Last week my brother and sister-in-law arrived from the states for our “Tour de Provence” bike adventure. My brother and I had seven days to hit the routes of Provence. It was awesome. It was sunny every day we rode and the temperatures were almost too hot. We were also blessed with a helpful (and sexy) support team (our wives).
I highly recommend all of these routes to any cyclist. They were all chosen for the beauty of the ride with an emphasis on roads without too much car traffic. I’ve included MapMyRide links to all of them and a few ideas for improvement on some.
Day 1: Aix-Venelles-Rogne-Le Puy Sainte Réparade – 80km
Our first day was intended to be gentle...my brother’s first day in France after arriving the night before with jet lag. This route was pretty with a few gentle climbs. We were a little surprised by the last leg: a 7km ascent followed by a great descent into the town of Le Puy Sainte Réparde.
Four category 5s and two category 4 climbs.
Day 2: Sault-Lourmarin – 53km
On day 2 we headed out to Mont Ventoux to try the beast while our legs were still fresh. Unfortunately the entire mountain was closed for a road rally (trying to imagine how cool it would be to race cars on Mont Ventoux). So...we had to pick a new route. It was absolutely beautiful. The beginning was a 30km descent (that’s right...a 30km descent) from Sault to Apt through absolutely amazing scenery. This was the best ride of my life. The rest of the ride was also very nice with a long ascent/descent into Lourmarin from Apt.
One category 3 and one category 4 climb.
Ideas:
- This ride could have been the end of a Mont Ventoux ride, i.e., take any route to the summit but then descend to Sault and finish in Apt.
- This ride could also be continued from Lourmarin to Aix via Rogne.
Day 3: Sainte Victoire loop – 58km
This ride has become my regular in Aix. Not too long but lots of good climbs. Beautiful. It’s easy to understand how Cezanne became obsessed with this mountain.
One category 3, two category 4 and one category 5 climbs.
Ideas: this route is also great in the other direction. In fact, it is definitely prettier in reverse because you really see Cesanne’s Ste. Victoire.
Day 4: Rest day- hiking visit to Les Calanques
We decided to take a day off to make sure our butts didn’t suffer too much (be grateful I’m not elaborating here). Les Calanques are incredible. However, my brother (who is training for an iron man) suggested that this wasn’t much of a “rest day” since he and my sister-in-law ran in the morning and hiked all afternoon in Les Calanques. Jeez...what a baby!
Day 5: Les Alpilles – 83km
Jane and I got to know this range very well during our stay in 2001. Now was our chance to return. Les Alpilles did not disappoint us. The route included a visit to Les Baux, a wonderful medievial city on the top of a peak. Do NOT take this ride on the weekend.
The winds on this day reached 35km with gusts of 65km. It was very scary at one point. We were sure the wind was going to blow us off the road.
An extra “cadeau” on this day: we rounded a corner during our last few km and encountered a shephard with his wooly charges. Very fun.
One category 4, three category 5 climbs.
Day 6: Mont Ventoux – 48km
What can you say about Mont Ventoux? Arguably the hardest climb in Le Tour de France (when it is on Le Tour). The trip down was incredible. The road surface from the summit to Bedoin is very good and the turns are even banked. Exhilirating to say the least.
One category 2, one category 1, and one “hors de category”
Day 7: SCRAPPED! – The joys of cycling. An equipment problem cancelled out last day. At least our butts were saved!
Total: 322km
There are many great routes in Provence. This place is really a cycling paradise. One of the routes that we didn't have time for looked particularly fun. It includes a visit to Gordes and Roussillon.
Louberon Loop - 91km
One category 3, two category 4 and seven category 5 climbs.
Love it! Sounds wonderful! But where's the photo of your sexy support team? I want to see those two lovelies as well!!
ReplyDeleteCheckout Facebook for more photos of the team :-)
ReplyDeleteI just recently saw the calanques for the first time! So amazing! Just as amazing as how this giant bike trip sounds...
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for linking to me. I'm honored! :)
Great maps, Jim. This is something l'd like to do but have always worried about narrow roads and crazy traffic. You've given me inspiration.
ReplyDeleteCycling in France takes some getting used to. 2 months in Paris was a nightmare but I did, eventually, get used to it. The time in Paris made the cycling in the south seem like safe driving :-)
ReplyDeleteThere are certain french drivers who drive pretty much like american teenage boys, i.e., with a an attitude of "what could go wrong?". Unfortunately, this means that is not uncommon to have some idiot drive 70km/hour past you within 20cm of your handle bars.