EPIC Trans Provence-Alpes
EPIC Trans Provence-Alpes
A magnificently challenging ride across the Alpes de Haute Provence
Featuring the Col de la Bonette, the highest paved through road in the Alps, and Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, this is not a trip for the faint of heart. In addition to being one of our toughest challenges, it’s also one of the most spectacular with an incredible mix of high mountain passes, river gorges, high Alpine and Provençale terrain. A must-ride for the avid cyclist!
Featured Climbs
Mont Ventoux, Col de la Bonette, Col de la Cayolle, Col de la Lombarde
Overview
Details
Next Departure
September 24th 2023
From
USD $4,995
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Non-Rider Friendly
No
Rental Bike
USD $500
Ride Program
Total Distance
Total Elevation
Daily Av. Distance
Daily Av. Elevation
Overview
Mont Ventoux, Col de la Bonette, Col de la Lombarde, Col de la Cayolle – just a few of the stunningly beautiful and challenging Hors-Categorie climbs that you’ll conquer on this magnificent ride across the south of France.
We’ve prepared an epic, awe-inspiring challenge that will test your limits and introduce you to some of the lesser-known, but spectacular terrain from the southern edge of the Alps through Provence.
You’ll conquer the highest paved through road in the Alps, the 2,802m (9,193ft) Col de la Bonette, and test your climbing legs on a final day ride over 2 sides of Mont Ventoux. You’ll be blown away by one of the absolute best loops in the Alps over the Coll d’Allos, Col des Champs and Col de la Cayolle, and ride through 2 of the most stunning gorges in France, the Gorges de Verdon and Gorges de la Nesque.
A bucket-list trip for every avid cyclist!
Brian Davis, USA — 2022
Itinerary
| Day | Description | Distance | Elevation | Hotel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bienvenue en France | Villa Morelia | |||
| 02 | Best of the Southern Alps loop | Villa Morelia | |||
| 03 | Col de la Bonette | Pure Montagne Resort | |||
| 04 | Mercantour & Pre-Alpes Natural Parks | Hotel du Levant | |||
| 05 | Les Gorges du Verdon | Hotel La Bastide St Georges | |||
| 06 | Gorges de la Nesque | Hostellerie du Val de Sault | |||
| 07 | Mont Ventoux x 2! | Hostellerie du Val de Sault | |||
| 08 | Au Revoir! | ||||
| Daily Averages |
Itinerary Detail
Day 1
Distance
Elevation
Bienvenue en France
Your trip starts at Marseille Provence Airport where our staff will meet you before the transfer to your hotel in Jausiers.
After lunch, orientation meeting and bike build-up you’ll head out for your first ride. Our warm-up ride takes you on a magnificent loop through the Barcelonnette valley.
Day 2
Distance
Elevation
Best of the Southern Alps loop
Today features the quintessential Southern Alps loop. A really sensational ride which includes 3 fantastic climbs, each of them above 2000m (6,600ft)!
First up is the Col d’Allos, one of the most beautiful climbs in the Alps, with the road clinging to the side of a cliff for most of the climb. The descent takes us down to Colmars before the start of the next climb, the Col des Champs. The last climb of the day is the Col de la Cayolle, another absolutely beautiful climb with numerous switchbacks carved into the side of the cliff. A truly remarkable day on the bike – and one you’ll remember forever.
Day 3
Distance
Elevation
Col de la Bonette
A big ride today with 2 HC climbs on the agenda!
The main highlight of the day is the Col de la Bonette which rises to 2802m (9,200ft) making it the highest paved through road in Europe. The Bonette is a truly remarkable climb and has been named by many previous guests as their all-time favorite climb in Europe. From the summit of the Bonette you’ll descend for 60km before starting the final climb to the Col de la Colmiane.
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Map & Profile
| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
La Conche from River Ubaye |
8.1% | 2 | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Col d’Allos from Barcelonnette |
6.7% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
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|
Col des Champs from Colmars |
7.5% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
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|
Col de la Cayolle from St Martin d’Entraunes |
6.6% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
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| Climb | Distance | Elevation | Av. Grade | Category | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Col de la Bonette from Jausiers |
6.9% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
0-6
6-8
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Col de la Colmiane from La Tinee |
6.4% | HC | ||
|
Profile
Map
Gradient (%)
0
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Climbs
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Climbs
Dates & Prices
| Date | Booking Status | Availability | Price / Per Person | Single Supplement | Non-rider Discount | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | |||||||
Sep 24 - Oct 1 |
Taking Bookings |
Places Available |
USD $4,995
|
USD $900 |
USD $940 |
Book this trip | |
Waiting List
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Trip Hotels
What's Included
| What's Included | What's Not Included |
|---|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
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| What's Included |
|---|
Accommodations & Meals
Transportation
Cycling Support
Nutrition during the rides
|
| What's Not Included |
|
Pick-up/Drop-off Info
Arrival
| Pickup Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
Marseille Provence Airport |
9:00am |
OR |
|
|
Hotel Ibis Marseille Provence Airport |
9:00am |
Departure
| Drop Off Location | Time |
|---|---|
|
Marseille Provence Airport |
9:30am |
Rental Bikes
Frame
Felt FR Advanced
Groupset
2023 SRAM Force AXS 12-speed
Weight
7.7kg (size 53)
Wheels
Reynolds AR46 DB Custom
Chainrings
48x35
Cassette
10-33
Sizes
47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61
Price
USD $500
EPIC Trans Provence-Alpes
An epic, awe-inspiring challenge that will test your limits in some of the most spectacular terrain in France
