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Combining comfort and change of scenery, we all dream of it! We have meticulously designed a centre-based circuit, with varied itineraries well suited to E-MTBs in the jewels of Provence: the Dentelles de Montmirail: a limestone massif, with rocks artistically chiselled by erosion ... the Baronnies: in the heart of the Drôme Provençale, charming villages of the famous Côtes du Rhône vineyards such as Gigondas or Beaumes-de-Venise, ideal for a wine tasting break! And in the evening, we can enjoy a moment of relaxation and well-being, in a comfortable hotel, facing the Ventoux, the giant of Provence which will delight us during this stay!
No carrying your bags, no pushing the bikes, some easy narrow paths. Pure pleasure!
We have designed this trip as an active and rejuvenating break. The principle of the centre-based trip (one accommodation for the whole trip) allows you to ride as you wish, not necessarily every day, or even to do nothing if the weather is capricious!
The charming hotel we have selected for you is therefore an integral part of the success of your extended weekend. It is located at the foot of the Mont Ventoux, in Malaucène, in the Vaucluse.
Everything is planned to pamper you: the comfort of the hotel, thanks to its original, modern and tastefully decorated rooms in a Provencal style. The wellness area: heated swimming pool, sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, salt grotto...
For the guided tours, our guide will choose the order of the loops according to the weather conditions, and also taking into account the physical condition of the group so that everyone can fully enjoy the trip. We have divided this tour into two levels: if you wish to have shorter stages and if you wish to take advantage of a shuttle to climb Mont Ventoux, we invite you to register on level 1.
For the self-guided tours, we provide you with a description of 4 loops and we suggest the order described below. Nevertheless, you are free to do them in the order that suits you, according to your wishes, your form of the day, the weather conditions etc... except for the day at Ventoux which requires a transfer that we will order on day 2 of your tour. Each loop is available in two different levels (from level 1 to level 2): from one day to the next, it is possible to vary the level of the loop chosen.
Itinerary start: We will meet you on day 1 at 10am at the accommodation in Malaucène (you will receive the contact details with your travel documents). We will have a welcome coffee and discuss the upcoming programme, then we will leave the hotel on our VTTAE for the first loop!
We start the day with a short warm-up, in order to get some height and to arrive quickly at the Col de la Chaine, first panorama of the day. We ride between vineyards and pines, to the village of Suzette, with the objective of the day in front of us: the Dentelles de Montmirail! The day continues, with small paths between the pines and the vineyards... We embark on a beautiful descent to arrive in Beaumes de Venise before the climb to the Alsau pass, but the effort is amply rewarded by the unique scenery that is offered to us. The descent to Gigondas is so beautiful that we forget the climb that follows! The day goes on, with small paths between the pines and the vines... We have just passed the highest point of the day, all we have to do is go down! The last part of the loop is remarkable for its heritage with; Le Barroux and its castle, the abbey Ste Madeleine, the original Aqueduct of Barroux... A very beautiful day, in the middle of the perched villages, the majestic laces, and the vineyards. Time to rest and relax.
Distance and altitude gain: approx 55km and 1500m
Today, we tackle the Giant of Provence, the famous and awaited Mont Ventoux! We arrive at the Col de la Madeleine by road, which is still very cool, and then a series of small paths allow us to save our energy before starting the serious part of the ride. The climb is one of the most beautiful paths in the area, it is very regular, mainly in the forest, which will prevent us from suffering too much from the heat and the wind.
At kilometre 25, we leave you the choice to opt for a different, longer ascent of the Ventoux (plan two batteries) by arriving via the Col des Tempêtes to the east.
From the Mont Serein, we start a beautiful descent on a forest track, with some nice twists and turns, which allows us to discover the other valley, with its vineyards. From our high altitude track, the Baronnies natural park stretches to the horizon. All that's left to do is to go and have a little drink on the way back to Malaucène.
Distance and altitude gain: approx 50km and 1500m
It is by a set of country roads that we arrive in Bédoin, and with a bit of luck we visit on the day of the big Provencal market (on Mondays*), with crafts and local producers. Just after this village with its authentic charm, we ride in the ochre of Provence, on the site of the "Demoiselles coiffées", a geological curiosity which allows us to travel in the Colorado for a moment. In front of us, a beautiful view of the plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail! By small bucolic roads in the middle of the vineyards we arrive at the second natural curiosity, the Ochres of Mormoiron, high in colours with maritime pines, chestnut trees and heathers. The colours change with the seasons... They make this path magnificent all year round. The next step is to reach the crest of the hill of Limon, where a small playful balcony path awaits us. We then reach one of the most beautiful descents of the trip. We go down to the lake of Paty. Another beautiful day!
*day to be confirmed depending on the year, in 2022 the market takes place on Mondays
Distance and altitude gain: approx 55km and 1050m
A superb crossing of the northern part of the Dentelles de Montmirail awaits us. A permanent rollercoaster ride with small, playful paths... The highlight of the day is the village of Séguret with its medieval character, cobbled streets, old houses and the ruins of the feudal castle, from which we can enjoy a magnificent panorama. From Séguret, we reach Vaison-la-Romaine via the hills, on a lovely quiet road. Classified as one of the most beautiful places in France, "La Cité des Voconces" seduces us with the diversity of its patrimonial treasures. We reach the superb Crestet castle which offers a magnificent panorama of the Ouvèze valley and, of course, of Mont Ventoux. We cross the Ouvèze valley to reach the Provençal village of Entrechaux and its ruined castle, situated at the foot of the Mont Ventoux.
Distance and altitude gain: approx 55km and 1600m
Itinerary end: Separation on the last day in Malaucène at around 4pm, on the return from the last day.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
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