Accommodation in Provence
March 2017 | 41
Since our first season in 2009 we have accommodated numerous cyclists who I have envied for their passion for the sport . However in 2015 one guest in particular led to a challenge for me to cycle up Mont Ventoux by September 2016 . Buying a modest road bike from Decathlon , ( I last rode when I was a teenager ) I started training in March and after about a month I began to enjoy my gradual progress and equally the stunning scenery that we are surrounded by . Although we have hiked regularly there is something different being alone on the bike taking in the stunning views . By June I made my first assault on Mont Ventoux from Sault . In August I rode from home passing through the lavender fields to Sault and again to the summit a round trip of 105 kilometres with 2450 metres of climbing . In September I joined some guests to make the harder assents from Malaucene and the famous Bedoin , the chosen route of the Tour de France . The beauty of our area is that you are so well located to head south into the Luberon , north to Ventoux and the Gorge de la Nesque , west towards St Remy and in the east the Monts du Vaucluse . There is something for all levels of fitness from the vélo route stretching 37 kilomètres along the Calavon valley to Mont Ventoux at 1918 metres .
After cycling 2800 kilometres it ' s fair to say I ' m now pretty hooked on the sport and will be restarting my training in March for further challenges and Ventoux attempts , maybe even the ' Les Cingles ', which involves climbing all three routes in 24 hours . As well as the improved fitness , the pleasure I have had from seeing the scenery and how it changes through the seasons is immeasurable .
One trend we have noticed among our guests is the number of cycling widows ! Due to our location within walking distance of the village the non cyclist can easily fill their day exploring locally or just lazing with a good book poolside !
Our gite accommodation is for adults only , catering for 2 to 6 people whilst our family house with it ' s private pool can also cater for six including children . We have secure cycle storage , cleaning and maintenance equipment , maps etc and can arrange excellent cycle hire for reasonable cost .
For further information look at our website and remember all guests booking from Cycling world magazine receive a 10 % discount .
Relax in the Luberon , Provence www . accommodationinprovence . com