4 slow tourism experiences in the Toulourenc valley

Cycling along the river

Since travel is not just a destination, but an experience that invites you to slow down your pace, why not discover the Toulourenc valley by bike? The La Provence à vélo website offers a 52km loop starting from Entrechaux, which you can use as inspiration for your own tour between Ventoux and Baronnies. Preferably equipped with an electrically-assisted bike, as the route is quite challenging, this itinerary follows the Toulourenc river and leads to the discovery of the valley's three villages, Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, Brantes and Savoillans, all of which make lovely stops along the way.

The Singular Garden of Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux

A singular garden (Le Jardin Singulier in french), but a plural place to recharge your batteries. Imagine a forest house reinvested with a bookshop dedicated to the riches of the region, coupled with a pleasant restaurant space where "home-made" food is cultivated. It's the perfect place to peruse the latest issue of Carnets du Ventoux, or to pick up a book from the attractive selection offered by L'Esprit des lieux. Outside, the undergrowth is home to a botanical trail along which the trees tell you stories, a land art trail where you can curl up in a hammock to reconnect with nature, hand and foot sensory trails, games... So many propositions that invite you to observe and appreciate the beauty and poetry of the surrounding nature.

The Aventurières du goût "walk and cook" workshops in Brantes

Poetry can also be found in the dishes of Les Aventurières du goût. Based in the hilltop village of Brantes, home to a number of artists and craftspeople, Odile and Laurie, one an ethnobotanist, the other a cook, run gourmet workshops exploring edible plants and wild flowers. The workshops* are divided into three stages, beginning with a stroll through the village to identify, select and pick these often little-known plants, which are nonetheless rich in vitamins, trace elements and minerals. The plants are then combined with seasonal fruit and vegetables to create original, healthy recipes for a natural, balanced meal... Then it's time for a convivial tasting session.

*Workshop from April to November, Thursdays at 4pm and Saturdays at 10am (duration 4/5h; €65).

Stopover at the Montbrun-les-Bains thermal spa

Montbrun-les-Bains is one of France's most beautiful villages, and is the gateway to the valley to the east. You'll be charmed by its winding streets, tall six- or seven-storey houses anchored in the rock, the ruins of its Renaissance château and its fountains, but the village is also worth a visit for its thermal spa, fed by sulfur springs exploited since Antiquity. In addition to medical cures, it has a thermal spa (swimming pool, hammam and sauna, etc.) open to all. Sitting in a jacuzzi on the panoramic terrace, facing the Ventoux, you'll agree it's all about slow travel...

Need a cozy nest?

To enjoy the serenity of the Toulourenc valley, don't hesitate to stay in one of the surrounding villages. Slow Provence is sure to have something for you.

And to find your getaway not far, trust us and book Villa Olympe in Entrechaux now! 

We also fell in love with Bergerie des Collines nestled in the heart of nature in Drôme Provençale!