In the Vaucluse, just 20 miles from Avignon, the sunny village of Bédoin sits at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the “Giant of Provence.”
Sheltered from the Mistral wind, Bédoin is a popular spot for cyclists, hikers, and anyone wanting to explore the beautiful Vaucluse landscapes.
In fact, my husband and I hiked there from our hotel in Provence, Hotel Crillon-le-Brave.
Like others, we came to do some advance scouting before my husband’s attempt (successful!) to climb Mount Ventoux.
Guide To Bédoin: What To See & Do
Here are some things to do in and around Bédoin.
Village Old Town
The village itself is lively, with shops, outdoor cafes, and restaurants along the charming main street, Avenue Barral des Baux.
Be sure to turn down the pretty, cobbled side streets too. You’ll see some classic Provencal facades with painted shutters.
Water also features prominently In Bédoin, with 15 fountains and a washhouse where locals often gather to chat and gossip.
Church of Saint Pierre
Before you even reach the village, you’ll spot the impressive baroque Church of Saint Pierre on top of Saint-Antonin hill.
Built between 1708 and 1736, its grand Jesuit-style facade, somewhat reminiscent of cathedrals in Mexico, stands out. The wrought-iron campanile and the backdrop of snow-capped Mont Ventoux add to its unique charm.
Surrounding the church, the medieval village’s stone and ochre-tinted houses line the narrow, old streets, creating a cozy, picturesque atmosphere.
A notable landmark is the memorial stele, inaugurated on May 4, 1795, commemorating the victims of the French Revolution.
During this dark period, Bédoin, known for its royalist and papal loyalties, faced severe repression. In 1794, 66 villagers were executed, houses were burned, and places of worship were destroyed.
Mount Ventoux Hub
If you are cycling through Provence, which we were, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a cycling shop or two in town. They comes complete with all sort of Mount Ventoux gear.
Bédoin is famously known as one of the starting points for the challenging climb up Mont Ventoux, a renowned stage in the Tour de France.
The ascent typically begins on the D974 road (Route de Mont Ventoux), right in the heart of Bédoin. This road takes cyclists on a demanding journey to the summit of Mont Ventoux.
My husband went up under his own steam. I took an e-bike. That allowed me to stop and take photos and such.
The climb itself starts out relatively easy. But that changes quickly as you enter a beautiful forest with endless switchbacks.
As your lungs start to sear, you have some beautiful scenery to keep you company. Until you cross the tree line, that is. Then, you enter a blackish moonscape complete with fog.
Be forewarned, there are no plateaus or resting spots. It’s straight up.
And it’s extremely chilly at the top, partly due to the high winds. This is true even in summer.
The summit is “bald,” with almost no vegetation. In fact, from afar, you may think Mount Ventoux is perpetually covered in snow. No, it’s the limestone!
When we were there in early May, the mountain had just opened to cyclists after being snowed in.
Sault
After your descent from Ventoux, you’ll likely arrive in the town of Sault on the northeast side of the mountain. Or you can drive there.
Sault is a picturesque village renowned for its lavender fields that typically bloom from late June to early August.
Perched on a hillside, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the Saint of Provence.
Sault is also known for its charming streets, historic buildings, and vibrant market, where visitors can find local products such as honey, lavender, and artisanal crafts.
Monday Market
The other notable thing about Bédoin is the town’s weekly market. It’s held on Monday mornings, and is one of the best in Provence. Bring cash!
It’s sprawls throughout the town and the main square. You’ll find fresh produce, flowers, ceramics, handcrafted items, and regional specialties like fresh herbs, olives, and garlic.
If you want to grab lunch, there is a nice mix of cafes and restaurants. We tried Restaurant Le Guintrand.
The area around Domaine des Anges is home to several vineyards and wineries. You can go on wine tasting tours, vineyard visits, and sampling the local Ventoux wines.
You can check out Domaine de Piéblanc near Domaine des Anges or Château Pesquié or Domaine des Angesin in Mormoiron (a town that’s impossible to pronounce properly!).
Gorges de la Nesque
If you want to hike near Bédoin, the Gorges de la Nesque is approximately 15.5 miles from Bédoin.
The drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
The journey offers scenic views. And it’s well worth the trip for the beautiful hiking trails and stunning gorge landscapes you’ll find there.
Vaison-la-Romaine
Another charming village to explore just 15 miles from Bédoin is Vaison-la-Romaine.
This hidden gem in northern Provence is off the beaten path compared to the region’s main tourist spots. Vaison-la-Romaine is a historic town built almost entirely of stone, adorned with striking cypress trees.
Situated on the Ouvèze River, the town offers a unique dual experience, divided into an upper medieval section and a lower Roman section. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a double dose of history in one visit.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Bédoin. You may find these other Provence travel guides useful:
- hidden gems in Provence
- hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
- one day in Avignon itinerary
- one day in Roussillon itinerary
- one day in Gordes itinerary
- guide to the Pope’s Palace in Avignon
- top attractions in Arles
If you need a guide to Bedoin, pin it for later.
