EPIC Trans Provence-Alpes

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.

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.

Today’s route takes you through the spectacular Mercantour Natural Park and into the Pre-Alpes Azur Park, a truly magnificent ride with stunning Alpine and Provençale scenery throughout the entire ride.

It’s also a tough one with no less than 6 categorised climbs, kicking off with the Col de la Colmanie followed by the fabulous Hors-Categorie Col de la Sinne which is followed by four Cat 2 and Cat 3 climbs for a total elevation gain of 4,126m (13,536ft). Make sure you have the climbing legs with you today…

Another spectacular ride today through one of the most stunning natural wonders in France: Les Gorges du Verdon. No big climbs today but a series of shorter climbs and rolling Provençale terrain makes for a tough day in the saddle, with a total elevation gain of 3,146m (10,321ft).

After 35km (22 miles) you’ll start to get your first views of the deep gorges and canyons that have been carved out of the local limestone by the River Verdon. The next 30km (20 miles) are simply stunning, with spectacular views of the Verdon Gorge around every turn.

Yesterday you enjoyed a magnificent ride through Les Gorges du Verdon, today we have another stunning gorge on the agenda: Les Gorges de la Nesque! Leaving the hotel in Forcalquier you quickly enter into the Luberon Natural Park, one of the most beautiful parts of Provence and the setting for Peter Mayle’s fantastic book, A Year in Provence.

From the Luberon you’ll head north to Villes-sur-Auzon where you’ll enter the fabulous Gorges de la Nesque, one of our favorite climbs in France!

Our final day in Provence and not much needs to be said about today’s ride – except maybe, that in true Thomson style, you’ll climb the Giant of Provence not once, but twice!

You’ll start of by climbing the gentler eastern approach from the hotel in Sault. From the summit enjoy the long descent to Malaucene where you can have a coffee stop and some refuelling before riding over the short Col de la Madeleine to Bedoin where you’ll start the climb from the classic Bedoin side. After 14km (9 miles) of climbing through the pine forest you’ll break out of the trees and be faced with the final 7km (4 miles), across the famous lunar landscape, to the summit at 1900m (6,200ft).

Unfortunately, your trip across Provence-Alpes has come to an end.

Our shuttle will drop you off at Marseille Provence Airport.