Description of the landscape
On leaving the village, there is not much spectacular scenery, but lots of orchards and a few vines, the slope is gentle to reach the hamlet of Sainte Colombe, and why not before arriving there, make a small diversions towards the hamlet of Les Baux and take the road back to Les Bruns and the famous Saint Estève bend, known for two reasons ... the first one, is that at the time of the great hill-climbing race of cars and motorbikes which joined Bédoin to the summit, this bend had an impressive slope, like a speed ring... the second one, is that after this bend the slope is really very hard and announces a real suffering for the cyclists or other sportsmen but also for the engines of the vehicles. A third reason is that from this point on, agriculture gives way to forest.
Without really having any panoramic views, you will make your way through this forest to the first chalets that indicate the arrival at the place called "Chalet Reynard".
To distract you during this long ascent, in summer you can watch, while being attentive and careful, the long column of cyclists who climb this mythical route by the thousands.
The landscape changes at Chalet Reynard, the forest gives way to low vegetation lost in the middle of the rocks. You can quench your thirst, eat at the chalet and take a good sunbath before undertaking the last stretch to the summit, a lunar landscape, a treat for the eyes and an incredible view over the plain to the Rhône and beyond. Don't forget to stop at the stele of Tom Simpson, an English rider who died on the slopes of Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour de France.
By Gérard M.
Little story of the Chalet Reynard
During the winter of 1925-1926 the tourist board of Carpentras organised several events which were a great success...
Because of the easy access provided by the southern road, the only one in existence at the time, the first ski demonstrations were held in the Pointes valley.
In order to offer novice skiers as well as the most experienced a shelter which was indispensable in these places where harsh storms could sometimes break out, the Avignon and Carpentras tourist boards encouraged, with the help of subsidies (4,000 francs per year for 5 years), the construction of a refuge built by its owner, Mr Eugène Reynard.
It was built and inaugurated in 1929. Eugène Reynard, who was also a beekeeper in Bédoin, entrusted the responsibility of the chalet to his daughter Marcelle, known as "Manin". An excellent cook, she welcomed more and more skiers year after year. In all weathers, she carried supplies from Bédoin on mules or sledges and went alone into the forest to get wood for the fireplace. The chalet was progressively enlarged and reinforced with stone walls. A cistern was built to avoid the arduous "round trips" to the Grave fountain.