Sisteron is a beautiful town between the river Durance and the last foothills of the French Alps, a “land of middle” between the mountains and the Provence, ideal starting point for a weekend of cycling in this corner of France!

From the Citadel, a jewel of military architecture with six centuries of history, will start our tour that will lead us through the lonely streets of the Park of the Baronnies, spectacular gorges and fabulous landscapes, to the top of Mont Ventoux, bare top and whipped by the mistral wind, theatre of memorable feats and terrible tragedies of the world of cycling, mountain with unparalleled charm.

On the first day we will walk the awesome Gorges de la Meouge, and, approaching the Ventoux, we will face one of the most beautiful ascents that gravitate around him, the Col de l’Homme Mort. Descending to Sault, lively village between fields of lavender and vineyards, we will continue towards the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque. With a succession of “belvedere”, curves, tunnels, the road will run fast through Villes-sur-Auzon.

The following day, with a heart full of emotion and “burning legs” we will reach Bédoin with a pleasant route through the vineyards. Here begins the climb to the Ventoux from its noblest and most feared side, the one that crowned champions and rejected others or gave unforgettable days to anonymous wingman.

The first kilometers are easy and deceptive, but from the virage Saint Estève everything change: straights with gradients constantly over 10% become normal, and there aren’t turnes to lighten the effort. Only the writings on the asphalt praising the champions mark the rhythm of the ascent.

Up to Chalet Reynard the road runs under the shelter of the wood: then it crosses the white stony, dotted with few fir trees, where the sun and the wind can really test you. But the white-red tower of the summit observatory is now always in sight, and the last bends over the Col des Tempetes are of pure joy for the conquer of a mythical and iconic peak.

Once descended to Malaucène we will return to Bédoin for a well – deserved coffee in the town bars and a tour of the souvenir shops – all of them dedicated to bicycle lovers, of course!