Accueil » Unveiling the gravel trails of Provence : 46km +1000m

Unveiling the gravel trails of Provence : 46km +1000m

by Kim Gintrand
landscape provence gravel ride vaucluse malaucène
Start/Finish

Malaucène

Distance

46km

Elevation gain

+1000m

Duration

2h50

Best seasons

all year

Difficulty

3/5*

Physical & technical

If you’re looking for a longer gravel ride starting from Malaucène, this one is a great one. This loop is about 50% gravel 50% road, and sometimes the roads are better to be ridden with your gravel bike as they are quite damaged. You will take a lot of DFCI which are large forest trails and are pretty smooth. They can be sometimes challenging as you will have some elevation gain during this ride. 

gravel ride malaucène bédoin provence france
DFCI Vaison la Romaine
gravel ride malaucène bédoin provence france
Crestet

There are usually a lot of beautiful views but I wasn’t lucky that day and could sometimes only the clouds.  I was still able to see the Dentelles de Montmirail though! 

suzette malaucène gravel ride
La Roque-Alric
dentelles de montmirail provence vaucluse gravel ride
Dentelles de Montmirail

You will ride through some beautiful traditional provençal villages such as Crestet, La Roque-Alric, Le Barroux,… Make sure that you take a bright layer during the hunting season.

gravel ride provence gravel kim itinéraire vélo
Le barroux gravel ride vaucluse provence ventoux
Le Barroux
gravel trail ride vaucluse provence malaucène

This loop is a great ride in the area, I’d highly recommend to do it if you can!

If you’d like to attempt the ascension of the Mont Ventoux on your gravel, here are two itineraries that will take you up to the summit : 

My Equipments

For this itinerary

Bike

COMMENCAL - 365 SIGNATURE pure white


 
Wheels

CORIMA - ESSENTIA 40


 
Pedals

LOOK - X-TRACK RACE CARBON TI


 
Saddle

FIZIK - VENTO ARGO R3 adaptative


 
Tires

HUTCHINSON - TOUAREG 700x40 - Tubeless ready - Hardskin


 
Shoes

FIZIK - ERGOLACE GTX - Ice Grey / Black


 
Bike computer

GARMIN - Edge® 840 Solar


 
Helmet

MET - Trenta


 
Sunglasses

OAKLEY - Sutro Lite Photochromic


 
Near the itinerary
Best Adresses

(*tested)

RESTAURANTS

Vaison-la-Romaine

Le Petit Auzon*

french cuisine/local/homemade

Malaucène

L'Atelier de La Ferme*

local cuisine, burgers

Crestet

La Fleur Bleue

Local's Favorite *** traditional cuisine

Entrechaux

Saint Hubert

Local's Favorite***  traditional cuisine

Malaucène

Chez Laurette

traditional cuisine

Malaucène

Aquì Sian Bèn

provençale cuisine

Vaison-la-Romaine

Ensemble - Bien Manger

Petits Plats & Gourmandises

RESTAURANTS

Malaucène

Aux Délices du Ventoux*

Bakery

Malaucène

Maison Lou*

Bakery

Crillon le Brave

Le Fournil de Crillon

Bakery

Bédoin

Boulangerie Olivero - Ravel

Bakery

Bédoin

Le Lutin du Ventoux

french cuisine

Vaison-la-Romaine

Chez Jacotte

café restaurant, authentic cuisine

Sommet du Mont Ventoux

Brasserie Le Vendran*

brasserie

ACCOMMODATIONS

Beaumont-de-Ventoux

Les Oliviers du Taulisson

Bed & breakfast

Malaucène

Hôtel Ventoux Provence "Domaine des Tilleuls*

Hôtel 

Malaucène

Maison Ventoux 2 Luxe

Appartement

Malaucène

Le Petit Ventoux

Bed & Breakfast

Malaucène

Le Clos Saint Michel & Spa

Gîte/cottage

Malaucène

Pont de l'Orme

Bed & Breakfast

ACTIVITIES

Mont Ventoux

Ventoux Natural Park

Discover the Ventoux Natural Park through hiking or trail running!

Mont Ventoux

Road bike

Climb the Mont Ventoux on your road bike

Mont Ventoux

Wine tasting workshop in a wine cellar

Discover Ventoux through its wines!

Culinary Specialties / Local Products

  • Candied fruits d'Apt
  • Nougat from Sault
  • Papalines from Avignon
  • Berlingot from Carpentras
  • Quince paste
  • Oreillettes
  • The macarons of Sault
  • Provence honey
  • La fougasse (a type of French bread, similar to focaccia)
  • Le melon de Cavaillon
  • The strawberries from Carpentras
  • Thyme from Provence
  • The Nyons olive

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Destinations Gravel is much more than just a guide for gravel routes and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, guesthouses, and local businesses; it embodies the richness of our territories and opens the doors to unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re planning your next trip, a weekend getaway, or simply a ride near your home, Destinations Gravel will inspire you.

 

In addition to being a dedicated source of information for gravel cycling in France and for a few escapes around the world, the guide allows you to discover various aspects of the territories, along with sports-friendly recipes and expert advice on equipment. With captivating content, it takes you on a journey with the commitment to responsible cycling.

 

More than an anonymous reference guide, the routes in Destinations Gravel are tested by @gravel_kim to assist you in choosing your gravel explorations.

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