The Dentelles

Crillon le Brave

A mixed forecast today of pleasant in the morning, deteriorating as the day went on, to rain pm. So off for a cycle am. Ian had done this route into the Dentelles area, last year, and was really impressed. We cycled over to Crillon Le Brave, which we can see glinting in the distance, from the campsite bar, at night. A lovely little village, on the top of a hill, with great views over the surrounding vineyards, edged with pineapple-scented broom. From there on to Caromb and Beaumes de Venise, another delightful vine-growing area, famous for Muscat sweet wine and hefty Gigondas and Vacqueyras Cotes de Rhone appellation controllee wines. As we worked our way up to the Col de Suzette, we could see the impressive Dentelles, rows of limestone pinnacles which run across the Massif Montmirail. As we pulled up at the col, the views were wonderful. Down along the rocky-edged road and up to the Col de la Chaine, and then the beautiful long descent into Malaucene, over the Col de Madeleine. Up and down back to Bedoin, by now busy with people enjoying their Sunday lunches! Just 30miles, but quite a bit of up and down. A superb cycle ride through vineyards and dramatic rocky scenery, that I'd definitely do again.

Dentelles in distance