About this trip.
Mont Ventoux's bald, wind-scoured summit sits at the centre of this eight-day road ride, but the route around it is at least as good as the climb itself. Starting in the Luberon and finishing at the medieval hill town of Vence, the trip stitches together the Vaucluse plateaux, the Gorges de la Nesque and the Verdon Gorge before dropping down to the Côte d'Azur.
From the Luberon to Vence
The group flies into Marseille and transfers inland to the Luberon National Park, lavender country in the centre of Provence, with the first evening reserved for bike fettling and dinner. Day two covers 78 km with around 1,320 m of climbing and sets the tone: a deceptive opening descent, flat lanes through vineyards and lavender, then the climb out of Gordes over a col just shy of 600 m, with Mont Ventoux already glowering on the horizon. From Villes sur Auzon the road threads through the Gorges de la Nesque to Sault.
Later days take in Ventoux itself, with the bare, lunar upper slopes that have earned the mountain its "Géant de Provence" tag, and then strike east across the Plateau de Valensole, where the lavender is at its best in late June and July. The route picks up the rim of the Verdon Gorge, often billed as Europe's Grand Canyon, with the turquoise reservoir of Lac de Sainte Croix below. The final day is a long descent of the Col de Vence into the 12th-century streets of Vence for the last night, with Nice and the airport an easy transfer the following morning.
What the riding asks
The days are long and the climbs are real. Ventoux is Ventoux, and day two alone serves up 1,320 m of ascent over 78 km before you have even looked at the Géant. The reward is a route that earns its superlatives: quiet Vaucluse back lanes, gorge-edge tarmac, and the sort of changes in landscape (snow-capped peaks, lavender plain, coastal scrub) that make a week feel like a proper traverse rather than a loop.
Provence in summer is hot, busy on the famous climbs and noticeably quieter on the side roads. The trip suits cyclists who want a marquee mountain in their legs but also care about the bits in between: the rosé at the end of the day, the village square, the long view from the col.
Bookings and logistics
Eight days, prices from £2,595 per person. The trip starts in Marseille and ends in Nice, so flights typically need to be booked open-jaw. Saddle Skedaddle handles ground transfers, guiding, accommodation, breakfasts and most lunches; bikes can be brought from home or arranged through the operator's trip notes. Bookings go via the Newcastle office on +44 (0)191 2651110.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
