Le Plateau de Sault, Mont Ventoux
A scenic 33km circuit around the lavender fields of Mont Ventoux
This delightful ride takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the area; vast Sault highlands, fields of lavender and golden crops. Along the way you can admire the magnificent views of Mont Ventoux and Montagne de Lure Mountain. You’ll pass through four charming old villages; each one crammed with ancient churches, crooked alleyways, splashing fountains and quaint little squares.
Our journey starts in Sault, one of the most popular stops on the lavender tours of Provence. If you’re here in summer then try to visit mid-August when they host annual lavender festivals. Sault’s beauty is such than it has been recognised and chosen for protection by UNESCO, one of only six sites in France to have been awarded the privilege.
Start at Sault tourist office and follow the D942 north for about 5km to reach the peaceful village of Aurel. The old stone houses of Aurel are nestled around a massive 12th century church, belonging to an old chateau. Aurel is extremely popular with painters, partly due to the inspiring landscape but also because of the quality of the light.
In Aurel, go around the village centre, turn right onto D95 and continue uphill in the direction of Saint Trinit. Take a right on the D1 toward Sault, Saint-Trinit and Saint-Christol, then pick up the D950 to Saint Trinit.
Saint Trinit is a tiny little village, surrounded by vast and awe inspiring views. Lavendar fields stretch out as far as you can see, contrasting against the golden crops of barley and spelt, the view is at its finest in July. Another 12th century church is at the heart of the village, and there are plenty of traces of years gone by in the streets and buildings. From the village centre, continue along the D95 then on to the D30 (militarised zone) until you reach Saint-Christol d’Albion.
Saint-Christol is fairly unique for two reasons; caves and animals. The area has many caves, hidden away from view, most with their fairy story of piece of folklore attached. Famous caves to be explored include the Aven de La Cervi, Aven Autran and Trou Souffleur. And as for the animals, well, just keep your eyes open! Creatures of all kinds decorate the village; you’ll find serpents, lions, mythical beasts and existing species hidden amongst the architecture. Finding them all makes a great game to keep children entertained. Surprisingly enough Saint Christol also has a 12th century church, this one built by Benedictine monks in 1119.
On leaving the village, turn right onto the D34 and climb steadily uphill for about 3km, the view expanding in all directions as you rise above the plains. Look out for a turnoff on your right, marked with a green cycle route sign. Turn right here onto the D245 and follow this road all the way back to Sault.
What to bring
Your camera, the views are unbelievable if you come during peak lavender season! There is not much shade on this route, so consider sun protection and plenty of drinking water as well.
What to see
Blue fields of lavender and golden fields of corn in summer, Mont Ventoux and medieval villages all year round.
Sights in Provence
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Aroma Plantes lavender farm & distillery, Sault
This 80 hectare farm and distillery was originally created in 1978 and now welcomes visitors from around the world.
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Lavender farm & conservation garden, Sault
The lavender collection is certified by French National Conservatory for specialist plant collections, and is located on family land on the Route du Mont Ventoux, near the village.
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Gorges de la Nesque, near Sault
The gorges de la Nesque is an impressive and wild canyon of around 12 kilometres in length, scoured out by the river at its bottom.
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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.
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Chateau St Saturnin Les Apt
Built on a rocky bluff at 400 metres above sea level is the remains of a Medieval fortress which offers great views of the surrounding Vaucluse and Alpilles mountains.
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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.
Where to lunch
All of the villages are small and reasonably non-touristy, despite their location, so there isn't a massive choice of restaurants. Le Bistrot Saint-Trinit has a good reputation though for traditional Provencal cuisine, fresh seasonal ingredients and good local wine. Alternatively, you could stock up on supplies from the market and have a picnic en route. Sault holds a market on Wednesday mornings and Saint Christol has one on Sunday mornings.
Restaurants in Provence
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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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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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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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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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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.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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, 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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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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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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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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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
Hotels in Provence
See all Cycling Hotels in Provence-
L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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La Bastide des Bourguets B&B, Sault
Perched on a small cliff, this B&B enjoys great views of the village of Sault below.
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Une Sieste en Luberon B&B, Bonnieux
Located a 5-minute walk from the heart of Bonnieux, this charming guest house features 3 comfortable rooms suitable for families as every room has a mezzanine for 2 children.
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
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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.
