Departure from Avignon: Try climbing Mont Ventoux by electric bike

If you’re looking for a unique and active way to conquer one of France’s most iconic landmarks, this electric bike tour to Mont Ventoux from Avignon offers an impressive mix of challenge and comfort. For $1,053 per group of up to 3, the tour provides a full day of cycling, including transport, gear, and a guided experience. The 8-hour itinerary combines scenic riding, a summit lunch, and breathtaking vistas, making it ideal for those who want a mix of adventure and stunning landscapes, with the assistance of electric bikes easing the climb.

This tour is perfect for small groups seeking a personalized experience led by an expert guide, Nicolas JOSEPH, who ensures both safety and fun. While the journey involves a significant ascent on a legendary Tour de France route, the electric assistance makes it accessible even for riders with moderate fitness levels. However, travelers should be prepared for changeable weather and bring warm clothing for the summit.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure climbing Mont Ventoux using electric bikes and private guiding.
• Departing from Avignon, with transport included to the start point in Flassan.
• A 6-kilometer final ascent to the summit at 1,912 meters, with lunch at the top.
• Small group of 3 people for a personalized experience.
• Weather can be variable, so warm clothing is essential, especially at the summit.
• Includes gear: helmet, water bottles, small storage pockets, and a windbreaker for the descent.

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Starting in Avignon and Reaching Mont Ventoux’s Base in Flassan

The tour begins with a meet-up at 8 a.m. at 15 Rue Rem du Rhône in Avignon, where a private van takes you on a less-than-an-hour drive to Flassan, a village on the southern slope of Mont Ventoux. This short transfer allows travelers to start the ride freshly and ready for the day ahead.

Once in Flassan, the guide provides a brief safety briefing and prepares everyone with helmets and gear. From there, it’s a short ride through the quiet countryside until reaching the charming village of Bédoin, where a coffee stop offers a chance to stretch and enjoy a local café before the real climbing begins.

Climbing Mont Ventoux: The Classic Tour de France Route

The ascent officially kicks off from Bédoin, with a climb divided into two main sections. The first 10 kilometers takes place in the shade of tall trees, along forested slopes with electric assistance making the effort feel much easier. The route passes through Ste-Colombe and the St-Estève bend, iconic points on the route loved by cycling fans.

The eBike helps ease the first slopes, making this part accessible to riders of different fitness levels. The guide leads the group safely through this stretch, ensuring everyone stays comfortable and motivated. The scenery here is lush, offering a welcome contrast to the rocky, exposed landscape to come.

Reaching Chalet Reynard and Preparing for the Final Climb

After about 3 hours on the bike, the group reaches Chalet Reynard, a well-known rest stop. Here, everyone can take a break, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery before tackling the final ascent. The last 6 kilometers involve climbing in the lunar landscape of Mont Ventoux’s summit area, characterized by rocky terrain and windy conditions.

This section is often considered the most dramatic part of the climb. The final push includes passing the Col des Tempêtes and navigating the hairpin bends leading to the top at 1,912 meters. The landscape here is stark and windswept, earning Mont Ventoux its nickname, the Bald Mountain.

The Panoramic Views from Mont Ventoux’s Summit

Upon reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama. On clear days, views stretch across Provence, the Alps, and beyond. The guide encourages sharing this moment of achievement, capturing photos, and soaking in the spectacular scenery.

It’s a perfect time to relax, share stories, and enjoy a lunch break at the summit’s brasserie. The experience of standing atop this famous mountain brings a real sense of accomplishment, as you look over the rocky, wind-blown landscape you’ve just conquered.

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Descending and Exploring the Surroundings

After the summit experience, the group makes a few meters descent, then settles into a 45-minute ride downhill with speed control and caution. The descent offers a different perspective, with sweeping views and the thrill of coasting down the mountain.

Once past St-Estève and Ste-Colombe, the ride continues on gentler slopes back to the van, which waits in Flassan. The descent is smooth and controlled, thanks to the guide’s expertise, ensuring safety without sacrificing the exhilaration of speeding downhill.

