Located in the northwest of the French department of Bouches-du-Rhône, the Alpilles massif is a mountain range whose main characteristic lies in its low altitude (496 meters) and its typical landscape of white limestone rocks. These mountains are a perfect terrain for practicing all kinds of activities, such as cycling, a very popular activity in the region; also, due to the international renown of the heritage of Maussane-les-Alpilles, the Raid des Alpilles is taking place this year, on October 4 and 5, to offer participants an ultimate challenge! Between gravel biking, road biking, and cyclosportive categories, come discover the most popular cycling event of the year in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region!
Raid Route History
Historically, the Raid des Alpilles is part of a large series of races organized by the Cycling Challenge, a national challenge whose objective is to offer various events, such as cyclosportive, gravel, and mountain biking events. Similarly, the locations vary from year to year to allow participants to discover routes and regions throughout France!
This year, the final leg will take place in the Alpilles, with gravel, time trial, and touring routes. An ideal way to introduce this corner of Provence to cycling enthusiasts, as well as to tourists visiting for the event.
Routes and Main Stages of the Raid Des Alpilles
This Raid des Alpilles, more specifically part of the national challenge known as the Cycling Challenge, gathers for this 2025 edition several routes, such as the time trial route, the touring route, and the gravel route. To learn more about them, read the following:
Gravel Route (time trial and touring): this route is part of the Gravel’Tour Cannondale, a challenge bringing together 8 of the most beautiful gravel events in France; gravel being an event taking place on several different terrains throughout the route, participants will have the opportunity to discover the region from different angles! Regarding the course of the event, it is one of the 8 gravel events planned in France for this 2025 edition. At the end of each leg, a unique ranking will be published based on the points acquired by participants, points which will subsequently be crucial for the final ranking, which will be compiled at the end of the Alpilles gravel event.
- Time Trial Route: This route is the same as the gravel route, with the difference that it is based on the distance covered and the time taken by participants to complete the route. Note, moreover, that this route is also part of the Gravel’Tour Cannondale, a challenge bringing together 8 of the most beautiful gravel events in France!
- Touring Route: this route, less demanding due to the absence of a time trial, is the ideal route for those who want to discover the region at their own pace; this route allows participants to take paths that pass through Les Baux de Provence and discover the surroundings of Maussane-les-Alpilles. During this event, participants can enjoy the tranquility of the backcountry, far from the summer hustle and bustle, under mild and clement weather.
These different routes vary in length depending on which ones you want to do: Saturday, October 4, for example, is dedicated to the 68-kilometer gravel route (departure is at 1:30 PM) and the gravel touring route, which can be done over the same distance or 34 kilometers, the choice being up to the participants; Sunday, October 5, is dedicated to longer races, with the time trial route extending over 120 kilometers (departure at 8:30 AM) and the touring route over 96 kilometers (departure at 8:50 AM).
Preparation and Advice for Raid Des Alpilles Participants
For cyclists preparing for the Raid des Alpilles, it is important to maintain dietary discipline and train daily, months in advance; poor preparation can, moreover, lead to dropping out during your race, or even injuries if your muscles cannot keep up. Furthermore, it is therefore advisable to eat healthily to limit deficiencies, but also to ensure a protein intake every morning with dairy products, poultry breast, etc. For recovery after training, it is important to sleep properly, especially to, once again, avoid overly intense muscle pain and injuries.
Besides the nutritional aspect, you must also prepare your bike, which means taking the utmost care of it, especially by properly lubricating all parts that need it, such as the brakes or chainrings, and cleaning it.
Additional Activities and Entertainment for the Raid Des Alpilles
Besides the Raid des Alpilles, your stay in Provence is not over! Take advantage of your visit to the Alpilles region to thoroughly discover this small mountain range by taking the hiking trails that crisscross it; as for activities within this Provençal natural site, besides hiking, you can exert yourself by horseback riding, climbing, or even golfing on one of the two courses present in the region.
To learn more, we advise you to read this article which will allow you to best choose the activities you want to do in the Alpilles.
How to Register and Participate in the Raid Des Alpilles
If you wish to participate in the Raid des Alpilles this year, you will need to go through the official Cycling Challenge website. On the latter, several prices are offered depending on the route you want to take:
- For the gravel touring, prices fluctuate depending on the date you purchase your tickets. Clearly, the price range varies between €20 (for the first 50 registrants) and €35 (for those who purchase their ticket from October 2 at 12 PM). The gravel time trial remains more expensive, with prices ranging from €35 to €65 depending on your reservation.
- For the cyclosportive touring, it’s the same: prices fluctuate depending on the date you purchase your tickets. Clearly, the price range varies between €20 (for the first 50 registrants) and €35 (for those who purchase their ticket from October 2 at 12 PM). The cyclosportive time trial also remains more expensive, with prices ranging from €35 to €65 depending on your reservation.
Experience the Adventure of the Raid Des Alpilles!
The Raid des Alpilles is an unparalleled event in the region: between country roads, hiking trails, and paved roads, cyclists will enjoy various typical Alpilles locations while participating in a prestigious race!
Do you wish to come to the Alpilles to participate in the Raid, to see the participants, or simply to spend a weekend in the area? Then don’t hesitate any longer and book your accommodation in the Alpilles now with Provence Plaisirs !