Day 1: Arrival
Travel from Grenoble to the hotel in Freney d'Oisans where the welcome meeting, orientation, and bike setup will take place. Stay in a charming hotel in Freney d'Oisans.
Overnight in Le Freney-d’Oisans
Day 2: Loop ride to Col du Glandon et Croix-de-Fer (68 miles/110 km; elevation gain 11,880 feet/3621m)
The first climbs of the tour: Le Glandon and La Croix-de-Fer. It's a very long and irregular col. When you reach the crossroad with the Glandon, you can make a small detour of 1 mile (1.5km) to reach the top of the Croix the Fer and to enjoy the view. This pass has been included in the Tour de France 14 times, the first time in 1947, and most recently in 2006. Total ascent 11,880 feet/3621m.
Overnight in Freney d'Oisans
Day 3: Loop ride to Alpe d’Huez (option: 30 miles/49 km; elevation gain 5,748 feet/1752m or 43 miles/69 km; elevation gain 7034 feet/2144m)
A legendary day. This vertical climb of 3,733 feet (1,120m), 9 miles long (14 km), gradients between 7.7% and 12% and 21 switchbacks is one of the most historical and heroic ones in the history of the Tour de France. The ride is 49km but you have the option to climb les deux alpes as well. Total distance would be 37 miles/69km. Stay in the same hotel in Freney d'Oisans from the previous day.
Overnight in Freney d'Oisans
Day 4: Loop ride to Col du Galibier (42 miles/67 km; elevation gain 6,677 feet/2035m)
Two tough by rewarding climbs in the Alps: the Col du Lautaret and the Col du Galibier. You will climb the Col du Lautaret (25 feet/40kms) from the village of Le Bourg d'Oisans, with a vertical climb of 4,593 feet/1400m and an average gradient of 3.8 % (max 9%). And if that was not enough, you will then tackle the climb to the Galibier (5.3 miles/8.5 km) with a vertical climb of 1,950 feet/585m and an average gradient of 6.9 % (12% max).
Overnight in Freney d'Oisans
Day 5: Bedoin and Mount Ventoux
Departure from the Alps after breakfast with a 10:00am transfer to the village of Bedoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Allow 4 hours travel time. In Bedoin, you have free time to explore the village or relax for the rides ahead.
Overnight in Bedoin
Day 6: Loop ride to Mont Ventoux (options: 40 miles/64 km, elevation gain 3,550 feet/1082m; 45 miles/73 km, elevation gain 4,944 feet/1507m; or 55 miles/89 km, elevation gain 6,496feet/1980m)
Conquer Mont Ventoux. This itinerary begins with a warm-up ride between the vineyards of Bédoin, followed by the challenging climb and descent of Mont Ventoux. Climbing the Mon Ventoux is an experience that will stay with you for a long time. Total ascent: 6,496 feet/1980m (if you choose the 55-mile ride).
Overnight in Bedoin
Day 7: Loop ride to Beaume de Venise (55 miles/89 km)
A beautiful tour warm-up ride through the vineyards of Ventoux and Rhône valley. You will pass through the wine villages of Beaumes-de-Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and the more famous Rhône wine villages in Upper-Vaucluse before returning to Bedoin.
Overnight in Bedoin
Day 8: Transfer to Avignon – Departure
Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Avignon included.