GQ: June 2008

LONG WEEKEND

MONT VENTOUX, PROVENCE

Take time out from watching Le Tour with some fantastic riding in Provence.  Roll up at the sublime Crillon Le Brave country house hotel and settle by the pool for a view of your new Nemesis.

Standing at 1,909m, Mont Ventoux is arguably the most reverec climb in France.  In good weather, a fit rider can complete the route from Bedoin to the top and back in two-and-a-half hours, but treat the mountain with the respect it deserves.  It brought the great Eddy Merckx to his knees and took the life of British rider Tommy Simpson.

Conquer the climb and reward yourself with Cotes du Rhone and foie gras at Le Brave's 16th-century restaurant.  Chapeau!  Andrew Diprose

From £158 per person, per night.  0845 034 0700, www.mrandmrssmith.com