Cycling in Provence
Our first bike ride started from our accommodation ‘La Belle Histoire’ in Bédoin. As we rode through the village, it was a hive of activity as the stall holders were busy setting up for the weekly market. From here it was uphill towards Mont Ventoux before turning right and a lovely downhill run, past lots of cherry trees towards the village of Flassan. Read more about the village here.
We rode around the village and then continued towards Villes-sur-Auzon. This section of the ride was exhilarating as we whizzed along passing vineyards and workers picking cherries in the orchards. InVilles -sur-Auzon , we took a table at Café du Soleil for croissants, coffee and a glass of wine, bien sûr. It’s a great spot to watch the comings and goings of an array of traffic from bicycles to super cars.
Café du Soleil in Villes-sur-Auzon
Replenished, it was time for the long gradual uphill journey to Flassan and then the relief of downhill back at our accommodation.
Our lovely accommodation ‘La Belle Histoire’ in Bédoin
After lunch, I relaxed by the pool but Chris felt the need for a second ride to Col de la Madeline.
Chris adds another Col to his list, by riding over Col de la Madeline located between Bédoin and Malaucène
Reward for the cyclists
After a day ‘off the bikes’, it was time for Chris to attempt Mont Ventoux. He had already achieved this feat in 2009 and 2015 but it was now 2024. Could he still do it? However, as this was one of our main reasons for staying in Bédoin, I waved him off with lots of encouragement.
Le Geant de Provence
Mont Ventoux is tough and even with photographic proof, it’s hard to believe just how difficult the climb is and how surreal the surroundings are, particularly around the summit. The weather can change in the blink of an eye and we have been caught out on several occasions. While I enjoyed painting in the garden at our accommodation, a battle was being played out between Chris and Le Geant de Provence.
A triumphant and emotional moment for Chris as he conquers Mont Ventoux for a third time. At 63, an amazing accomplishment. Bravo!
A perfect reward at the end of an exhausting ride
The next day, we rode into Bédoin for breakfast at La Fabrique boulangerie before we headed off on our ride to the Gorges de la Nesque a spectacular gorge between Villes-sur-Auzon and Monieux.
Enjoying breakfast at La Fabrique boulangerie in Bédoin
Both suffering the effects of recent rides we pushed on through Flassan, Villes-sur-Auzon, pausing briefly before we ventured onto the quiet D942 road, which winds gently upwards offering spectacular views. Even I could ride some of the road before turning around for the downhill thrill. Watch a short YouTube video here.
C’est moi cycling the Gorges de la Nesque
The ride between Villes-sur-Auzon and Flassan is along a quiet country road lined with vineyards and orchards, with Mont Ventoux always present, below right.
Before heading back to our accommodation, we stopped in the village for a glass of rosé at La Pampa Bar & Tabac. A great place to admire the village life in the shade of the old plane trees.
The day had all ready been loaded with fun but it wasn’t over yet. Join me next time as I take you on a special dining experience. À bientôt!
