With the family

The summit of Mont Ventoux

At 1,910 m, the Giant of Provence towers over the whole region. Its summit is a vast scree of white limestone, hence its other nickname, the “Bald Mountain”, topped since 1966 by an observation tower more than 40 m high. On a clear day, the view stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean. More than 700,000 people go up every year.

The Tour de France finished a stage here on 22 July 2025, and the Tour de France Femmes held the finish of its queen stage here on 7 August 2026. Note: on 18 October 2026, the road is closed from 1pm to 6pm between Chalet Reynard and the Col des Tempêtes.

Practical info. From Bédoin, 21.8 km via the D974. Road closed in winter beyond Chalet Reynard (usually mid-November to mid-April, dates set each year). Bring warm clothing: it is much cooler than down below.

The Bédoin quarries walk

A gentle loop of about 6 km around the village, almost flat, ideal with the family or at the end of the day when the heat eases.

Practical info. About 6 km, a 2-hour walk, 80 m of ascent. Detailed route on Visorando. Find out more ↗

The Gorges du Toulourenc

North of Mont Ventoux, the Toulourenc has carved out gorges around a hundred metres high; at the narrowest point, the Estrechon, they are sometimes only 1.50 m wide. In summer, you walk upstream with your feet in the water, between the limestone walls: a refreshing hike that families love.

Practical info. Starts from the car park in the hamlet of Veaux (Malaucène), paid and regulated in summer, often full by mid-morning. Wear closed shoes that can go in the water. Do not go if storms are forecast: the water can rise suddenly. No access during orange or red weather warnings. Find out more ↗

The Groseau spring and chapel

Just outside Malaucène, on the road up Mont Ventoux, a spring gushes out at the foot of a cliff more than 100 m high: it is the second-largest resurgence in the Vaucluse after Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, tapped by the Romans to supply Vaison-la-Romaine. Close by, the Romanesque chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Groseau was once a summer residence of Pope Clement V.

Practical info. Free access all year, car park and picnic area: a cool spot in summer. The chapel, closed to the public, can be seen from outside. Waymarked 5.4 km loop from the village. Find out more ↗

The lac du Paty

At the foot of Mont Ventoux, this long, narrow lake is held back by a dam built between 1764 and 1766, one of the oldest large dams in France still in use. Surrounded by pines and olive trees, facing the Dentelles and Mont Ventoux, it is perfect for a stroll, a picnic or some fishing.

Practical info. Free access, picnic tables. Fishing regulated (permit required). No supervised swimming: for a family swim, choose the plan d'eau des Salettes lake instead. Find out more ↗

The Mont Serein resort

On the north side of Mont Ventoux, at around 1,400 m, the resort stays much cooler than the plain in summer. Families will find a summer toboggan (dévalkart), tubing, treetop adventure courses from age 3, trampolines, pony rides and short hiking trails. In winter, it is a small ski resort.

Practical info. In summer, open in the afternoon: every day in July and August, weekends in June and early September. Activities are paid; check opening times with the resort. Find out more ↗

The plan d'eau des Salettes lake

Among the vineyards, facing Mont Ventoux, this lake has a sandy beach lined with pines and lifeguarded swimming in summer: one of the few places near Mont Ventoux for a family swim. Around it: walks, mountain biking and orienteering courses.

Practical info. Free entry, paid parking. Lifeguarded swimming in summer. Restaurant and toilets on site. Right next door, the Ventoux Aventure treetop adventure park. Find out more ↗

Ventoux Aventure

Next to the lac des Salettes, treetop courses for every age: the youngest, from age 3, stay less than a metre off the ground, while older ones take on more than a hundred obstacles and long zip lines. Plus an escape game and electric scooters.

Practical info. Open from late March to early November; outside school holidays, weekdays by booking only. Allow about 3 hrs. Under-12s must be accompanied. Find out more ↗

The Aroma'Plantes distillery

Surrounded by the lavender fields of the pays de Sault, this family-run distillery shows how plants become essential oils: free museum spaces, guided tours and workshops for young and old. Tours also in English and German.

Practical info. Open every day all year round (except 25 December). Guided tours several times a day in summer. Café and shop. Find out more ↗

The Château du Barroux

This 12th-century fortress, turned into a Renaissance residence, overlooks the Comtat plain facing Mont Ventoux. Burnt down in 1944 and then restored, it is open to visitors: halls, terraces, loggia, spiral staircases and a chapel with 18th-century wall paintings.

Practical info. Open every day from May to September, with a lunch break the rest of the year; closed in January. Paid entry, reduced for children. Find out more ↗

The Calvaire, a lookout over the village

A castle once stood above the old village; it was taken down stone by stone in the 18th century and replaced by three crosses. A cobbled path lined with thirteen small shrines climbs to this quiet, green hilltop, with a view over the red-tiled roofs and the village's monuments.

Good to know. On foot from the old village, up the cobbled path. Free access. Find out more ↗