Vaison-la-Romaine / Bédoin

This first Tour du Ventoux à Vélo stage offers you a concentrated extract of Provence! After a stretch to warm up, you climb into the Dentelles de Montmirail. Along the way, enjoy remarkable views of this little range, marked by needles of rock delicately chiselled away by erosion. The circuit continues towards the villages of Suzette and Le Barroux via picturesque roads providing incredible views of the great southern slope of the Mont Ventoux. The last part wends its way through vines, orchards and olive groves to Bédoin.

The route

From Vaison Tourist Office, go down the Grande Rue. Before the Roman bridge, turn left onto Avenue César Geoffray. Reaching the D938 road, turn right towards St Marcellin-lès-Vaison. Cross the Ouvèze and just after, at the junction, turn left. Continue carefully on the D938 for 300m, then branch right to follow a parallel road. Cross back over the D938 at the level of La Loupiote Restaurant, then follow Vélo n° 39 signposting. Reaching Malaucène, follow signs for Suzette. The route continues via the villages of Le Barroux, Caromb, Modène and Crillon-le-Brave. At the bottom of Crillon, an alternative stretch leads past ochre rocks, following the Chemin de la Madeleine to the left (Circuit n°24) – the track isn’t tarmacked, so is more suitable for gravel bikes or the like. 

Don't miss

• Vaison-la-Romaine: the medieval upper town; the Roman sights below 
• Malaucène: the little town, known as one of the main starting points for riding up the Mont Ventoux, with many cycle shops; the fine views to be had from the ruins of the former château in the heart of town
• Dentelles de Montmirail: the wonderful views from the Col de la Chaîne pass and the village of Suzette
• Le Barroux: the picturesque historic village dominated by a Renaissance castle
• Crillon-le-Brave: the perched village with great views of the Mont Ventoux
• Bédoin: the village, known as another starting point for climbing the Mont Ventoux by bike, with many cycle shops; the exceptional views from St Antonin Hill

It’s possible to extend the Tour du Ventoux à Vélo by linking up with the Tour des Côtes du Rhône à Vélo, or with the numerous local cycling circuits - discover