Bédoin: Trails and Village History at Mont Ventoux

The Bédoin area includes the summit of Mont Ventoux, at 1,908 metres. When planning your stay, you can focus on different things: trails through the landscape, views of the surrounding area or the village’s history. Cycling, mountain biking, hiking, trail running and climbing are also among the activities on the southern side of Mont Ventoux.

Hiking and Views at Mont Ventoux

The GR 91 and GR 4 long-distance hiking trails cross Mont Ventoux. Combe Obscure lies on the GR 91 and offers numerous hiking opportunities. There is also considerable potential for climbing routes of all levels.

Several named trails offer different highlights. The “Gros Pata” starts in Bédoin, is 15 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 530 metres. The “Montée sèche” offers 360-degree views 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 “Grand Ventoux” trail also offers 360-degree views.

The “Collet rouge” passes through the Combe de Malaval and by caves that people have used at different times. On the descent along the “Montée / Descente” trail, the route passes between caves. Trail information comes from a map dated September 2022; check the current waymarking and access before setting out.

Cycling Routes and Vineyards

The family cycling route “Aux portes du Ventoux” starts in Bédoin and is 22.4 kilometres long. It passes through vineyards and orchards, as well as the ochre-coloured villages of Bédoin and Flassan, with their colourful houses. At the time of writing, the route was still being waymarked. Check the current waymarking status before setting off.

Another way to discover the landscape is the five-kilometre wine walk in Bédoin, which takes you through the Ventoux vineyards. Route details and seasonal availability may change; check the latest information in advance.

The southern side of Mont Ventoux is also designated a Natura 2000 site. Together with the activities in the massif, it offers a different perspective on Bédoin from the trails through the vineyards and the colourful houses in the two villages.

Village History and Historic Sites

The Chapelle de la Madeleine, on the road to Malaucène, was built in the 11th century and is the village’s oldest building. 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 fortifications are in the area of the former Portail Catheron.

The village’s history also includes dramatic events: Bédoin was destroyed in 1794 and rehabilitated a year later. The Chapelle de Bécarras was built at the burial site of the victims executed in Bédoin on 28 May 1794.

Colline Saint Antonin is one of the oldest places in the area to have been settled and developed by people. It offers an exceptional view of the whole village of Bédoin and the entire southern side of Mont Ventoux. The site thus combines historical significance with sweeping views of the village and the massif.

Explore Bédoin for Yourself

You can explore the village independently by following the information boards. Guided tours of Bédoin are offered by the Culture and Heritage Department of CoVe; check the dates before your trip. This lets you consider a village walk and exploring the named trails as different ways to spend your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sivergues, Cheval-Blanc, Saignon, Saint-Martin-De-La-Brasque, Lacoste, Roussillon, Bédarrides, Méthamis

For the main travel overview: Vaucluse.