Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This unique climatic patchwork supports wildly diverse fauna and flora, protected un-
der Unesco Biosphere Reserve status. Some species live nowhere else, including the
snake eagle and several other birds as well as butterflies.
Three principle gateways - Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault - provide services in summer,
but they're far apart. You can ascend by road year round, but cannot traverse the summit
from 15 November to 15 April.
Sled the south summit at Chalet Reynard, the daytripper's year-round destination for
lunch, crêpes and coffee; depart from Bédoin or Sault, not Malaucène. Up the isolated
backside, via D974 from Malaucène, the tiny north-facing ski area, Mont Serein, is fun for
a few turns, but nothing serious. Snow melts by April - what you see glimmering in sum-
mer is limestone.
RIVER GORGES DU TOULOURENC
On hot days you can't beat this easy, family-friendly walk beneath Mont Ventoux's wild, northern face. Wear shorts
and water shoes, and hike upstream, splashing in calf-deep water, and explore a spectacular, ever-narrowing lime-
stone canyon. By bike, take the tiny road from Malucène to the hamlet of Veaux (roadsigns say 'hameau de Veaux',
maps say 'Veaux'); by car, the road via Entrechaux is less winding. Park at the blue bridge over the water. Two
hours upstream, there's a Roman bridge - a good turnaround point. Carry food and water.
Cycling
Tourist offices distribute
Les Itinéraires Ventoux,
a free map detailing eleven itineraries -
easy to difficult - highlighting artisanal farms en route. For more cycling trails, see
At
Ventoux Bike Park
(
www.facebook.com/VentouxBikePark
;
bike-park access before
2pm €14, after 2pm €10; 9.30am-4.30pm Mar-Nov)
, near the summit at Chalet
Reynard, thrill-seeking bicyclists ascend via rope-tow, then descend ramps and jumps
down three trails, beginner to advanced. Bring your own mountain bike; helmet and full-
length gloves required.
Bédoin Location
( 04 90 65 94 53;
www.bedoin-location.fr
;
place Portail Olivier, Bédoin; Mar-Nov)
delivers to the summit, and rents equipment.
Rent bikes from Bédoin Location or
La Route du Ventoux
( 04 90 67 07 40;
www.larouteduventoux.com
;
rte du Ventoux, Bédoin; road bikes/mountain bikes/tandems
