
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.
© A. Hocquel / Collect ADT
© Sheehan photo
© Max Rains
© La Villa Aux Oliviers
Pleasant half day ride through Provencal villages
Mont Ventoux is famous for being one of the toughest climbs on the Tour de France, keen cyclists come from all over the world to pit themselves against the long steep ascent to the summit. This route gives you a gentle tour of the area surrounding the “windy mountain” without actually battling your way to the top.
The ride starts from the charming village of Bedoin, a popular destination for cyclists with lots of bike shops in case you need to pick up any bits and pieces before you set off. At the centre of the village is a car park with a petrol station opposite; starting from here we head west out of Bédoin in the direction of Mont Ventoux until we reach a fork in the road, turn right and stay on the Chemin de la Montagne.
Continue cycling west until you reach Chemin des Demoiselles Coiffées then turn right and carry on to the small hamlet of Les Baux. From Les Baux we head south along the Route des Baux, turning left onto the D19 to Flassan.
Flassan is a pretty little place, with colourful houses and a 12th century church. Once at Flassan, turn left and circle round the village until you get to the war memorial. Turn right here to reach the square in front of the Town Hall (“Hotel de Ville”). Heading south again, follow the Chemin du Château, briefly join the D184, and then take the first left along a forested road towards Mormoiron. You’ll pass the lake of Salettes on your left, a popular swimming and sunbathing spot with sandy beaches surrounded by pine forests. If you’re looking for a good picnic spot then you can stop here and cool your feet in the water at the same time!
Head north out of Mormoiron along the Chemin des Oumettes until you reach the D14, which brings you back to Bédoin after a ride of about 23km.
You'll find a nice mix of restaurants in Bedoin, from pizzas and pasta to more traditional local cuisine. Try "Pasta e Basta" for carb-loading meals or "Lily et Paul" for some good Mediterranean food in a nice courtyard setting.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
There are 5 La Fournee de Joseph boulangeries dotted around Aix en Provence. Selling delicious pastries, treats, teas, sandwiches and bread.
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
There are a handful of small hotels and B&B's in and around Bedoin. The Hotel des Pins is one of our favourites, with an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens.
Located in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this former oil mill welcomes its guests in an enchanting setting surrounded by lime trees.
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
The five star Pigonnet hotel in Aix is an 18th-century mansion surrounded with stunning floral gardens, situated just outside the centre of Aix-en-Provence.
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
Under the light Cézanne once knew, the Villa Gallici Hotel is an 18th century Provençal house and a member of Relais et Châteaux portfolio.
Set in a 5 acre park, a few kilometres from Aix-en-Provence, this hotel offers 39 rooms and suites with garden and countryside views.
Much of this route is very exposed, so be careful to protect yourself from the sun. High factor sun cream, sun glasses and a hat are essential as is plenty of drinking water.
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
This cycle hire shop is located in the centre of Bédoin village, just across the street from the tourist office.
Located in the centre of Avignon, this company offers electric bike hire and guided bike tours of the city.
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
This shop rents a selection of town bikes, both standard and electric, for adults and children, and also offers bike repairs.
As well as passing through a handful of pretty little villages, this route will take you past orchards growing typical Provencal crops such as cherries, olives and grapes.
A wonderful castle to explore in the heart of the Vaucluse department, offering wonderful views over the surrounding areas.
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.
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.
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.
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
Pope Benedict XIII ordered the reconstruction of this building after the original Romanesque church collapsed, in 1404.
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.
Located inside the luxury Chateau de la Gaude, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves the elaborate cuisine of chef Matthieu Dupuis-Baumal.
A quiet atmosphere, beautiful grounds and wonderful flavours can be found at Villa Gallici Restaurant. Part of the 5 star Villa Gallici hotel you can indulge in lunch or dinner at this top quality restaurant.
Open daily, the Clos du Comptoir offers a sophisticated atmosphere for lunch and dinner in the same setting.
There are 5 La Fournee de Joseph boulangeries dotted around Aix en Provence. Selling delicious pastries, treats, teas, sandwiches and bread.
Located just south of Aix this newly refurbished restaurant serves great quality food at an affordable price.
Just an hour long ride through the city of Aix, learning about its history and a good introduction to this beautiful area.
Set in the beautiful wooded countryside, this 18-hole golf course was designed by American architect Ronald Fream. The club incorporates the David Leadbetter Academy that offers lessons to suit players of all levels.
Open to all, this small golf club offers a clubhouse, restaurant, driving range, putting green and 6 holes. It is home to an academy that offers lessons at all levels.
Just to the south of Aix is the town of Gardanne. They open an outdoor swimming pool in the summer, with a 50m pool, baby pool, slides, playgrounds and a relaxation area.
The Aix Yoga Center is a 150m2 studio yoga in the heart of Aix en Provence.
The Golf Club Aix-Marseille is only 5 minutes away from Aix-en-Provence TGV railway station. As the course is faily level it is possible to play without the use of a buggy.
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.
Bedoin lies to the west of Mont Ventoux around 15 kilometres from Carpentras via the D974.
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