VERDON GORGE 2025
11 - 16 SEPTEMBER 2025
VERDON GORGE 2025
11-16 SEPTEMBER
Tour Details
The Verdon Gorge is one of France’s most outstanding natural wonders and a cyclist’s dream. After a fantastic second tour in May 2024, we are now taking bookings for September 2025.
The arrival day will include a circular loop on part of the 2024 Tour de France route. After staying the first night in Nice, the tour heads out through the Alps-Maritimes region and by the end of the day you will be on the edge of the Verdon Gorge Regional Park. The next three days will be spent enjoying the spectacular roads and views of the Gorge and surrounding area before heading back into Nice on the final day. Based on feedback from previous tours, we have added an extra day in the heart of the Gorge, giving more time to explore and enjoy the area.
We have designed a standard and challenge route for each stage so you can adjust the challenge to suit your legs and motivation.
Our team will provide regular meeting points during each stage, ensuring refreshments and support are never far away. We will also carry spares, provide mechanical backup and transport luggage between hotels. In short, all you need to do is turn the pedals and enjoy the scenery, we will take care of the rest.
What our customers say ABOUT THIS TRIP...
“An amazing trip organised by an amazing and caring team in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.“
VERDON GORGE – MAY 2024
“A fantastic experience from start to finish, a well thought out trip with fantastic routes that take in amazing scenery. From the moment I arrived I was impressed with the level of detail and organisation that had gone into planning the tour”
VERDON GORGE – JUNE 2023
“Great organisation and support from the Riva Cycling team creating a changing and enjoyable 4 days riding and socialising with great roads and stunning scenery. Would highly recommend this trip.“
VERDON GORGE – MAY 2024
Thursday 11 September
Prologue: 50km
You will be met at Nice Airport for the short transfer to the hotel. After preparing bikes and a quick lunch we will head out on a ride over the Col d’Eze. The climb is famous in the area and featured in the final time trial of the 2024 Tour de France. It offers stunning views over the Mediterranean and is a perfect way to start the week.
Friday 12 September
Stage 1: 100-120km
Nice to Castellane
The first 10km of the ride will travel out of Nice along the coast before heading inland to tackle the first climb of the tour. The Col de Vence is 9km at 7% average grade. From the summit a flat section followed by a descent will bring you onto the second climb of the day, peaking at 1160m, the highest point on the stage. The second half is flatter and the final 35km is mainly downhill, until arriving at your hotel in Castellane.
The long option follows the same route over the Col de Vence then adds an additional 20km to the second half of the route.
Climbing: 100km route – 1900m
Saturday 13 September
Stage 2: 72-120km
Castellane to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
A stunning ride through the Verdon Gorge to stay in the picturesque Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. The Route-des-Crete provides the most incredible views through the Gorge but does include a tough 5km climb. The good news is you’ll have plenty of stops for pictures on the way up!
For those wanting the more challenging option, the 120km route incorporates a lap of the lake and approaches Moustiers via the plateau, where on a clear day you can spot Mont Ventoux 130km away. The shorter route goes directly to Moustiers, allowing more time to explore and enjoy an aperitif.
Climbing: 72km route – 1440m
Sunday 14 September
Stage 3: 40-100km
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
We are staying in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for 2-nights. This provides the opportunity to explore more of the roads around the Gorge as well as enjoying the village or even to have a swim in the lake. We will have 3 route distances to choose from, including half and full-day ride options.
Monday 15 September
Stage 4: 100-130km
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie to Saint-Vallier-De-Thiey
An 11km 6% climb will start not long after leaving Moustiers and take you along the south side of the Gorge (keep an eye out for vultures!). After 40km the route leaves the Gorge and after lunch the major climbs are behind you. The second half of the stage offers direct and longer route options, covering rolling terrain on quiet roads before a stunning 6km descent to your accommodation for the night.
Climbing: 100km route – 1830m
Tuesday 16 September
Stage 5: 68-80km
Saint-Vallier-De-Thiey to Nice
Within a few hundred metres of leaving the hotel you will begin climbing. The good news is once at the top it’s downhill all the way back to Nice. A quiet scenic road will take you to the picturesque town of Gourdon where there will be chance to grab a coffee before continuing the fantastic descent round the Gorge du Loup. Upon rejoining the coast a relaxed 10km cruise along the sea front will finish the tour back where you started. A route extension is on offer for those wanting to add a final few miles.
On return to Nice we will grab lunch before packing bikes and the transfer to the airport.
Climbing: 68km route – 670m
What is Included?
- 6-days support
- 5-nights bed & breakfast accommodation
- 4 evening meals
- GPX routes for each stage
- 2-3 Riva Cycling guides/support team (depending on group size)
- Food stops with snacks and drinks for each stage of the tour
- Mechanical assistance
- Airport transfers
- Vehicle support and emergency pick-up
- Small group (max 12 people)
Excludes:
- Lunches
- Alcoholic drinks
- Flights
- Bike hire
- Travel insurance
- Other items not explicitly stated
Price
£1275 based on 2 people sharing. Single occupancy £1515. Deposit £300 payable at the time of booking. Final payment due 60-days before the trip commences. Full details including terms and conditions are provided with the Booking Form. Contact us using the link below and we will send you further information.
Can I Hire a Bike?
If you don’t have a gravel bike or prefer to avoid the hassle of bringing your own, we can arrange hire with our local provider.
Specialized Diverge bikes with carbon frames equipped with Shimano Ultegra and gearing for the Tuscan hills from £220/week. More details on request.
Flights
The programme is based on participants arriving on the 07:20 London Heathrow to Nice flight on Thursday 16 September and departing on the 19:20 or later Nice to Heathrow flight on Tuesday 16 September. If you would like to make different travel arrangements please speak to us in advance and we can advise if we are able to offer transfers.
