Malaucène or Bédoin
35km
+700m
1h50
all year
2/5*
Physical & technical
This loop is a perfect mix of gravel trails and country roads, taking you from two famous villages in the area : Malaucène and Bédoin. Those are 2 of the 3 starting points of the ascension of the Mont Ventoux. However, you won’t go up to the summit but whereas have it in the background on most of the trails you will take.
There are no major difficulties throughout the ride, only a short hill on km18, with larger rocks but if you push yourself, you will get through it without putting your foot on the ground. There is also the Col de la Madeleine, that you will climb at the beginning of the ride, and the end, if you start from Malaucène. And even though it is called a “Col” and have a sign at the top, it is not even +200m of elevation.
After the Col de la Madeleine, you will be exploring the old Ocres quarry of Bédoin, or this red sand area famous for MTB riders. You might struggle riding in the sand, but challenge yourself to no put your foot on the ground 😉
There are a couple of places like this in Provence, you should check out those three places :
- Ocres de Mormoiron
- Mines de Bruoux, Gargas
- Le colorado Provençal, Rustrel
Once you’ve reached Bédoin, you will take a large gravel trail that will take you back to Malaucène. The last portion of the route is on the road, starting from the Col de la Madeleine. It will be the same road that you’ve taken at the beginning of the ride.
If you’re looking for a short but beautiful gravel ride starting from Malaucène or Bédoin, you should definitely try this one! And since you’re not going too high in altitude, you can do it all year long 😉
If you’d like to attempt the ascension of the Mont Ventoux on your gravel, here are two itineraries that will take you up to the summit :
My Equipments
For this itinerary
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
Discover the surroundings of Mont Ventoux with this beautiful gravel loop around the Dentelles de Montmirail.
