Malaucène
55km
+1430m
3h30-4h00
spring/summer
3/5*
Physical & technical
Explore the Stunning Dentelles de Montmirail Gravel Loop Near Mont Ventoux
This route is one of the most beautiful gravel tours I’ve experienced in the Vaucluse, near Mont Ventoux. My criteria? Stunning views, a sense of solitude even on country roads, a route made up mainly of gravel paths or trails, and, of course, a bit of challenge. 😉
The tour
This gravel loop is designed for experienced riders who can handle over 1000 meters of elevation gain and feel comfortable navigating rocky, technical paths, both uphill and downhill. I’ll admit, I had to push my bike to climb a short, paved road at the entrance of Gigondas, just to reach a rocky trail that was also demanding.
The route begins in Malaucène, an ideal village for a cycling getaway, as it serves as the starting point for numerous gravel, road, mountain biking, and even trail-running routes!
From the very beginning, this route keeps you off major roads, crossing them only briefly to access gravel paths, such as right after you leave Malaucène. You’ll alternate between quiet, low-traffic country roads and scenic trails all the way to La Roque-Alric. After this charming village, the route becomes predominantly gravel, guiding you toward the stunning Grand Montmirail Trail. This segment takes you through the vineyards of Grand Montmirail, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful and ever-changing views of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The scenery is so incredible, it’s easy to forget about the elevation gain!
After thoroughly exploring the Dentelles de Montmirail, you’ll head toward the Séguret Communal Forest, where a wide, smooth trail is waiting for you. At this point in the ride, most of the elevation gain is behind you, allowing you to enjoy a nice descent and a rewarding downhill stretch.
The trail continues through wooded paths toward Crestet, before connecting to small country roads that lead you back to your starting point in Malaucène.
One of the main advantages of this route is that you’ll rarely ride on major roads for long. The few sections where you do encounter them are only to connect to trails located just across the road or a few meters further.
I highly recommend exploring the Malaucène area with this gravel route, which keeps you far from busy roads.
A big thank you to Laurent for the route! Laurent runs the More Gravel and organizes spontaneous and diverse gravel rides. He regularly shares these rides on Strava or Facebook, allowing passionate riders the chance to join unique routes like this one.
Map & GPX
testé
Best Adresses
(*tested)
RESTAURANTS
Le Petit Auzon*
french cuisine/local/homemade
L'Atelier de La Ferme*
local cuisine, burgers
La Fleur Bleue
Local's Favorite *** traditional cuisine
Saint Hubert
Local's Favorite*** traditional cuisine
Chez Laurette
traditional cuisine
Aquì Sian Bèn
provençale cuisine
Ensemble - Bien Manger
Petits Plats & Gourmandises
RESTAURANTS
Aux Délices du Ventoux*
Bakery
Maison Lou*
Bakery
Le Fournil de Crillon
Bakery
Boulangerie Olivero - Ravel
Bakery
Le Lutin du Ventoux
french cuisine
Chez Jacotte
café restaurant, authentic cuisine
Brasserie Le Vendran*
brasserie
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hôtel Ventoux Provence "Domaine des Tilleuls*
Hôtel
Maison Ventoux 2 Luxe
Appartement
Le Petit Ventoux
Bed & Breakfast
Le Clos Saint Michel & Spa
Gîte/cottage
Pont de l'Orme
Bed & Breakfast
ACTIVITIES
Ventoux Natural Park
Discover the Ventoux Natural Park through hiking or trail running!
Road bike
Climb the Mont Ventoux on your road bike
Wine tasting workshop in a wine cellar
Discover Ventoux through its wines!
Culinary Specialties / Local Products
- Candied fruits d'Apt
- Nougat from Sault
- Papalines from Avignon
- Berlingot from Carpentras
- Quince paste
- Oreillettes
- The macarons of Sault
- Provence honey
- La fougasse (a type of French bread, similar to focaccia)
- Le melon de Cavaillon
- The strawberries from Carpentras
- Thyme from Provence
- The Nyons olive
How to get there ?
Paris - avignon ... 2h40
Lyon - avignon ... 1h20
Marseille - avignon ... 45min
Genève - avignon ... 5h40
Bruxelles - avignon ... 5h35
Aix en Provence - avignon ... 1h00
Marseille - avignon ... 1h15
Arles - avignon ... 45min
Lyon - avignon ... 2h20
Nice - avignon ... 2h40
Avignon - malaucène ... 45min
Discover the surroundings of Mont Ventoux with this beautiful gravel loop around the Dentelles de Montmirail.
