Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux Challenge
Road Cycling Holidays in Provence
- Official ‘Club des Cinglés de Mont Ventoux’ challenge: attempt three ascents of Mont Ventoux in one day
- 2.5 days cycling: 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
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 correct holiday for you so do download and read the Trip Notes for all you need on how this holiday works; food, accommodation, travel, and so on.
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Departure Dates & Prices
2025
Discount Information
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 3rd Marmot trip onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday (15% for a non-cycling companion).
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included transfers from Marseille Airport to Malaucene, at the base of Ventoux.
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes.
Meet your guides, assemble bikes and go for an afternoon ride in the hills to the west of Malaucene. We suggest a 52km route through vineyards and rural villages, with 700m of ascent. You may even get time for a quick dip in the pool before the evening meal!
Day 1: Tour of Ventoux
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, it’s a beautiful ride.
Option 1: 103km with 1400m ascent [ride profile]
Undulate on the road flanking Ventoux up to the Cote de Bluye (578m) from where you can see the weather station at the summit high up above you. Continue to Sault for a cafe stop before joining a narrow cliff hugging road to the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque. The descent towards Bedoin is a highlight. Head back to the hotel over the Col de la Madeleine (451m).
Option 2: 122km with 1900m ascent [ride profile]
Branch off from Option 1 at Montbrun les Bains to climb up the Col de Macuegne (1068m). This leads you into the Col de l’Homme Mort (1213m), a very pleasant climb offering amazing views of Mont Ventoux. Descend into Sault for lunch and to rejoin Option 1.
Day 2: Club de Cinglés Challenge
The rules for today’s challenge are simple: ride all three roads up Mont 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.
Challenge route: 136km with 4443m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Departure day
Our included transfers drop you back at Marseille Airport.
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) can be found in our Trip Notes.
Trip Album
