the Most Beautiful Routes to Discover from Château de Montcaud

Château de Montcaud: an exceptional cycling base

Equipment dedicated to cyclists

Château de Montcaud perfectly understands the needs of cycling enthusiasts in Provence. The establishment offers a secure bike garage, a maintenance workshop with all the necessary equipment to repair and adjust your cycling gear, as well as complimentary access to classic and electric bikes subject to availability.

This comprehensive infrastructure allows cyclists of all levels to discover the region with complete peace of mind, with the possibility of organizing tailor-made excursions and renting all necessary equipment for perfect cycling holidays in Provence.

Strategic geographic location

Ideally situated in Sabran in the Gard department, the château benefits from a privileged location at the heart of a region with diverse cycling routes. This location provides easy access to major sites: Mont Ventoux at 45 minutes, Pont du Gard at 30 minutes, Uzès at 25 minutes, offering a perfect base for exploring the most beautiful cycling circuits in Provence.

Mont Ventoux: the legendary ascent of provençal cycling

The giant of Provence from Château de Montcaud

The ascent of Mont Ventoux represents the ultimate challenge for any cyclist passionate about cycling in Provence. Rising to 1,912 meters altitude, this legendary giant offers three main access routes, each providing a unique experience and breathtaking landscapes.

From Château de Montcaud, access to Mont Ventoux is ideally achieved via Bédoin, the most famous and demanding route. This 21.3-kilometer ascent with 1,589 meters of positive elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.5% constitutes a true test for experienced cyclists.

<H3> Preparation and practical advice

The ascent of Mont Ventoux cannot be improvised. Weather conditions can vary drastically between the base and summit, with up to 13°C temperature difference. The mistral, Provence's emblematic wind, regularly blows at the summit and can complicate both the ascent and descent.

The team at Château de Montcaud provides personalized advice to prepare for this ascent, particularly recommending discovering this specific region of Provence in the off-season to avoid summer mass tourism.

Gard discovery circuits: heritage and nature

The Pont du Gard Route

The Pont du Gard, a masterpiece of Roman engineering listed as UNESCO World Heritage, constitutes an essential stop on any cycling circuit in Provence. From Château de Montcaud, a 30-kilometer route through fragrant garrigue and vineyards leads to this exceptional monument.

This route winds through typically Mediterranean landscapes, offering striking panoramas over the Gardon valley and surrounding hilltop villages. The route, accessible to all levels, combines cultural discovery with cycling pleasure in a preserved environment.

Recommended Itineraries by the Château

Château de Montcaud has selected four emblematic cycling circuits suitable for all levels:

La Roque-sur-Cèze and the Sautadet Waterfalls: this easy ride of approximately 10 kilometers with only 65 meters of positive elevation gain constitutes the perfect introduction to Provençal cycling. Accessible to all, it leads to the spectacular Sautadet waterfalls, a unique geological phenomenon shaped by erosion from the Cèze river.

Goudargues-Lussan Loop: an intermediate 50-kilometer route with 330 meters of elevation gain, this route reveals two Gard gems. Goudargues, nicknamed the "Little Venice" of the Cèze valley for its shaded canals, and the impressive Concluses de Lussan, spectacular gorges carved into limestone.

Valley of Cèze Loop: a sporting 70-kilometer circuit with 630 meters of positive elevation gain that crosses four villages classified as "Most Beautiful Villages of France" in one unforgettable loop. This exceptional itinerary reveals the outstanding heritage of the Cèze valley in all its diversity.

Orange/Rhône Loop - ViaRhôna: a varied 80-kilometer route with 400 meters of elevation gain that includes a portion of the famous European cycle route ViaRhôna. This route offers a complete discovery of Provençal landscape diversity, from vineyards to the banks of the Rhône.

Vineyards and Terroir: The Côtes du Rhône Route

Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Prestigious Estates

Cycling tourism enthusiasts in Provence will particularly appreciate the vineyard route that leads to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the most prestigious appellations of the Côtes du Rhône. This 35-kilometer route crosses exceptional viticultural landscapes, punctuated by tastings at family estates.

