All great adventures, all epic journeys, have a beginning and an end. This cycling route could very well mark the beginning of such a journey, as you enter the land of Ventoux. These sixty kilometres rolling through the quiet Provençal back roads, through vineyards, olive groves and ancient rocks, are undoubtedly the finest way to familiarise oneself with the region. The ride will captivate you from the outset and offer a compelling glimpse of the hidden gems this region has in store.

The route presents no major climbs, the only challenge on the programme being the Col de la Madeleine (450 metres) just outside Bédoin – a very manageable and indeed quite lovely 170 metres of effort on a narrow Provençal lane flanked by precisely trimmed boxwood hedges. Vaison-la-Romaine, like many of the villages along the route, deserves a proper stop. Ancient stones have an irresistible power of seduction, a call that is difficult to ignore. To wander into the old village is to willingly lose yourself, so captivating are its alleyways, small squares and courtyards glimpsed behind half-open doors.

The undisputed highlight of this ride, however, is Séguret, the second quintessential Provençal village on the route. Listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, it sits at the foot of a hillside, surrounded by vineyards, with the famous Dentelles de Montmirail mountains as a backdrop. Séguret is an unmissable stop. To truly savour the place, you will need to dismount and push your bike through the cobbled lanes. Here, craftspeople keep alive the tradition of santons ('little saints', the small clay figures that fill Nativity scenes at Christmas). You may not have realised, but Jesus was born in Provence – at least, that is what a good many locals will tell you, with considerable conviction and a hint of bias! The cool shade offered by the narrow, sunken streets is most welcome, so why not take a moment on the village square, push open the door of one of those little shops whose scent of home-made cakes has already caught your attention and simply enjoy the quiet pleasure of the moment.

This loop is a tapestry of discoveries. After a few turns of the pedals, you enter the world-renowned vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône. Here, within just a few kilometres of one another, lie appellations that conjure up far more than mere village names: Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise – the noble wines of the southern Rhône Valley. Even a short stop will confirm that you are deep in fine winemaking heritage that deserves to be celebrated in the proper manner – perhaps later in the day, once the bike has been set aside.

The final fifteen or so kilometres lead you through olive groves. Olive oil is another gastronomic treasure whose artisanal production this region has mastered. From among the olive trees, Ventoux watches over you, and quietly issues its challenge. The time to return to Bédoin has come, and the end of the day promises to be easy and relaxed.

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