Nestled at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Bedoin is a picturesque commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France. It encompasses several hamlets where a variety of fruits, asparagus and wine grapes are grown. Bedoin provides a setting for the Tour de France and cycling is a popular activity in the area.
Things to do in Bédoin
Dominating the centre of Bedoin is the Eglise des Baux, a beautiful parish church that was completed in the early 18th century. Its facade is believed to have been inspired by that of the Chiesa del Gesù in Rome and the church served as a prison during the 1794 Reign of Terror. If you’re visiting at Christmas, be sure to admire the Provençal nativity scene made by local residents.
On the eastern outskirts of Bedoin is the Chapelle du Moustier, a stone-built chapel that was established in the 10th or 11th centuries. After being largely destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it was rebuilt in the 18th century and served as a meeting space during the French Revolution. Today, concerts and recitals are held at the Chapelle du Moustier.
Bedoin makes an ideal base for hiking to the summit of Mont Ventoux, which rises 1,910 metres in height. While its forested slopes were stripped of trees to build ships in times gone by, the mountain and its surroundings have since been protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Mont Ventoux provides a setting for one of the most arduous climbs of the Tour de France.
Getting around Bédoin
Bedoin is around 40 minutes’ drive from Avignon and just over an hour from Marseille Provence Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Buses connect to Bedoin, although renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the area.