Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux Challenge

  • Official 'Club des Cinglés de Mont Ventoux' challenge: attempt three ascents of Mont Ventoux in one day
  • Up to 2.5 days cycling including the challenge day PLUS a fabulous tour around the base of Ventoux (choosing the best weather for the challenge day)
  • Exceptional support from two experienced guides in customised vehicles
  • Beautiful 3* boutique hotel in tranquil grounds with a swimming pool
  • Included transfers from Marseille Airport or Avignon station (Eurostar)
  • Package/discount available for non-cycling partners

Days on the bike

2.5 days
Cyclist on Marmot Tours holiday viewing landscape from summit of Mont Ventoux

Quote

Phenomenal. Routes, planning, advice and support were absolutely 1st class. Support from Scot and Mary was something that I have never experienced. It made the challenge enjoyable. It felt like we had known them both for ages.

J. White

Introduction

Mont Ventoux has been stirring things up in the Tour de France since it was first introduced over 60 years ago. It became infamous when it claimed the life of British cyclist Tom Simpson in 1967 and has since become a mecca for cyclists from all over the world, wanting to battle this iconic climb.

The ‘Club des Cinglés de Mont Ventoux’ translates as the 'brotherhood of the Ventoux nutters’ - very apt for anyone that cycles up Mont Ventoux three times in one day - 4443m of ascent and 136km! We use the official route so you'll be awarded a certificate and a substantial trophy if you conquer all three ascents. At Marmot Tours we're passionate about supporting you as an individual, so there's no pressure to take part in the challenge if you'd prefer to climb the Giant of Provence once or twice. This is your holiday, after all! Our two expert guides with customised support vehicles are there to assist you on the road, and to help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

To give you the best chance of success on your Ventoux challenge, this mini-break includes two days of cycling, plus an additional warm-up ride on arrival day. This allows our guides to choose the day with the best weather for your attempt at the triple ascent. The other full day on the bike offers a beautiful circuit through Provence, around the base of Mont Ventoux, with optional extra loops and climbs so you can choose how far you want to cycle. You'll stay in the perfectly located and very relaxing 3* Domaine des Tilleuls hotel with swimming pool, and eat dinner in Malaucene, a short walk away. Being centre-based, non-cycling partners are welcome on this cycling mini-break too, to enjoy a couple of days of R&R in fabulous surroundings.

It is important to us that you book the right holiday for you, so please read the Trip Notes for all you need to know about how this holiday works, including food, accommodation, travel and transfers etc. You can also get in touch if you have any questions at all using the Enquire Now button.

For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.

Black and white image of two cyclists climbing Mont Ventoux with full support from Marmot Tour road cycling holidays
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Departure Dates & Prices

23rd May - 26th May
£820.00
Single Room Sup. £240.00
Travel & Transfers

We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):

  • Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
  • Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
  • Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards

Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.

Map

Itinerary

Group of cyclists ready to commence Ventoux Club des Cingles challenge with Marmot Tours guided road cycling holidays France

Day 0: Arrival day

We offer included transfers from Marseille Airport (MRS) to Malaucène, at the base of Ventoux (journey time approx. 2 hrs).

Meet your guides, assemble bikes, and settle into our beautiful 3* boutique hotel. If you're on the morning transfer, you'll have time for a warm-up ride this afternoon. We suggest a lovely route through vineyards and rural villages in the hills to the west of Malaucene. Your guides will be busy in the afternoon with transfers for others in the group but we will provide you with the GPS file for navigation. You may even get time for a quick dip in the pool before we all get together for a safety briefing and dinner.

Classic : 47 KM with 700m ascent [ride profile]

Group of cyclists on balcony road emerging from tunnel in Gorges de la Nesque cycling in Provence France with Marmot Tours

Day 1: Tour of Ventoux

Today you'll have chance to see Mont Ventoux from all angles, on a ride around the base of the mountain. We offer two supported routes, allowing you to choose how much cycling you do today. This area of Provence has an extensive network of quiet roads, pretty villages, stunning gorges and 'cheeky' little climbs so whichever route you choose, you're in for a beautiful ride.

The Classic route undulates on the road flanking Ventoux up to the Cote de Bluye (578m) from where you can see the weather station at the summit high above you. Continue to Sault for a cafe stop before joining a narrow cliff-hugging road to the truly spectacular Gorges de la Nesque. The descent towards Bedoin is a real highlight. Head back to the hotel over the Col de la Madeleine (451m).

The Challenge route branches off at Montbrun les Bains to climb up the Col de Macuegne (1068m). This leads into the Col de l’Homme Mort (1213m), a very pleasant climb offering amazing views of Mont Ventoux. You then descend into Sault for lunch and to rejoin the Classic route.

Classic : 102 KM with 1400m ascent [ride profile]

Challenge : 122 KM with 1900m ascent [ride profile]

Aerial view of Mont Ventoux summit in sunshine on Marmot Tours full support road cycling holiday France Provence

Day 2: Club de Cinglés Challenge

The rules for today's challenge are simple: ride all three roads up Mt Ventoux (1911m) in a single day, getting your route card stamped each time at the base and at the summit! The ascent from Sault is the easiest so this will be the third and final ascent. The jury is out as to which of the other two climbs (from Bedoin or from Malaucene) is the toughest!

With our two customised Marmot vans, our guides are there to support you regardless of your speed. We would like to emphasise that there is absolutely no pressure to complete the challenge. Climbing Ventoux just once is already an achievement and this is an opportunity to smash your own personal goals.

Classic : 55 KM with 1730m ascent [ride profile]

Harder : 106 KM with 3000m ascent [ride profile]

Club des Cinglés Challenge : 136 KM with 4443m ascent [ride profile]

Two Marmot Tours support vans on fully supported guided road cycling holidays in Europe

Day 3: Departure day

What a whirlwind tour - chapeau! It's home time and our included transfers will drop you back at Marseille Airport (MRS) at scheduled times.
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Trip Album