Lunch and Rest at the Mount Ventoux Summit

The lunch break is set at the top in a local brasserie, giving participants time to refuel and enjoy the scenery. The meal offers a chance to share reflections on the climb and admire the expansive vistas around the Bald Mountain. The altitude and exposed terrain mean that warm clothing is recommended, especially for the descent and the summit.

Returning to Avignon with Relaxation and Memories

Following lunch, the descent resumes, and the group begins the journey back down the mountain. The ride includes a glide in safe, controlled conditions for about 45 minutes. The guide offers practical advice and supports all riders during this exhilarating part of the day.

The van then transports everyone back to Avignon, arriving at the starting point around 4 p.m. This relaxed return allows ample time to reflect on the adventure, share photos, and enjoy a comfortable ride back after a full day of riding and sightseeing.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Preparation is key for this tour. Travelers should bring warm clothing in a small backpack, especially since the summit can be very cold and windy. Sports shoes and sportswear are recommended for cycling, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. The tour provides helmet, water bottles, and small pockets for essentials like phones and sunscreen.

Weather on Mont Ventoux can change rapidly, so packing warm layers and windbreakers is advised. The tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, but the meeting point is conveniently located near the Pont d’Avignon.

Physical Requirements and Age Restrictions

This experience is suitable only for individuals over 12 years old, who are able to ride a bike. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory problems, wheelchairs, or those with a low level of fitness. The maximum weight limit is 220 lbs (100 kg), and recent surgeries or low fitness levels are also advised against participating.

The Guide: Nicolas JOSEPH and UNUSUAL RIDE

The tour is led by Nicolas JOSEPH, an experienced MCF instructor and founder of UNUSUAL RIDE. His expertise ensures a safe, enjoyable, and informative experience, with attention to safety instructions and personalized guidance.

Climbing Mont Ventoux by Electric Bike: Is It Worth It?

This full-day guided tour offers a memorable challenge for cycling enthusiasts eager to conquer Mont Ventoux without the grueling effort typically associated with such an ascent. The electric assistance makes the climb accessible for a broader range of riders, while the small group size ensures a personalized experience.

While the climb is demanding, the guided support, gear, and safety measures make this tour manageable and enjoyable. The lunch at the summit adds a special touch, allowing for a well-earned rest and spectacular views.

However, travelers should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring warm clothing, especially as the summit can be very cold. This tour suits active travelers with a moderate fitness level and a love for cycling, adventure, and stunning scenery.

If you want to tick off a Tour de France legend in a comfortable, guided setting, this experience provides an authentic and scenic way to do it. It’s a unique blend of effort, scenery, and achievement that will stay in memory long after the day ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
The tour is designed for those able to ride a bike and comfortable on moderate to challenging terrain. The electric bike assistance helps make the climb easier, but some cycling experience is recommended.

What should I bring for the summit?
Packing warm clothing and a small backpack is advised because weather can be very cold and windy at the top. Bring sports shoes, sportswear, and sun protection.

Are there any restrictions on age or fitness?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with heart, respiratory issues, or low fitness levels. The maximum weight limit is 220 lbs (100 kg).

Is the transportation included?
Yes, return transfer from Avignon to Flassan is included in the price, easing logistics for participants.

What is the duration of the climb?
The bike tour lasts approximately 3 hours for the main climb, plus additional time for breaks and lunch, making the total 8-hour experience.

How challenging is the final ascent?
The last 6 kilometers are in a rocky, windy landscape, but the electric bike assistance helps make this final push more manageable.

Does the tour include a guide?
Yes, Nicolas JOSEPH, a knowledgeable guide and founder of UNUSUAL RIDE, leads the group, ensuring safety and sharing interesting insights.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility to adapt your travel plans.

This electric bike climb of Mont Ventoux from Avignon combines adventure, stunning scenery, and expert guidance in a well-organized day. It offers a great way to experience one of France’s most renowned cycling routes comfortably and safely.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby