Road bike hire
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
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.
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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.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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Town bike hire
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
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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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Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
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Town bike hire
Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
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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.
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'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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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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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.
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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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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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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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.
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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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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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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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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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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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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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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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
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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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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
