The commune of Bédoin includes the 1,908-metre summit of Mont Ventoux. This brings together two distinct aspects of planning a trip: outdoors, mountain and cycling routes take centre stage, while churches, chapels and remnants of fortifications tell the story of the village. When choosing accommodation in Bédoin, it is worth considering the focus of your stay: will it be mainly about routes on Ventoux, or will you also make time for the historic sites?
Hiking at Mont Ventoux
The southern side of Mont Ventoux is suitable for cycling, mountain biking, hiking, trail running and climbing. The area’s status is also noteworthy: the southern side is designated as a Natura 2000 site. The long-distance hiking trails GR 91 and GR 4 cross Mont Ventoux; GR 91 runs over the mountain. The Combe Obscure lies along it and offers numerous hiking opportunities. It also has considerable potential for climbing routes of all levels.
The “Gros Pata” trail starts in Bédoin, is 15 kilometres long and has 530 metres of elevation gain. The “Montée sèche” trail offers a 360-degree view of the Rhône delta, the Alpilles, the Luberon, the Monts de Vaucluse, the Plateau de Sault and Lure, the Alps, and the Dentelles de Montmirail. The “Collet rouge” trail passes through the Combe de Malaval and by caves used by people at different times. On the “Montée / Descente” trail, the descent passes between caves. Check the current waymarking and access arrangements before setting out.
The Colline Saint Antonin offers a different perspective: from there, the view extends across the entire village of Bédoin and the whole southern side of Mont Ventoux. The hill is also one of the oldest places in this area to have been settled and developed by people.
Cycling routes and wine country
The family cycling route “Aux portes du Ventoux” is 22.4 kilometres long and starts in Bédoin. At the time this information was written, its signposting was still being developed; check the waymarking before setting out. The route passes through vineyards and orchards, as well as the ochre-toned villages of Bédoin and Flassan, with their colourful houses.
You can explore the wine country on foot on the wine walk in Bédoin, which runs for five kilometres through the Ventoux vineyards. As route details and seasonal availability may change, check this information before your visit. This gives you a choice of different ways to spend your time: a longer cycling route through landscapes and villages, or a shorter walk focusing on the vineyards.
Buildings and history in Bédoin
The Chapelle de la Madeleine, on the road to Malaucène, was built in the 11th century and is considered the oldest building in the village. The Église Saint-Pierre was built between 1708 and 1736 and consecrated in 1760; it is listed in the inventory of historic monuments. The most significant surviving fortification remains are in the area of the former Portail Catheron.
The events of 1794 are also part of the village’s history: Bédoin was destroyed that year and rehabilitated a year later. The Chapelle de Bécarras was built at the burial site of the victims who were executed in Bédoin on 28 May 1794. These places tell different parts of the village’s story; their construction, religious use and commemoration can be considered separately as you explore.
Explore the village
You can explore the village of Bédoin independently by following the information panels. The CoVe’s culture and heritage department also offers guided tours of Bédoin. If you would like to plan a guided tour, check the dates in advance. This lets you choose between an independent walk and a guided visit, and combine the historic sites with the hiking or cycling options available during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Roaix, Sault-De-Vaucluse, Saint-Pantaléon, Gigondas, Cabrières-D'avignon, Merindol, Sivergues, Uchaux.
Back to the main travel overview: Vaucluse.
