Itinerary around Mont Ventoux

Route: 62 km | Duration: 1/2 day | Recommended period: August/September

This route touches the Dentelles de Montmirail area, a concentration of rocks resembling complex lacework, dentelles in French. At their base are marvellous villages and lush vineyards that climb boldly up the steepest slopes.

We recommend this area not only to those who want to treat themselves to a relaxing day but also to walkers and hikers due to the presence of Mont Ventoux , which is home to rare species of eagles and butterflies – a true paradise for nature lovers.

Main stages

1. Vaison-la-Romaine – Malaucene – Bédoin
2. Crillon-le-Brave – Caromb – Le Barroux – Suzette
3. Beaumes-de-Venise – Vacqueyras – Gigondas – Seguret

Departing from Vaison-la-Romaine, the first stop is Malaucéne, a large Provençal village at the foot of the northern slope of Mont Ventoux: it will be pleasant to stroll through the winding streets shaded by plane trees and savour the slowness typical of Provence.

Travel Tips

• Hiking enthusiasts can try their hand at the ascent to the top of the mountain, an undemanding but very fascinating walk that starts in the pines, larches and beeches and ends in an almost lunar panorama.
• Beware of sudden changes in temperature: in fact, it can drop abruptly by 20° due to the wind that often blows relentlessly, so it is advisable to bring warm, waterproof clothing even in the height of summer.
• A very suggestive experience is to reach the summit at night to see the sun rise from above with an absolutely magical view.

Continue on to Bédoin, a perched village boasting the largest communal forests in France and a classic stage of the Tour de France cycling race thanks to its 15% gradient.
www.bedoin.org

Passing by by car you will also see another characteristic village, Crillon-le-Brave.

In Caromb , on the other hand, the stage includes a visit to the 14th-century church, not only one of the largest in the area but also one of the loudest: the bells can be heard some ten kilometres away. On very sultry days, you can take a dip in the Paty reservoir.
www.ville-caromb.fr

This brings you to Le Barroux, a beautiful village dominated by a mighty stronghold.

Worth seeing

• The medieval castle
• L’Abbaye Sainte-Madeleine: a wonderful monastery surrounded by lavender fields where the monks perform Gregorian chants at 09.30 and where you can buy products prepared by the monks such as bread, pastries and liqueurs. Beware of strict rules of behaviour: hats, miniskirts, tank tops and mobile phones are strictly forbidden.
• Lovers of good wine will appreciate a stop in Beaumes-de-Venise, famous for France’s finest Muscat.
  www.ot-beaumesdevenise.com
• There are more than 40 wine producers in Gigondas , which from Latin means joy and cheerfulness.
  www.gigondas-dm.fr

Travel Tips

• Visit the many medieval centres, which are very characteristic and surrounded by greenery.
• It is worth making a diversion to Vacqueyras, a village with narrow streets that climb up to the castle walls.
  www.vacqueyras.tm.fr
• Climb the Col du Crayon for a spectacular view of the rocky massif.
• Suggested walks: Rock du Midi (50 min), col d’Alsau (1 hour), Sarazzine Tower (1½ hours).
• It is worth a diversion to go up to Suzette, a village with an exceptional panorama.

The route ends in Séguret, one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. Don’t miss the wine festival on the third weekend in August.

Things to do

• For mountain bikers , there are no less than 9 routes around Mont Ventoux with different levels of difficulty, from the easiest of 60 minutes to the most demanding of almost 8 hours. Maps at the tourist office.
• For those who enjoy hiking, there are several routes to take on foot. Maps at the Malaucéne office.
• Given the presence of numerous waterways, a popular activity in this area is trout fishing.
• On the other hand, if you want to try something different, you can rent a quad bike in Crillon-le-Brave and tour the area with it.