Southern France with Bike Express

[roundisland]

Just in the process of booking my first summer tour abroad I want to take a very very very, slow ride up Ventoux then onto other places but not sure where. I was going to get bike express to drop me in Orange but not sure where I should arrange the pick up from . If anyone has experience of this area and ideas of a good route it would be helpful I will have about 14 days riding time. Any suggestions appreciated.

 

[TheDoctor]

I can't help with a route (although I'd suggest getting a French road atlas and taking it from there) but if you want a slow route up Ventoux I'd start from Sault. It's far-and-away the easiest. The first 20 km average 1 in 20 or thereabouts, up to Chalet Reynard (where things get increasingly character-building). From there you can either go down to Bedoin, or carry on up, if 6 km of 1 in 10 floats your boat ;-)

The Gorge de Nesque is well worth a look too. Ace scenery and a very quiet road.

You could probably get a fair way in a fortnight. I'd almost suggest starting a little further North than Orange, to get a few miles in before tackling the Big Pointy Bastard of Doom and Extreme Discomfort.

 

[Ajay]

Hi Roundisland
I would really recommend a tour we did a few years ago, loosely based on a route from Tom Vernon's "Fat Man In France" book, you'll get a huge variety of terrain (coast,mountain,plain), loads of history/culture ( Cathar Castles, Carcassonne, Canal du Midi, Roman Arles, Avignon), great food and wine etc.
Stay on the Bike Bus 'til Perpignan, dip your wheels in the med if you wish, then head up the Tet valley to Villefranche and take the "little yellow Train" into the mountains (cheating, but great fun).
You then freewheel down the Aude gorges/valley, crossing Cathar country before meeting the Canal du Midi, visit Carcassonne, follow the canal to the coast.
Choose your route via Montpellier, Aigues Mortes, Camargue, Arles then onto Carpentras / Ventoux area for a ride up the "big baldy" before taking the bus back from Orange.
Aswell as giving you a taste of 3 distinct regions - Catalonia, Languedoc and Provence you have the benefit of properly acclimatising before the ascent of Ventoux, and you'll have it as highlight, literally, to look forward to during the tour!
If you'd like any more detail feel free to PM me.
Ajay

ps. I agree with The Doctor, you must include the Gorges de la Nesque on your Ventoux day, a stunning corniche ride. Enjoy
(I'll be there again in June, bring it on!!)

 

[raindog]

If you want a bit of not too difficult climbing, one of my "local" rides is well worth a look. Start at Le Vigan, in the departement of the Gard, and climb the Col du Minier (21 kilometers) then after a short descent to the village of l'Esperou continue climbing to the top of Mont Aigoual which is about 35 kilometers from the start at Le Vigan. Stunning scenery and, at least on the Minier, very little traffic. Whether or not you can fit that in obviously depends on where else you're going, but it's not that far from the Ventoux if you're touring. If you want more details let me know.

Good luck on the Ventoux - I did it for my birthday two years ago.

 

[roundisland]

Thanks for all replies very helpful in helping me make my mind up. Just made the booking and the bus will take me to Perpignan on the 21st May and pick up from Orange on 5th. June I'm looking forward to planning the route over the coming winter months.

 

[Brains]

We started in Orange and ended in Saintes
2 weeks along the south coast, canal du midi and up the coast
With the benifit of hindsight we should have arranged pick up in Bordeaux as we had to take a train for the last 50 miles

 

[bikepacker]

You have chosen a lovely area for cycle touring. Ventoux is a good challenge. When you get to Orange do a small detour to about 1k north and finish your ride by passing through the Roman Triumphal Arch.