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★★★★★ Steven Ahrendt 7 months ago
Fabulous experience
Our group of eight thoroughly enjoyed our Bike Tours experience. The hotels were both comfortable with excellent breakfasts and multi course dinners featuring local cuisine. The bikes were as advertised and all in great working order. The guide picked us up in Grenoble and was fantastic. He accompanied us on the rides in van providing water as needed and set up a nice picnic lunch for us. He was also an avid cyclist and accompanied us on bike on additional supplemental rides when we encouraged him to. Overall the tour was 6 days of outstanding cycling and everything that was advertised and more!
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★★★★★ Jon V 8 months ago
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.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Julian McManus 8 months ago
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 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!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2024
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Julian McManus 8 months ago
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 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!
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2024
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Daniel Radosevich 10 months ago
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 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.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Alexander Sandor 10 months ago
Wonderful trip
This was a challenging but highly rewarding trip. The food and hotels were excellent and contributed to our success on the bikes.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2024
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ mdoyler September 5, 2019
Once in a lifetime
What an amazing trip. My wife and I will be talking about these rides for the rest of our lives. The accommodations were great, and the meals were an absolute delight. Don't be afraid to do an unguided trip such as this, it was incredibly safe and easy to navigate
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/22 - 8/29
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ oldjoe June 19, 2018
Fantastic scenery!
A great mix of Alpine and Provence scenery. Wonderful small hotels with charming hosts and gourmet food! Challenging but not intimidating terrain with easy navigation. Would love to go back!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/1-7/18
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Romeo July 29, 2016
Bubba Goes to France
Guides were Fantastic! The Accomodations were great! The food was Tremendous! The guides were able to adjust our rides on the "fly" to accommodate our hunger for more suffering. They made it so easy for us. The all inclusive aspect of this, meant we could focus on our riding only without worry about eating, transferring from place to place, etc. I can't wait for Bubba France 2!
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- This is my First
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Hillbilly July 8, 2016
Bubba Goes to France
After many months of training, our local group, Team Bubba, went to France to take on the Alps and Ventoux. I can't say enough good things about the local guides and the hospitality they showed us, as well as our wives, who went with us. Having local guides was definitely a distinct advantage. We are already planning our next trip to the Pyrenees.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/19-6/25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Garmin July 5, 2016
Outstanding
Trip was personalized to everyone's needs. Guides were excellent!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/25/16
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- No
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★★★★★ Doktar July 2, 2016
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/25
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1st one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Greg3904 June 30, 2016
Best Vacation Ever!
My wife and I were blown away with the trip. We had never been to Europe and had no idea what to expect. Our expectations were exceeded beyond belief. It was a fantastic experience!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/18/2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- First time
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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