Welcome to Le Prieuré la Madelène, at the foot of Mont Ventoux!

Le Prieuré now has the “Ventoux Cycle Tourism” label

At Le Prieuré, in our guest rooms and cottage, we reserve a special welcome for cyclists, keen sports enthusiasts and those whose favorite pastime is going out for a stroll.

The Ventoux Cycle Tourism Board(Accueil Vélo Ventoux) brings together a hundred or so tourism professionals in the “Land of the Giant of Provence” who have signed the “Cycle Touring” charter and who, like us, are committed to offering a range of services tailored to cyclists. Alongside us in this network dedicated to welcoming cycle tourists, we find bike rental companies and guides, as well as local tourist offices, accommodation providers, restaurants, craftsmen, farmers and leisure facilities.

We offer dedicated services and equipment, with everything from a hearty breakfast to a secure room to store your two-wheeled treasures, as well as a host of other facilities. A tailored range, enabling you to tackle the picturesque roads and paths of our lovely little corner of Provence in ideal conditions.

Find Le Prieuré and all the useful information you need for your stay (including downloadable maps and route sheets) on the Provence by Bike website: bit.ly/Le-Prieure-La-Madelene-en-vélo

8 great reasons to go biking in the Pays du Ventoux 

Visiting the Pays du Ventoux by bike is a great way to discover the region we love. Here are a few of the highlights:

1.  An arduous ascent reserved for the best-trained hardcore cyclists, as well as less challenging, more leisurely rides within everyone’s reach.

While the mythical ascent of Mont Ventoux is so demanding that only the most athletic, best prepared cyclists can aspire to completing it…

→ “Biking to the top of the Ventoux is not crazy. What’s crazy is going back to do it again.” So goes a popular saying in Provence!

… going around it or riding through it in small sections is a “challenge” within everyone’s reach, and a very pleasant way to explore the charms of the surrounding Provence countryside.

2. Embrace freedom and the wilderness of the Ventoux Regional Natural Park

And what wilderness! Ventoux is the newest of the PACA Regional Natural Parks, and is also classified as a Biosphere Reserve.

To find out more about this, go to our blog article dedicated to our Giant of Provence and its various attractions: https://prieurelamadelene.com/le-ventoux-biosphere-et-parc-naturel-regional/

What an enormous feeling of freedom when riding through the region, especially as we have the time (and we take it!) to observe the landscapes, fauna and flora. The routes are small roads that wind through the wild vegetation, so it is not uncommon to see wild animals scurrying about.

The landscapes change as you pedal along, offering a true feast for the eyes. Ever heard about our sunrises and sunsets? They are as splendid as you could ever imagine!

3. Exploring the Ventoux by bike ensures you will discover grandiose, one-of-a-kind landscapes

The region’s marked bicycle routes allow you to discover the Ventoux from all its angles, in a succession of breathtaking viewpoints, with Le Prieuré La Madelène right in the center:       

• To the north, the wild Toulourenc valley, offering grandiose views of the Ventoux.
• To the west, the Dentelles de Montmirail massif and its stunning limestone cliffs.
• To the east, the wide-open spaces of the Sault plateau, the land of lavender.
• To the south, the Comtat Venaissin plain and its magnificently picturesque perched villages! An area abundant with vineyards (Is it ok to hop off your bike for a tasting at one of the local estates? No problem! But we didn’t tell you that.)
• To the south-east, the impressive gorges of the Nesque and the spectacular belvedere of the Rocher du Cire.

4. Cycling in the Ventoux are lets you disconnect and feel a host of positive emotions

In the heart of such beautiful spaces, we take the time to relax away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Say “hello” to cycling and “goodbye” to stresses of work and everyday life.

An incredible feeling of freedom, constant wonder (even bliss), proven enjoyment and smiles galore: 100% guaranteed!

5. Get in some great workouts and enjoy all the Ventoux region has to offer!

For sure, cycling helps you stay in shape and lets you get a breath of fresh air. But it also has another nice advantage: you feel no guilt in taking breaks to savor the region’s gourmet specialties because the calories melt away with each kilometer you pedal once you hit the road again!

There are a great many tasty opportunities in the area. To learn more about them, go browse the articles that we have already dedicated to the subject:

• https://prieurelamadelene.com/la-cuisine-provencale-un-terroir-dexception-et-des-traditions-culinaires-qui-nous-regalent/
• https://prieurelamadelene.com/decouvert-des-vins-et-vignobles-du-ventoux/

6. An unforgettable way to meet local people and your hosts

Here in Provence, people come to greet you and hug you with a wonderful accent. Cycling in Ventoux gives you the opportunity to meet locals on the way, talk with them, discover the local culture and much, much more. And here at Le Prieuré, if you wish, you can share friendly moments with us and with other vacationers. 

7. Wonderful evenings, under the starry skies of Provence

After a day of cycling under the Provence sun, there’s nothing like the enjoyable mild evenings our beloved region offers. Friendly aperitifs, local snacks and delicious dinners await you before you tuck in for cozy, restful nights in the comfort of Le Prieuré’s rooms! What could be more pleasant after working out on the road all day, not to mention a great night of shut-eye on a really good mattress?

8. Much more than just cycling! The Ventoux offers so much to see and do! 

Just because you love cycling doesn’t mean you can’t take part in other activities. For a bit of inspiration, check out these two articles from our blog in which we have selected unusual visits and activities to enjoy all around Le Prieuré:

• https://prieurelamadelene.com/notre-top-10-des-activites-a-pratiquer-aux-alentours/
• https://prieurelamadelene.com/10-visites-insolites-a-30-minutes-du-prieure-la-madelene/

So… When are you coming here for a two-wheeled spin around the Giant of Provence?

In Malaucène, we will welcome you to the Prieuré la Madelène with great pleasure and expert advice.

Bruno and Oliver