Mont Ventoux is the name that turns the blood of professional cyclists cold Visited 16 times by the Tour de France, this barren limestone summit has starred in many hair-raising finishes. Join a long weekend’s cycling with Exodus and you can enjoy the mountain at a (slightly) more relaxed pace.

Participants spend a day warming up on backroads between Provencal lavender fields; the final full day sees the ascent from the village of Be do in to the blustery summit of Ventoux – where views on clear days take in the Alps and the Mediterranean (from £769 including comfortable hotel accommodation, and from £120 for bike hire).

• ARRIVE – Flights from London to Marseille are included.