Bédoin
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.
History & Culture in [locality]
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.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
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.
Sights in Provence
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Train Touristique du Centre-Var
Discover the rhythm of the central Var, situated between the Verdon and the Sainte-Victoire (painted by Cezanne) in the north and the beaches of the coast in the south, this is a truly beautiful region.
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Eglise de Biot, Saint Marie Madeleine church, Biot
Classified as a historic monument this 15th-century catholic church is located in the heart of the village of Biot.
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Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin
This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.
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Fondation Van Gogh
Vincent Van Gogh moved to Arles in 1888, as so in hommage to the great master, the Fondation Van Gogh has collected works by contemporary artists that are in the style of Van Gogh.
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Collection Lambert
The Collection Lambert is a wonderful gallery featuring modern art from the 1960's.
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Fort de Buoux, Apt
The ruins of Fort de Buoux lie on top of hill at the head of the Apt valley. This defensive stronghold was used to protect the surrounding towns and land from Lourmarin to Silvergues and the ruins you see today date from the 13th century.
Events in [locality]
Events in Provence
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
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.
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Antiques, Art & You, L'Isle sur la Sorgue
A huge art and antiques fair held in the charming town of l'Isle sur la Sorgue.
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International Piano Festival, La Roque d'Antheron
La Roque d'Antheron is the site for a series of outdoor summer concerts that feature the piano.
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Commemoration of the Allied Landing
As part of "Operation Dragoon" to liberate southern France, Allied forces arrived at the coast of Provence on 15 August, 1944. This day is celebrated all around the region with parades, live music and popular dances and aperitifs.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
Dining in [locality]
You'll find a nice mix of restaurants, from pizzas and pasta to more traditional local cuisine.
Restaurants in Provence
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La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
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.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
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Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
Things to do in [locality]
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.
Things To Do in Provence
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
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Le Scat Nightclub
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
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La Cave des Pas Sages
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
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Ajmi Jazz Club
The Ajmi has played host to numerous talented international Jazz artists, and the Ajmi is classed as one of the top 3 jazz venues in France and is located in the heart of Avignon next to the beautiful Palais des Papes.
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Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
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.
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Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
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Bokao's Nighclub
With a varied musical line-up, Bokao's combines good fun and great music.
Where to stay in [locality]
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.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
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Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
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La Villa Martine Villa, Saignon
A house for rent in Saignon, in the Vaucluse, with a swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday.
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La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,110
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La Villa Elise Villa, Saint-Saturnin-Les-Apt
Villa for rent in Provence, in the Vaucluse, with swimming pool and landscaped garden for a dream holiday.
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
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La Luberone Villa, Menerbes
Charming dry stone house with swimming pool in Ménerbes for 8 people, facing the hilltop village of Ménerbes, offering splendid views of the Monts de Vaucluse, Mont Ventoux and the village.
Price: €2,224
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
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Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
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La Villa Saint Vincent Villa, Bonnieux
Elegant and pleasant Provencal holiday villa, located in a residential area a few minutes away from the picturesque village of Bonnieux with a beautiful view of the Luberon and Mont Ventoux.
Price: €1,999
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Provence Country Club - 2 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain range, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
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La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,110
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Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
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Ulysse Villa, Saignon
Let yourself be surprised by the originality of this house for rent in Provence close to the centre of the village of Saignon.
Price: €2,256
Hotels in [locality]
There are a handful of small hotels and B&B's in and around Bédoin.
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €1,243
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Europe Hotel
The former residence of the Marquis of Graveson, the Hotel d'Europe is a luxury residence in the centre of Avignon.
Price: €4,690
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Villa Gallici Hotel
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Price: €7,056
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La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
Price: €21,560
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Chateau de Berne Hotel
Set deep in the lush Var region of Provence, this country house hotel is set within a 550 hectare vineyard. So if food and wine are high on your agenda, then you may well want to consider a stay in the this charming Provencal hotel.
Price: €29,568
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Amphitheatre Hotel
Housed inside a beautiful old stone building, this hotel is comfortably furnished and decorated in warm inviting colours.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
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Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
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.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
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.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
Directions
Bédoin lies to the west of Mont Ventoux around 15km from Carpentras.