Entre Ventoux et Dentelles
Challenging short ride between Mont Ventoux & Dentelles de Montmirail
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.
The Dentelles are the foothills of Mont Ventoux and are obvious due to their dramatic jagged shape. Formed by horizontal strata of Jurassic limestone being folded and forced into an upright position, the range has eroded into sharp-edged ridges and spikes. The Dentelles are surrounded by the famous vineyards of the Rhone Valley.
Starting from the tourist office in Malaucene the road takes you west towards the small village of Suzette. You pass the highest point of this circular which offers spectacular views over the Dentelles, before descending towards Lafare and climbing again up to La Roque-Alric.
It is worth stopping to explore the village of Le Barroux if you have the time as it has an impressive chateau, an old olive oil mill and the fantastic monastery of Abbaye du Barroux.
The undulating roads continue until the last stretch where there is a quick descent before returning to Malaucene.
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What to bring
IGN Map 164 (Carpentras Digne-les-bains) covers this area.
- Water - One of the biggest problems in Provence in the summer is the heat. Fit two bottle cages to your bike and take 750ml bottles with electrolyte drinks.
- Sun Cream - The hot southern summer sun means you will burn quicker here than at home. And remember the backs of your hands if you are not wearing cycling gloves!
- Windbreaker - Although it may be warm in valleys temperatures can drop rapidly as you climb, weather can chage quickly and the fast descents can cool you down fast.
- Snacks - Energy Bars and gels are a very good idea if you are planning a day on the roads.
- Mobile Phone - Being able to contact someone to pick you up if your chain breaks is helpful.
- Money - You may need it in an emergency or just for a beer at the end of the day.
- Basic Repair Kit - You can't fix everything by the side of the road but not all breakdowns require the day to end.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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Road bike hire
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
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Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
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Mountain bike hire
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
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Town bike hire
This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
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Road bike hire
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
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Town bike hire
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
What to see
Sights in Provence
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Abbaye du Barroux, Le Barroux
This monastery was founded and built in the 1970's and is now famous for its monks broadcasting their Gregorian chants live throughout the day.
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Chateau du Barroux, Carpentras
A wonderful castle to explore in the heart of the Vaucluse department, offering wonderful views over the surrounding areas.
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Vaison la Romaine archaeological site
You can feel like you've stepped back in time when you visit Vaison la Romaine. As the name suggests, this was an important town for the Romans, who liked its location and climate, and built many rather magnificent structures. Vaison became a federated city under the Romans which explains why so many public buildings were constructed.
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Gorges du Toulourenc, near Malaucene
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.
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Notre-Dame de Nazareth Church, Vaison la Romaine
This church lies at the centre of what was the old Medieval village of Vaison la Romaine. It was built in the 11th century over the remains of early Christian buildings.
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Mont Ventoux
The highest point in Provence at 1,912m, Mont Ventoux is most famous as the killer-climb stage in the Tour de France. It's a mecca for cyclists and hikers, with three routes available for cyclists and a number of trails for walkers.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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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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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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La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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, 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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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.
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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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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, 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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
Price: €667
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Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Located just 2 kilometres north of the village of Malaucene, this charming B&B has great views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
Price: €1,498