First steps in bikepacking: an adventure story in the heart of Ventoux

Bikepacking is more than just a cycling trip: it’s an invitation to discover the world differently, to reconnect with nature, to push your limits, and to savor every moment.
During our 5-day stay in Provence, we proved that yes—adventure is within everyone’s reach.

A first encounter with Mont Ventoux

Day 1 : We settled at Domaine de la Done in Montbrun-les-Bains, a place that blends charm, comfort, and conviviality. From the very first half-day, the group set off to explore the surrounding area by bike, alternating between winding roads and gravel tracks. The Col de l’Homme Mort, with its sweeping views, provided the perfect warm-up for both legs and mind—offering, of course, a glimpse of the “Giant of Provence,” visible from miles away.

It felt like a true Indian summer: the sun lighting up the hills, smiles on every face—a clear sign that even half a day of gravel riding can already create that unique sense of escape.

An introduction to bikepacking: learning to travel light

After this first ride, the group returned to Domaine de la Done for an evening entirely dedicated to discovering the bikepacking setup with our partner Restrap. Marine, our bikepacking expert, explained how to pack belongings, attach the bags to the bike, and organize gear for several days of adventure.

Thanks to her advice, everyone became familiar with the principles of bikepacking and prepared their bikes for the days ahead. It quickly became clear: bikepacking is not only about cycling, it’s also about managing your gear and adapting to different terrains.

Even with a mix of e-bikes and traditional bikes, the group remained cohesive—mutual support was constant, and everyone rode at their own pace while enjoying the collective spirit.

Days of initiation paced by adventure

The following days were structured around routes of 60–70 km per day, with about 1,400 m of climbing. Each day offered its share of discoveries and sensations.

Day 2 – Ventoux via the trails:

We explored Ventoux differently, on tracks and paths few people know. The occasional technical sections allowed everyone to test their skills and gravel handling. No crowds here—just us and nature. The snack breaks, prepared by the GravelUp team, turned every stop into a convivial and relaxing moment, perfect for chatting and soaking in the landscapes.

Day 3 – Into the wild Baronnies:

The third day took us across the ridges and valleys of the Baronnies and into the Dentelles de Montmirail massif, famed for climbing, hiking, and exceptional wines. The mornings were crisp, a reminder of autumn, while the sunny afternoons made the climbs more pleasant and the descents even more enjoyable.

Day 4 – The Gorges de la Nesque: from Mazan to Montbrun-les-Bains

This stage led us through the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque, with dramatic cliffs and narrow valleys—an ideal mix of gravel adventure and visual delight. The route from Mazan to Montbrun combined quiet roads with more challenging gravel trails. As always, the GravelUp team’s snack breaks were a chance to relax, connect, and admire the landscapes, far from the crowds.

Day 5 – Return to Montbrun and last ride

The evening before, after the spectacular Gorges ride, we celebrated our last night together—sharing laughs, stories, and good meals to end on a high note.

On Day 5, legs were sore for the final outing. Instead of pushing, we opted for a more relaxed pace, taking time to enjoy the last moments together before returning to reality. The Monday return was tough, but everyone left with unforgettable memories—and the urge to do it all again soon.

Throughout the week, the group spirit was exceptional. Even with both e-bikes and traditional bikes, cohesion and mutual support never wavered. Each participant moved at their own rhythm, carried by the collective energy, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Accommodation and conviviality

The trip wouldn’t have been the same without the three carefully selected accommodations: in Montbrun-les-Bains, Saint-Marcellin-lès-Vaison, and Mazan. For logistical reasons, the first and last nights were spent in the same location—simplifying organization while keeping the spirit of the journey.

For this first bikepacking initiation, there was no need to sleep in tents—we wanted to keep you comfortable! But we still included all the essential GravelUp ingredients to keep the adventure authentic.

Comfortable, warm, and welcoming, these places offered the group magical settings to rest (after hours on the bike, that feeling of relaxation is unbeatable!) and fully enjoy the collective adventure.

Because bikepacking isn’t only about pedaling: it’s about gathering around meals, sharing stories after days of discovery, and building bonds with fellow riders in a relaxed, performance-free atmosphere.

Why try gravel and bikepacking?

This trip showed that bikepacking is truly within reach for everyone. All you need is a bike, a few bags, and a dash of curiosity to set off on an adventure and let yourself be surprised. Gravel riding offers a unique freedom: leaving paved roads behind to discover landscapes most cyclists never see.

Ventoux and the Baronnies proved it perfectly: legendary climbs, technical trails, hidden tracks—every turn revealed breathtaking views. Day after day, participants learned how to travel light, explore new territories, and push their limits.

In summary: an unforgettable adventure

Five days, countless kilometers together, incredible landscapes, and evenings filled with camaraderie—this initiation to bikepacking was much more than just a cycling trip. Legs ached, October sun left its mark, mornings were (very) chilly—but the group stayed motivated, always curious about where each stage would take us.

Bikepacking, especially with gravel bikes, allowed us to step off the beaten path and embrace adventure at our own pace—sharing every climb, descent, and panorama. Mont Ventoux and the Baronnies offered trails to explore, and everyone left with the desire to return—bags ready, legs a little sore, but spirits high.

Want to discover the joy of gravel bikepacking without stress? Join GravelUp!

If you’re new to bike touring or looking to gain new skills, setting off with an experienced guide is the best way to learn with peace of mind.

Our guides will share practical advice on organizing a cycling trip, managing your effort, choosing and using equipment, and adopting the right habits to ride comfortably for several days in a row.

Whether you’re a beginner or simply curious to try, our trips give you the freedom of bike travel in a safe and supportive environment—always with experts by your side at every stage.

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