The Foothills of Mont Ventoux, Bedoin
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.
Dining in [locality]
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.
Restaurants in Provence
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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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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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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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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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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 Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
Hotels in [locality]
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.
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
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L'Hotel Particulier
Gorgeous hotel in the centre of the Roman town of Arles. Designed to within an inch of it's life, this 18th century country house has 13 rooms decked out in white billowing fabrics and French country furniture. Think Ibiza-esque.
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La Bastide de Gordes Hotel & Spa, Gordes
This is a luxury hotel and spa perched in the heart of Gordes, one of the most beautiful towns in France.
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Jules Cesar Hotel
This luxurious property has been lavishly renovated to overcome its austere background, whilst still retaining its sense of history.
Price: €2,027
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Le Clos de la Glycine Hotel, Roussillon
Set in one of the most beautiful villages in France, this hotel is a little Provencal paradise.
What to bring
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.
What to see
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.
Sights in Provence
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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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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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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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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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La Synagogue, Carpentras
The synagogue of Carpentras is the oldest synagogue still in activity in France.
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Saint Siffrein Cathedral, Carpentras
Pope Benedict XIII ordered the reconstruction of this building after the original Romanesque church collapsed, in 1404.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
See all Restaurants-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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.
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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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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.
Where to stay
Hotels in Provence
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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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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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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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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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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
Directions
Bedoin lies to the west of Mont Ventoux around 15 kilometres from Carpentras via the D974.