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© Max Rains
© Max Rains
© Holly Millar
© Max Rains
© RFabregue
© Bedoin OT
© Bedoin OT
A hillside village in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
Bédoin lies within a large territory that includes the impressive Mont Ventoux, home of one of the most iconic stages of the Tour de France and a challenge for any cyclist coming to the area.
Its large postcode area includes a number of smaller hamlets each with their own unique charm and character and you can't fail to miss the mighty Mont Ventoux, which is easily visible from the village.
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
In Provence, the department of the Var is the place to look for chestnuts. The Var village of Collobrières regards itself as chestnut capital of the world and in late October it's time for the chestnut festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from near and far.
Head to the Avenue de la Rabasse in Richerenches for the famous Saturday truffle markets, which take place from November to March every year.
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
An annual agricultural fair, the Foire de la Saint Siffrein is named after the saint who resided in Carpentras during the 7th century. Plenty of local produce is available in the market and the wine fair is one of the largest in the area (and not restricted to wines from Provence).
Rock shelters from prehistoric times have been discovered in the area at sites such as Combe de la Madelène, and the name "Beduinum" can be first found in historic documents from the middle of the 10th century.
In the Roman era, villas and farm lands dominated the lower hillsides around Bédoin, and in 1250, Lord Barral des Baux granted the villagers important privileges, notably the use of the Ventoux farming lands, giving them prosperity for centuries.
In 1271, the Comtat Venaissin became Papal land and Bédoin a part of the papacy until 1791, at which point the Comtat was joined back to France. However Bédoin remained loyal to the pope, and the revolutionary repression that ensued was the most painful episode in the history of the village. Declared in a state of counter-revolution, the village was literally wiped from the map when it was destroyed in 1794. Thankfully, a year later it was restored.
There are a number of sights to visit around the village.
The remains of a Roman villa can be visited on the outskirts, at a little hamlet called Les Bruns. Since the site is protected you can only visit with a guide during designated times, which can be organised through the local tourist office.
To the north you can find the Chapel of the Madeleine, one of the most outstanding examples of primitive Romanesque art in Provence, which is open for visitors on weekends during summer.
Hungarian artist Victor Vasarely established this foundation in 1966 with the aim of promoting 'art for all' where art blends beautifully with architecture in the 'city of tomorrow'.
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
The Muséum d'Aix was founded in 1838 by Henri Coquand, geologist ; it is one of the oldest in Provence.
An old quarry, the Carrieres de Bibemus lies on the western slopes of Montagne St Victoire and is a place that inspired Paul Cezanne through out his life.
Aurélien Raynaud displays his unique gift in capturing the wonderful wildlife kingdom in a range of artforms.
Located not far from Aix centre, this museum and shop explains a little about the history of how this unusual sweet is made.
You'll find a nice mix of restaurants, from pizzas and pasta to more traditional local cuisine.
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Delicious, homely, comforting and satisfying. This restaurant serves up traditional cuisine and is a true taste of the south.
This beautiful restaurant is hidden away from the main town of Aix located just a short drive from the centre. Decorated in the classic Mediterranean style and complimented by parks and woodland, its a truly magnificent setting for lunch or dinner.
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
Not only is this a popular place for cyclists, it also attracts mountain bikers to the bike park on the south side of Mont Ventoux plus there are plenty of options for hiking, including a few options mentioned here in our reporter review.
The town has its own municipal tennis court and swimming pool too.
This leisure centre has two indoor pools, a 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool, with terraces and beaches, and water sports.There is also a weights room and dance studio.
The Golf de la Cabre d'Or is only 20 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence et Marseille. This is a fairly new golf course which opened only in 2008.
An exciting path through the forest...but not on the ground! This tree top adventure will have you swinging from the branches and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
Mont Ventoux is famous for being one of the toughest climbs on the Tour de France, keen cyclists come from all over the world to pit themselves against the long steep ascent to the summit. This route gives you a gentle tour of the area surrounding the “windy mountain” without actually battling your way to the top.
The climb of Mont Ventoux is perhaps most well known to those outside of the cycling community as a name associated with the Tour de France.
This loop takes you round the medieval village of Malaucène in the cycling mecca of the Mont Ventoux region.
A challenging short circuit starting from Malaucene, that takes you through the vineyards and typical pine forests of Provence. Stunning scenery and great views of the landscape between Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles mountain range.
Second only to the Gorges du Verdon, the Gorge de la Nesque is one of the most visited and cycled parts of Provence. A stunning hydro geological site with fantastic cliffs, overhanging rock and a long winding river deep in the valley.
This circular route through the Haute Vaucluse region takes you to the villages of the Vallee du Tourourenc that offer stunning views of the steep northern slopes of Mont Ventoux.
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
From the look out point at 965m you are rewarded with fantastic views of the Alazards valley and the Rhone valley.
This river gorge runs for around 30 kilometres from the small village of Saint Leger, heading west along the borders of the Vaucluse and Drome regions.
Explore the valleys of Le Beaucet situated between the Mountains of Vaucluse and the Luberon Valley.
Located in the heart of the EcoQuartier Beaulieu, Lake Monteux is an open every day of the year. Ideal for the whole family, this area offers a multitude of activities.
This company offers an 8 kilometre canoe trip along the river near Fontaine de Vaucluse.
This company offers a 2 hour river descent from Isle sur la Sorgue to Fontain de Vaucluse in canoes.
This company offers all kinds of activities, from climbing and pot-holing to canyoning, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and via ferrata.
Just to the north of Apt lies the Plan d'Eau de la Raille. You can practice all sorts of watersports here, with a sailing & windsurfing school. All equipment is available to rent - dinghies, windsurfs, pedal boats and kayaks.
This watersports centre is based on a 10 hectare lake with boxes and features in the water that you can practise your wakeboarding moves on.
There are a number of campsites in and around the area if you're looking for somewhere to pitch your tent or park your camper.
House for rent in Luberon - Le Mas entre Monts et Merveilles. The perfect holiday location in Provence!
Beautiful holiday home for rent in Provence, in Lourmarin, with garden and swimming pool.
Superb 5 star rated property located in Bonnieux with swimming pool
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
Mas Wisteria is located 2.5km from Bonnieux, a lovely Provençal village perched in the foothills of the Luberon in Provence.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
Farmhouse available to rent for holidays with a large pool in the Golden Triangle in Bonnieux.
A magnificent "Mas" in Bonnieux to rent in the Luberon, with a large landscaped garden for a dream holiday between Bonnieux and Lacoste.
Magnificent villa near Bonnieux, in the heart of the Luberon, with swimming pool, for a unique holiday.
A few kilometers from the charming village of Bonnieux, enjoying a superb view of the Luberon, this tastefully restored old farmhouse will amaze you as soon as you arrive.
Villa rental in the Luberon - La Badassière
Architect-designed villa for holiday rental, with swimming pool, in the heart of the Luberon with an elevated position in the village of Cadenet.
There are a handful of small hotels and B&B's in and around Bédoin.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
This hotel can be found in Aix-les-Milles not far from the centre of Aix, and on the doorstep of Aix golf course.
Bédoin lies to the west of Mont Ventoux around 15km from Carpentras.
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.
See allLatest News & ReviewsProvence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.
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