Heading to the South of France? Why not add this relaxed ride into your tour. It has all the things that make this area a magnet for tourists: historic towns and villages, lavender fields, hills, gorges and the spectacular Giant of Provençe, Mont Ventoux.

 

Spare a thought too for my friend Michel, who was out there checking the route for me the other week. It started in sunshine but ended in rain… That's what comes of riding it in November. His verdict? "It'll be great in summer."

 

So for miles of smooth, twisty tarmac with magnificent views, bathed in Provençal sunshine, pack your bags and head for the stunning citadel of Sisteron – gateway to the Alps and all the joys of the South of France. But plan now to ride it in the  summer…