Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day Travel from Grenoble to the hotel; regular bus service is possible for very low cost, or we can arrange a private transfer based on your arrival at the Grenoble train station. The private transfer has a supplement depending on number of persons. After hotel checkin, we do a welcome meeting and leave time for bike setup. You have an orientation of our program for the week. Excellent dinner included tonight! (D)

Day 2: Make your choice... We don’t waste any time as we head out directly for warmups and some big climbs!

You may wish to ride down the valley toward Grenoble and return along a steady but gradual climb after which you can choose among Le Col de la Sarenne, Le Glandon, La Croix de Fer, the Col d' Ornon or Les Deux Alpes. Return to your same hotel and gourmet dinner tonight. (B,D)

Day 3: L’Alpe d’Huez A legendary day - This vertical climb of 1.120m (3.733 feet), 14 km (8.75 miles) long, 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. Again, you can warm up with some miles in lower valleys around Bourg d’Oissans. We give you some additional ride options to put in more miles and more climbs afteward. Riding up - time yourself or arrange with the local bike shop in Bourg d'Oisans for a satelite timed ascent. Back to your hotel and gourmet dinner. (B,D)

Day 4: Le Col du Lautaret and le Col du Galibier Today you will climb the Col du (40kms – 25 miles) from Le Bourg d’Oisans, with a vertical climb of 1.400m (4.666 feet) and averageLautaret gradients of 3.8 % (max 9%) – the climb to the Galibier is 8.5 km (5.3 miles) longer with a vertical climb of 585m (1.950 feet) with an average gradient of 6.9 % (12% max). The good news is you can come down afterward if you aren’t dizzy! Last night in the same hotel with gourmet meal again. (B,D)

Day 5: Departure after breakfast – 10:00 transfer to Bedoin and Mont Ventoux. Allow 4 hours travel time. After checkin in Bedoin, you can use any free time to spin or visit the village. Dinner on the terrace after a dip in the swimming pool, then rest for tomorrow! (B,D)

Day 6: Mont Ventoux Today, its best to start the attack today. You can opt for a different ride to stretch and prepare if you rather do it tomorrow. All of the rides below are at your disposal. You are free to ride them in any order you wish.

To start, we suggest to climb the Mont Ventoux via the south side from Bedoin which is the most difficult route ! Starting from Bédoin, we have a climb of 21km but we suggest you to make first a nice warm-up ride through the vineyards of the Ventoux area. And then, finaly the climb: between 2 and 6% during the first kilometers but after Saint-Estève between 9 and 10,5% until Chalet Reynard... and then there are still six kilometers to go to the peak winding up in a steep stone-desert landscape. Same hotel with typical provencale dinner tonight. (B,D)

If you will attempt the Club des Cingles, we have additional advice for your preparation. This is not advised but for the strongest of riders.

Day 7: Gorges de la Nesque, Gordes, Vineyards Take your pick, all are lovely country rides. We strongly suggest the Gorges de la Nesque, it will take you through lavender country and wind alongside deep gorges and provide wonderful views. It does come with some climbs: Combe de l’Hermitage, Col N.D. des Abeilles and back via Gorges de la Nesque (canyon). Same hotel and superb dinner outdoors (weather permitting). (B,D)

Day 8: Transfer to Avignon – Departure If you have time, you can do some more riding this morning, or you can add on some additional nights. Hotel checkout is noon, and return transfer to Avignon included. (B)

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