Provence · 7 days
The week is built around the mountain. Mont Ventoux has three roads up it, and the camp uses all of them: the classic Tour de France route from Bédoin, the steeper climb from Malaucène, and the longest way, from Sault. The source notes that Malaucène is the hardest of the three, while Bédoin is hard until Chalet Reynar…
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Provence · 7 days · From EUR 2000 (indicative)
The week is built around the mountain. Mont Ventoux has three roads up it, and the camp uses all of them: the classic Tour de France route from Bédoin, the steeper climb from Malaucène, and the longest way, from Sault. The source notes that Malaucène is the hardest of the three, while Bédoin is hard until Chalet Reynard, eases briefly, then kicks up again for the final kilometres. Riding all three in a week teaches you something about pacing that a single ascent doesn't.
Away from the summit, the riding is gorge roads and shorter undulating climbs typical of Provence, including the Gorges de la Nesque and Col de Fontaube. The mix matters: a 20km climb one day, a rolling vineyard route the next, so you're not simply smashing yourself against the same gradient for six days. The camp describes itself as early-season fitness and endurance work, which is what May in Provence is good for — warm spring light, calm roads, and enough time before summer to build on what you've done.
Coaching runs through the whole week rather than being a single session. A certified coach gives personalised advice and leads group training sessions, with guidance on climbing technique, fuelling, recovery and race strategy. Rides are supported, with a mechanic and nutritional fuelling on hand. The source lists a sample of the rides organised for the camp but does not publish the full day-by-day route list.
Where you sleep is part of the package: six nights in a private Provençal villa, full board. A guest chef cooks dinner each evening, and the food is regional rather than athlete-fuel cliché — seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, slow-cooked meats, light desserts. Breakfast and lunch are included too.
The camp suits experienced recreational cyclists and riders preparing for summer objectives. It is not a learn-to-ride week, and the terrain — 20km climbs, three routes up Ventoux — assumes you already ride regularly and want to add structure and volume. Places are described as limited, and the price is €2000.
- 6 nights villa accommodation - Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner - Guided rides - Personalised coaching with a qualified coach - Supported rides with mechanic and nutritional fuelling
- Travel to the base camp in Provence - Health and travel insurance - Airport or TGV station transfer (optional extra) - Transfer from Grenoble (optional extra) - Bike hire (optional extra) - Single rooms (optional extra)