Combe de Malaval Hike
Take a tour of the Maraval valley from Bedoin
Throughout the duration of this hike you have breathtaking views over the Comtat Venaissin plain and the Dentelles de Montmirail range.
Situated right in the heart of the Maraval valley this hike connects the foothills of Mont Ventoux, also know as the giant of Provence, and the many small hamlets which make up the town of Bedoin. Make a stop in Bedoin, and in Saint-Colombe for the amazing panoramas and also its bread oven which is still in use today. Another great reward on this hike are the earth pillars know as the Demoiselles Coiffees.
Jump to
What to bring
This walk can be found on IGN map 3140 ET
What to see
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 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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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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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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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 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.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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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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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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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, 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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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.
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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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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L'Escapade Hotel, Bedoin
Located in a charming small village, with free parking and bike storage.
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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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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
Price: €667
Directions
Starting from the car park at Maison forestiere des Cedres, in the hamlet Les Cops. The Combe de Malaval hike is marked along the route with yellow- white/red-yellow markers. The route starts facing Mont Ventoux, take the right path (GR91) to the Grand Replanas, once at the Grand Replanas, leave the GR to follow the yellow signs to the left towards the Jas de Pie Gros. There is a fairly long climb, but before you reach the top don't forget to turn in time to enjoy the view over the valley. Once at Jas, turn left towards the GR91B Mazanet. At the intersection turn right and head towards the Collet Rouge and then the Rocher du Midi. At the crossroads head downhill towards La Combe Malaval, during the descent you can visit the small caves dotted along the path, once down the valley go back on to the forest track where you will find the GR91 heading back towards Combarets and then back to the parking at Les Clops.