The contrast of two completely different terrains of France – Pyrenees and Provence has always been a popular combination for a tour.
With eight days based in the heart of the Pyrenees, at St Lary Soulan (5 nights) and St Girons (3 nights), we will be ticking off some of our favourite climbs in this little corner of France. Col du Tourmalet, Col d’Aspin, Col d’Azet, Col de Peyresourde, Hourquette d’Ancizan – we can just keep the famous names coming. We will then transfer to St Girons to get into some of the little hidden gems of the Pyrenees.
Finally we will be transferring to Provence for the last six days of this tour. Right at the base of Mt Ventoux we are spoiled for ride choices before we tackle ‘Le Geant de Provence’. This is European summer riding at it’s finest – vineyards, lavender fields, historic hilltop villages, under the shadow of one of the most famous mountains in cycling history.
Three locations. We tick off our favourite parts of the Pyrenees from St Lary Soulan and St Girons, then transfer up to Provence to tackle Mt Ventoux and enjoy its surrounding rides.
We start the tour with a pick up from Lannemazan Train Station, followed by a 45min drive to our accommodation.
- 4 nights St Lary Soulan, France, in the heart of the Pyrenees
This has rightly become one of our favourite regular locations over the years. There is just so much on the doorstep here. Roll out of our hotel, straight to the famous TdF climbs of Col d’Azet, Hourquette d’Ancizan or Pla d’Adet. Take the stunning out and back route up to Cap Lac de Long, or head down the valley to Col d’Aspin – what a choice. To really add to the atmosphere, we are not far from the slopes of the most famous climb in the Pyrenees, Col du Tourmalet. At 2113m, Tourmalet is the highest point of this tour.
- 3 nights St Girons, France
Here is a location that hides some of the best secret rides in the Pyrenees. Quiet back roads, stunning river valleys and the hidden gems we show off from St Girons will have you falling in love with the area. Col de la Crouzette has to be one of the best ‘not famous’ climbs in the Pyrenees – such a stunning view from the top. We really are spoilt for choice around here.
- 5 nights Bedoin, Provence France, at the base of Mt Ventoux
Everything about this location stirs the excitement of riding bikes in Europe. The rolling terrain in the shadow of Mt Ventoux is cycling paradise. The vineyards, the lavender fields, the historic fortified hilltop villages, the local markets, the endless blue skies – everything just adds to this being the quintessential post card of French summers. The rides are fantastic – Gorge de la Nesque rates as the most requested “can we do it again?” ride in Kiwi Style history. Then there is the ultimate cycling challenge – Mt Ventoux. There are three sides – are you keen/crazy enough to tick off all three in one day? We have got a few secret back roads up our sleeves in this area as well, which we just love to show off.
The tour concludes with a drop off at Avignon TGV Station.
What is included in your tour package?
- 13 nights’ share twin accommodation.
- All breakfasts while on tour.
- All transport and transfers while on tour.
- Three fantastic cycling locations.
- Pick up from Lannemazan train station.
- Drop off to Avignon TGV station.
- Guided cycle rides.
- Support van on most rides.
- One Kiwi Style Bike Tours cycle top and bib shorts.
What is not included in your tour package?
Airfares, travel insurance and meals unless indicated.
Single room option is available on this tour – an accommodation supplement of $1500 applies.
Rental bikes are available for our 2025 tours at a cost of $750. These are a Trek Emonda SL5 disc with Shimano compact gearing (11-34 cassette) or similar. If our Kiwi Style rental bikes are fully booked in your size for this tour we will attempt to source an alternative, however cannot guarantee make/model or price.
The Pyrenees-Provence Tour is limited to a maximum of 14 people.
A deposit of $1000 is required to secure your spot on this tour.
