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.
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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.
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Provence
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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.
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Road bike hire
This shop offers a variety of brands and bikes to choose from, including road bikes, e-bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and tandems.
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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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Town bike hire
This shop offers electric bikes for hire in Vaison-la-Romaine, Bonnieux, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
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Road bike hire
This company offers a wide range of leisure and sports bikes for hire, perfectly located for exploring Mont Ventoux.
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Luberon Bike & Scooter Rental, Bonnieux
Discover the Luberon in a different way...on a new scooter!
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
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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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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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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'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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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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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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, 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.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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La Garance Hotel, Bedoin
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.
Price: €979
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Hotel des Pins, Bedoin
Hotel des Pins has 25 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a terrace, and a garden.
Price: €1,498
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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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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.
Directions
Bedoin lies to the west of Mont Ventoux around 15 kilometres from Carpentras via the D974.
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
See all Restaurants in Provence-
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.
-
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
-
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.
-
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'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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: €1,156
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La Maison d'Aix Hotel
This hotel is a beautiful renovated house located on a quiet street, and walking distance to all the hustle and bustle of Aix.
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Crillon le Brave Luxury Hotel, Crillon le Brave
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the Rhone valley and Mont Ventoux, this 33 bedroom hotel can be found around 25 miles North East of Avignon. There are 15 double bedrooms and 18 suites available, ranging from 25m² for the smallest standard room up to 85m² for the largest suite.
Price: €4,790
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La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
Price: €14,630
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Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
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L'Horloge Hotel
This lovely hotel is full of character and is ideally situated in historic 19th century building in the heart of Avignon's historic centre, just a short walk from all local attractions.