Mont Ventoux – Alpe d’Huez Self Guided Tour Overview
Embark on a unique cycling adventure blending home comforts, local expertise, and historical intrigue. Setting off from our base near Mont Ventoux, we conquer the Giant of Provence before tracing the Vercors, believed to be part of Hannibal’s journey over the Alps. Our destination? The legendary 21 switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez. This route not only offers exhilarating cycling challenges but also invites riders to connect with the rich tapestry of history woven into the landscapes of Provence and the French Alps. Join us for a journey that promises both physical exhilaration and a deep appreciation for the historical context of the regions we traverse.
Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez builds on a decade of our Hannibal tour legacy. This fusion of history and epic cycling creates an unparalleled adventure. Riders journey through time, pedalling across landscapes steeped in ancient lore and modern cycling legend. This is our first A to B self guided tour.
Mont Ventoux – Alpe d’Huez Self Guided Tour Highlights
- Conquer the iconic Mont Ventoux, a challenging ascent renowned among cyclists for its steep gradients and stunning vistas.
- Tackle the famous 21 switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez, an iconic climb steeped in cycling history and offering breathtaking panoramic views at the summit.
- Indulge in exquisite Provençal cuisine and local wines along the route, savouring the flavours of the region’s rich culinary heritage amidst picturesque vineyards and charming villages.
- Experience the stunning landscapes of the Vercors, with its dramatic limestone cliffs and lush forests providing a breathtaking backdrop for your ride.
Mont Ventoux – Alpe d’Huez Self Guided Tour Dates 2024
Stage | Start Date | End Date | Days | Cost (Euros) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez Self Guided | 11th June | 18th June | 8 Days / 7 Nights | €1,800 |
What’s Included?
- B & B Accommodation in our carefully selected hotels
- Luggage Transfer
- MVCC jersey
- Ride and Seek Experience
- MVCC water bottle
Not Included
- Bike hire
- Pre & post tour accommodation
Supplements
- Single supplement – Our prices are based on twin/double occupancy. If you wish to have your own room, then a supplement is applicable.
Deposit
- To reserve a place on a stage of this tour, we ask for a deposit of €500 (or your local currency equivalent). We also accept payment in GB£ and AU$. The final invoice will include any applicable single supplements and bike hire costs.
Mont Ventoux – Alpe d’Huez Self Guided Food and Wine
With a strong Italian and Spanish influence, the cuisine of Provence has a distinctive flair that sets it apart from more classic French fare. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients that flourish in the region, Provence is unsurpassed for the freshness of its produce and variety of its dishes. What better encapsulates the flavours of Provençal cuisine than the region’s herbs? Containing rosemary, marjoram, basil, savoury and thyme, as well as a variety of other aromatic plants, you’ll be awakened to their presence not just in the food but also in the air as you cycle along. And what about the tapenades? These go so well spread on fougasse – a flat bread with herbs, fig, olive and walnut. We like the original made of capers, black olives and anchovies but why not try the myriad of other options and discover your own favourite?
Provence is also one of France’s serious fine wine regions, on a par with Bordeaux and Burgundy. In contrast to the cultured power of Bordeaux and the elegance of Burgundy, Provençal red wines are earthier with an almost rustic flavour. In this respect, they are really interesting since quality commercial wine making is balanced by a real sense of identity. Our tour takes us into the heart of some of the regions finest wines and we’ll have the chance to compare and contrast the relative merits of Côtes du Rhône, Les Baux and Côtes du Ventoux. For dessert, we recommend the excellent Muscat de Beaumes de Venise – an almost floral, citrus bouquet making them both refreshing and full-bodied.
Food and Wine
With a strong Italian and Spanish influence, the cuisine of Provence has a distinctive flair that sets it apart from more classic French fare. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients that flourish in the region, Provence is unsurpassed for the freshness of its produce and variety of its dishes. What better encapsulates the flavours of Provençal cuisine than the region’s herbs? Containing rosemary, marjoram, basil, savoury and thyme, as well as a variety of other aromatic plants, you’ll be awakened to their presence not just in the food but also in the air as you cycle along. And what about the tapenades? These go so well spread on fougasse – a flat bread with herbs, fig, olive and walnut. We like the original made of capers, black olives and anchovies but why not try the myriad of other options and discover your own favourite?
Provence is also one of France’s serious fine wine regions, on a par with Bordeaux and Burgundy. In contrast to the cultured power of Bordeaux and the elegance of Burgundy, Provençal red wines are earthier with an almost rustic flavour. In this respect, they are really interesting since quality commercial wine making is balanced by a real sense of identity. Our tour takes us into the heart of some of the regions finest wines and we’ll have the chance to compare and contrast the relative merits of Côtes du Rhône, Les Baux and Côtes du Ventoux. For dessert, we recommend the excellent Muscat de Beaumes de Venise – an almost floral, citrus bouquet making them both refreshing and full-bodied.
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Overview
Tour at a Glance
Mont Ventoux to Alpe d’Huez
Dates: 11th – 18th June 2024
Countries: France
Number of days: 8 days/7 nights
Price: €1,800
Grading:
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