Good routes from Bedoin (other than Ventoux)

sgt822

Hi,

Looking at adding a bit of variety to my annual pilgrimage to the french alps this coming august. For the last 3 years we have based ourselves in Bourg d'Oisans and cycled just about every ascent within reasonable reach by bike.

I normally get a daily morning pass so aim for routes 50-70miles with minimum 5000 feet of climbing.

This year my good lady is keen to spread our wings and rather than a fortnight in Bourg is keen on Provence for one of the 2 weeks and then a return to Bourg.

Hence Provence = Ventoux- but is there anything else?

My question is simple - including the ascents of Ventoux are there enough local routes commencing in Bedoin (50-70 miles + 5000 feet) to fill a 7 day stay or would a 3-4 day weekend stop off "do the job"?

Any help or advice would be most appreciated. Plus any tip on a good campsite (prefer a cabin rather than a tent :-))

Cheers in anticipation,

I expect that I'm spoiled given the variety on offer from Bourg d'Oisans but given we've got small kids, minimising the upheaval and hassle of daily reloaction is desirable.

whoof

If you search this forum for Ventoux some of the threading including Ventoux in Late October there is info on routes in the area including The Gorge de Nesque

durhamwasp

Sometimes you need a week in Bedoin just to wait for the weather to be good enough to get to the top of the Giant...

JoostG

To answer your question: there is much more than the Ventoux. This summer I will be there with my family and want to do something else than just the Ventoux. With a little bit help of strava segment search and route builder you can create dozens of local round tours. There will be plenty of 200 to 600 meter hills closely to explore.

t4tomo

Yes loads of hills heading north from Ventoux. you can explore those whilst waiting for best wether to hit Ventoux. The gorge de Nesque is a must, either as a loop back to Bedoin folowing a descent via Sault or just on its own.

lemon63

Deffo agree with this;

The gorge de Nesque is a must, either as a loop back to Bedoin folowing a descent via Sault or just on its own.

The Gorge de Nesque was awesome, although we went the opposite direction, going from Bedoin via the Gorge to Sault then up Ventoux and descend back to Bedoin.

sancho_panza

There's a lifetime's riding from Bedoin before you even set foot on the Ventoux!

To the west is the Dentelles - think about a loop taking in Vaison to Gigondas to Beaumes de Venise
To the south is the Nesque and Luberon
East is the lavender plateaux and high passes of Sault
East and north terrific riding around Montbrun, col d'Aulan, Brantes and Buis les Baronnies

Just get a Michelin road map and choose the roads with green shading on them. Try picking up a bike map from the tourist office (they have them in Vaison; I am sure you'll find something similar n Bedoin).

You'll not want to leave! Best riding in the world.