Dream destinations in the mountains Part 5: Mont Ventoux
The windswept summit of Mont Ventoux in Provence is a challenge - for the professionals in the Tour de France and many amateur cyclists. But with an e-bike, (almost) everyone can manage the 22-kilometre climb from Bedoin to the summit. Cycling is a little more relaxed at the foot of the Ventoux, which has been designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Hundreds of kilometres of low-traffic roads and country lanes wind their way through vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields to medieval villages. Or up to the rocky outcrops and gorse slopes of the Massif des Dentelles. More than 30 routes of varying lengths have been signposted and mapped in the region as part of the "La Provence à vélo" project.
E-bike hire
Bedoin Location in the village of Bedoin, www.bedoin-location.fr
Worth seeing
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: medieval papal town with countless wine estates; www.chateauneuf.com
- Vaison-la-Romaine: medieval old town centre with Roman excavations and imposing castle; www.vaison-la-romaine.com
- Ventoux wineries with tasting, e.g. Cave Les Vignerons de Canteperdrix in Mazan; www.demazet.com
- View from Mont Ventoux (1,912 m): Mediterranean, Pyrenees, Alps
Accommodation
- Hotel La Garance in Sainte-Colombe near Bedoin: charming Provence hostel on the ascent to the Ventoux; www.lagarance.fr
- Hotel Crillon le Brave: a noble hideaway in the medieval village of the same name; www.crillonlebrave.com/de
Tour tips
- "Les Terrasses du Ventoux": easy tour from Mazan to ride into the hills at the foot of the Ventoux (26 km).
- "Entre plaine et piémont": not too difficult tour between Bedoin, Mazan and Crillon-la-Brave (35 km).
- "Le Tour du Comtat Venaissins": medium-difficulty multi-day tour in the hills and foothills of Mont Ventoux (115 km)
Further details and tours: www.provence-radfahren.de
Guided cycle tours
Travelling individually with cycle guide Olivier Brunaud: www.egobike-montventoux.com
Literature/Maps
- Cycle tour maps "La Provence à Velo" in the tourist offices.
- Interactive cycle tour map: www.provence-radfahren.de
Tourist-Info
www.provenceguide.com
www.destination-ventoux.com
The full article was published in E-BIKE issue 3/2017. You can download the issue in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
