Our tour begins with a pick up in Avignon, meet us at the TGV station at 1000. If you are already in France meet us at our team hotel at 1100. After a meet and greet we will assist with your bike set up.

Our first ride, the traditional welcome ride is a sensation.  We are riding on one of the most scenic roads in France, which cuts through the Gorges de la Nesque. The Nesque River runs through the gorge dropping quite a way over a short distance and has carved a course between the Mont Ventoux to the north and the Plateau de Vaucluse to the south. A small road follows the gorge and our 70km out and back ride will traverse this very road.  Magnificent.

As is our custom we wellcome you to our little Tour de France interlude in Provence with a traditional meal.

Today’s ride is a challenge for any cyclist, the first time or each.  The Mont Ventoux has a long history of notoriety, it claimed the life of British cyclist Tom Simpson in 1967. Eventual Tour winner Eddy Merckx also found himself in a similar situation when he passed out mid race while ascending the mountain in 1970.

We may take it a little easier though go ahead if you want to ride hard.  That said we start the day easy, pro hours with a late start and big breakfast.  There is time to climb this mountain on your terms.

Mont Ventoux does not need describing but as Phil would say, save you legs until you breach the forest that shadows you for the first half or more of the climb.  The ride starts when you reach the lunar landscape that has made the mountain famous.

This short little Provence experience just keeps giving in terms of the Tour de France.

We are packed and ready to move to our next destination but before we go we can spectate the start of Stage 16 this morning in Lyon.  What a bonus!

Today is the end of services by Phil and the Ride International Team unless you are traveling with us to the Alps.