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.
Le Plateau de Sault, Mont Ventoux
A scenic 33km circuit around the lavender fields of Mont Ventoux
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.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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Town bike hire
Reserve your bike online or visit the store for personalised service and expert advice
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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Town bike hire
Hire a bike for one hour or up to a week in the capital of Provence
Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
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Road bike hire
Friendly service, English spoken, and maps available to help you explore Mont Ventoux
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
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Mountain bike hire
Mountain bikes, road bikes, tandems and children's bikes
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
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Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux
Bike and scooter rental in the Luberon region, based in Bonnieux
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
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Town bike hire
Explore scenic trails with peace of mind, thanks to itineraries and a reliable battery replacement network
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
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
A family run lavender farm on the slopes of Mont Ventoux
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
A garden & nursery with over 200 varieties of lavender
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
A beautiful gorge not far from the base of Mont Ventoux
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 peak in Provence, famed stage of the Tour de France
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
Medieval castle ruins & 17th century windmills
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
A river gorge fed by waters from Mont Ventoux
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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Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour
Ideal for truffle lovers who are looking for a gourmet experience
This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
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 Chassagnette Restaurant
The only organic Michelin Starred restaurant in Europe
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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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
Delicious food and wine at reasonable prices in a charming setting
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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L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
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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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
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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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
Aquatic leisure park within a 5star campsite close to 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, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
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
11 super water slides, rapids & a flying boat, great for the family
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
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
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 situated in the heart of 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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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a restaurant at the foot of Mont Ventoux
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
A 2 star hotel with a swimming pool and a view of Mont Ventoux
Set in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the hotel has 16 bedrooms with a choice between queen-size or twin beds.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
A B&B with views of Mont Ventoux and a swimming pool
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
Small hotel with a bar restaurant, popular with cyclists
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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Villa Champ Signoret B&B, Malaucene
Small guest house in beautiful surroundings with an outdoor pool
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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La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
Guest rooms in a renovated 12th century priory building
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
