After arrival and lunch we’ll head out for a quick spin to get your legs moving. We’ll ride through historic Vaison-la-Romane and to the north of Mont Ventoux before heading back to the farm for a swim and dinner.

Today is our first time climbing the Giant of Provence. There’s a nice warm up to Malaucene where we’ll grab a coffee before hitting the lower slopes . It is a long 20km climb to the summit with an average gradient of 7.1%.

Thankfully most is well shaded, and we only pop out of the pine forest with about 3km to go.

We then descend back the way we came and return home via the beautiful roads through Beaumes-de-Venise.

Today is the day. We ride out to Bedoin and our club tent set up by the side of the road part way up the climb of Ventoux. Cold drinks and snacks will be on hand as we wait for the party to arrive.

First past will be the Tour Caravan, followed an hour or two later by the sound of helicopter blades whirring in the distance. This signals the arrival of the riders, ready to fight up the slopes of the climb.

We’ll be in a great position to see all the action, and once we’ve cheered the gruppetto past we’ll hop back on the bikes and head back to the villa.

More Tour fun today as we ride to the start line in nearby Bollène. We’ll arrive in plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere, see the riders sign on and watch them ride out of town.

Once they’re gone we’ll ride in a short loop back around to the villa to have plenty of time to relax, swim, have a massage and sunbathe.

Today we’ll relive the pro’s route up the volcano. We’ll have plenty of time to warm up as we ride south east to Bedoin on rolling roads. We’ll pass by vineyards and through pine woods, before reaching the foot of the 21.5km climb. The average gradient seems ok at only 7.2% but there are pitches of 12% at km 7 and 21.

This route takes us past Chalet Reynard (where it can be good to stop and refuel), and into the lunar landscape, passing the monument to Tom Simpson before the final few kilometres to the summit.

We then go over the top and the lovely descent back to Malaucene and the gentle roads back to the villa - to toast a great day out on the bike.

The final day of the trip is a real treat.

We head out south-east, through Malaucene and Bedoin after which we cut south to enter one of the prettiest areas of the region. The Gorges de la Nesque is a wonderful ride covering 20km with a gradient never reaching more than 3%.

We ride beside a deep canyon which encompasses the Reserve du Biosphere de Mont Ventoux, passing through short rocky tunnels before reaching the viewpoint at the head of the gorge.

From here it is pretty much downhill for the 50km or so back to the villa, enjoying great views of Ventoux and the surrounding forests.

We’ll spend one last evening together reflecting on this truly unique week of riding and spectating at the world’s greatest bike race.

This morning we’ll pack up the bikes and say our goodbyes after a final hearty breakfast.