The winding roads between vine rows offer magnificent panoramas over the Rhône valley and allow discovery of the unique terroirs that produce these world-renowned wines. The characteristic rolled pebbles of the appellation create a landscape unique in its kind.

Via Rhôna and Major Cycling Routes

EuroVelo 17 in provençal lands

The Via Rhôna, the French portion of EuroVelo 17 connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, passes near Château de Montcaud. This 815-kilometer European cycle route offers a secure and marked route, ideal for families and cyclists seeking comfortable cycling itineraries.

From the château, it's easy to join this cycle route to discover Rhône landscapes, the historic sites of Avignon, or continue toward Camargue. This European-quality cycling infrastructure allows for multi-day escapes in complete safety.

Grand Tour of Vaucluse

Experienced cyclists can venture onto the Grande Traversée du Vaucluse, a 400-kilometer route that includes several stages around Mont Ventoux. This technical itinerary tests the capabilities of the best cyclists while offering a complete discovery of Provençal landscapes, from the Alpilles to Luberon.

Family cycling: accessible discovery circuits

Family rides from the Château

Château de Montcaud has designed cycling circuits specifically adapted to families, notably including the ride to La Roque-sur-Cèze and the Sautadet Waterfalls. This 10-kilometer route with only 65 meters of elevation gain remains accessible to all and offers a picturesque discovery of the Cèze valley.

The electric bikes provided free of charge by the château facilitate these family discoveries, allowing cyclists of all levels to enjoy Provençal landscapes together without excessive physical constraints.

Discovery of Garrigue and villages

Loops of approximately 20 kilometers explore the surrounding garrigue, this characteristic Mediterranean vegetation composed of holm oaks, thyme, rosemary, and wild lavender. These routes offer a gentle approach to cycling in Provence, ideal for immersing oneself in the scents and colors of the South.

Services and Personalized Support

Local expertise and tailor-made advice

The team at Château de Montcaud puts their local expertise at the service of cyclists, providing personalized advice according to each person's level and desires. From quiet cycling routes for beginners to sporting challenges for experienced riders, each stay can be adapted to specific expectations.

This thorough knowledge of the territory allows for proposing off-the-beaten-path itineraries, away from overcrowded circuits, to discover an authentic and preserved Provence.

Comfort and recovery after exercise

After a day of cycling in Provence, the château becomes an oasis of tranquility for recovery. Cyclists can relax in the shade of century-old trees, refresh themselves at the pool, and savor a well-deserved aperitif before enjoying a gastronomic meal to recharge their batteries.

Upon request, meals can be organized according to specific dietary regimens adapted to athletes. The possibility of booking an on-site massage perfectly complements this post-exercise wellness approach.

Seasonality and best cycling periods

Mediterranean climate and year-round cycling

The Provençal climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year allows for cycling in Provence in all seasons. Mild winters permit pleasant outings even in winter, while spring and autumn offer ideal conditions with mild temperatures and exceptional light.

The Mediterranean summer requires some precautions: early morning departures to avoid intense heat, appropriate equipment, and enhanced hydration. Summer evenings remain perfect for discovery rides at sunset.

Cycling Events and Activities

The region hosts major cycling events throughout the year, from the Tour de France to local cyclosportives. Château de Montcaud can organize themed stays around these events, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to experience these exceptional moments in the best conditions.

Your Cycling Stay at Château de Montcaud

Château de Montcaud transcends simple accommodation to become your privileged partner in discovering cycling in Provence. Its exceptional position, dedicated equipment, and local expertise make it the ideal base for exploring the region's most beautiful cycling routes.

From the legendary ascents of Mont Ventoux to family circuits through the garrigue, from heritage discoveries at Pont du Gard to tastings in prestigious vineyards, each outing reveals a new facet of this authentic and preserved Provence.

Whether you're an experienced cyclist seeking challenges or a family looking for gentle discoveries, the château opens the doors to an exceptional cycling territory where sport, culture, and art of living harmoniously combine.

Prepare your cycling stay by contacting us at +33 4 66 33 20 15 or by email at info@chateaudemontcaud.com

The most beautiful routes of Provence await you at Château de Montcaud.