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Bédoin at the very foot of Mont Ventoux
With its “kilometre zero”, the starting point for climbing the most challenging face of Mont Ventoux, Bédoin is a very popular village with cyclists from all over the world who come to take up the challenge. While scaling the Giant of Provence can be gruelling, Bédoin promises an laid back lifestyle to all who stay there, due to its Mediterranean climate and friendly residents.
In winter, a surprisingly majestic calm settles over the village and beauty radiates from its surrounding landscape, which is sometimes even covered with snow.
In summer, life moves at a faster pace with the hustle and bustle of the impressive Provençal market every Monday, the constant wave of sports enthusiasts and cyclists passing through, and the joie de vivre exhibited by village residents playing pétanque or enjoying a few drinks on the terrace.
Bédoin, cycling destination par excellence!
Made famous by the Tour de France route, cycling is the number one activity that breathes life into the village of Bédoin and makes it so attractive in the summer season.
Indeed, home to ”kilometre zero”, it is the favourite starting point for cyclists who come to tackle the famously difficult climb of the southern face of Mont Ventoux.
The large Provençal market
With its weekly Monday market, the village of Bédoin comes to life and you will find excellent regional products and local crafts. This is the best place to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil and tapenade, but also to find little gifts and souvenirs to take home. As you browse the stalls, enjoy the intoxicating experience of the morning hustle and bustle, the fragrances, smells and colours for which Provence is renowned.
The village centre
Beneath its large plane trees, the main street in Bédoin is lined with cafés, restaurants, shops and small businesses.
In the summer, immerse yourself in the bustling hubbub of residents, tourists, hikers and cyclists who come to stroll around the village, then take a breather and cool off under the shade of these century-old trees.
Les Demoiselles Coiffées in Bédoin
Close to the hamlet of Baux, several miles from the centre of Bédoin, enjoy a lovely country walk through the ochre fields of Provence on the site known as the Demoiselles Coiffées. These small rocky hills were carved out thousands of years ago by wind, rain and erosion after the sea receded from this part of the land. They are also known as the Cheminées des Fées (Fairy Chimneys), since this spot has a mystical quality owing to the fact it has so few visitors.
Long exploited to collect the ochre pigments necessary for painting, this is now a protected site, so be sure to respect the landscape and tread carefully during your visit.
Local and artisanal products
Provence is famous for its local products, and its producers who pass on their recipes and know-how from generation to generation.
We have selected for you two places in Bedoin where you can find emblematic products of this beautiful Provence.
- The grocery shop Ô saveurs du ventoux for its fresh fruits and vegetables, its olive oils, truffle products and local products, as well as its catering part.
For more information: Ô saveurs du Ventoux Facebook page
- The Ruchofruit shop, a small artisanal company created more than 30 years ago, specialising in all fruit and honey-based spreads.
For more information: Ruchofruit website