On the lavender trail

We have visited Sault on several occasions but this time it was with bikes. After an early breakfast in the village, we headed off in the van to locate the lavender fields.

Early morning in the village of Sault

While searching for lavender we stopped to admire the fields of hay bales

It was late June and the fields weren’t as spectacular as those we had spotted from the A7 motorway travelling south from Lyon but none the less I was happy to be in amongst the many purple fields.

The first fields of lavender we found below the village of Sault

After searching for lavender along some country lanes, we found a place to park our van and it was a good starting point to cycle along the quiet Route du Vallon to the lovely village of Aurel. There was plenty more lavender to see with a smattering of poppies and other wildflowers. Perfect.

Lavender and poppies

Aurel is a quiet village perched on a hilltop and surrounded by fields of lavender and vineyards.

Entering Aurel by bike

We circled the village and Chris decided to push on a little further while I stopped to admire some of the attractive buildings.

We replenished ourselves with a drink and snack at the bar in the village before cycling back towards our van.

A good place to replenish ourselves bar/restaurant Relais du Mont Ventoux in Aurel

We both tried a bit of the Route du Ventoux but by now it was too hot so we popped the bikes in the van and continued on four wheels.

We stopped at Les Lavandes de Champelle – The family have been lavender producers since 1959 and they sell a wonderful selection of products scented with their lavender. We purchased a bottle of essential oil, a jar of honey (miel), a cicada shaped lavender scented soap and a bunch of dried lavender to enjoy during our holiday. It smelt glorious and perfumed our van and accommodation during the next 2 weeks. You will find Les Lavandes de Champelle on the Route du Ventoux heading from Sault to Mont Ventoux.

Continuing past more fields of lavender, the road starts to climb on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux.

The drive up the mountain is spectacular and at the top we parked our van and enjoyed a late lunch of omelette, salad and rosé, whilst taking in the magnificent views, at the restaurant at the summit. I’m sure you will agree that these views are unique and for a bird’s eye view check out this YouTube video.

Feeling on top of the world. Last lunch of our week in Provence at Brasserie Le Vendran, Mont Ventoux

The summit

Arriving back in Bédoin we found the ice cream shop, Glacier du Mont Ventoux – lavande for me, pêche for Chris. A perfect way to celebrate an amazing day.

There is always space for ice cream

After making a few purchases in town, we headed “back home” to our little sanctuary and of the pool and later a BBQ dinner for our last evening.

Au revoir Provence, we hope to be back again soon. if you are interested in cycling in Provence, check out this website for lots more routes to discover and don’t forget to check out La Belle Histoire for a perfect place to stay with amazing hosts.

Relaxing in the shade of the plane trees in Bédoin

Please join me next time as we head north to Burgundy. À bientôt!