Passing through the South of France? Stay in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze

Latest update: 8 June 2023

Not far from the famous Mont Ventoux is the French village of Mollans-sur-Ouvèze. You probably won’t find it in any travel guide. So don’t expect an endless supply of activities and sights, but you can count on infinite peace and quiet (assuming you’re not going to climb Mont Ventoux).

Mollans-sur-Ouvèze in France

Mollans-sur-Ouvèze is a fluke for me on my way to Barcelona. I want to split up the journey and not stress about the ferry’s departure time to Mallorca from Barcelona. So I search for a nice place to stay for a relaxed evening at about three-quarters of the journey, and that’s how I end up in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze. With about 1,000 inhabitants, it is wonderfully silent here, but I can imagine that the place fills up during the Tour de France. Many people search for vacation packages in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze around that time because the Mont Ventoux is close by – I (naively) only discover that when I arrive, I had no idea.

Holiday home in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze with a view of Mont Ventoux

I’m staying at Instant Bohème: a lovely apartment that’s also perfect for a longer stay. The kitchen is simple but does the job. It’s a shame there is only one Nespresso cup for two people – who gets coffee in the morning? Caffeine-deprived coffee-fight! The bed is nice and big and comfortable. The living room is not that special, but I mainly want to stay on the pleasantly furnished terrace anyway.

The top of Mont Ventoux can be seen from the terrace. A few seating areas and a swimming pool are at the back of the house. Unfortunately, it is far too cold for a swim, but I can imagine wonderful summer days here. Take a sip of French wine, and gaze from the pool to the top of the mountain – count me in. By the way, you can bring your dog here.

The apartment in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze is on a quiet street, and you can walk straight into nature and the mountains. Many people also visit Mont Ventoux from here; some even climb it by bike. The apartment owner raises an eyebrow when we say that we have seen very little of the area. You can see him think: but why? It really is a shame we are just passing through.

Mont Ventoux by car

Do you have a little more time than us in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, but you don’t really feel sporty? Then you can simply drive up Mont Ventoux by car. Ideal! Expect a kind of moonscape and impressive views over the mountains. Find an example route.

Do you want to make something special from your car trip to Mont Ventoux? Then check out this Winery & Picnic tour that you can do without a guide.

Mont Ventoux on foot

Many roads lead to… the Mont Ventoux. You can map out your route with the Kamoot app, there you will find many suggestions. Or buy a walking guidebook, then you don’t have to worry about cell phone reach.

Climbing Mont Ventoux by bike

The Mont Ventoux is one of the most challenging climbs in cycling. Nevertheless, many Dutch people are attracted to the mountain and give it a try. Some take their racing bike on the road, others go offroad with a mountain bike. You can set off with a guide or plan your own route in advance. There is a lot of information available online, and you can also go to the local tourist office (in Mollans-sur-Ouvèze for example) for advice.

“Explore” the center of Mollans-sur-Ouvèze

To reach the center of Mollans-sur-Ouvèze from the apartment, it’s smart to take the car as it’s too far to walk. The town is tiny, and you drive through it in no time by car. The highlight is the fountain, and there is a castle tower – I told you there wasn’t much! At the fountain you cross an old, I think medieval, bridge where you get a beautiful view and that cozy village feeling at the same time.

Coffee time in Entrechaux

Just five minutes away from Mollans-sur-Ouvèze is the even smaller village of Entrechaux. The center is no more than a section of the main road with a few shops on both sides. You’ll find Boulangerie Valentin, but seriously: I’ve never eaten such disappointing croissants in France. So skip the bakery. Instead, cross the road and settle on the terrace of Au Petit Comptoir d’Aurelie.

The coffee is like (if you ask me) almost everywhere in France: weak, burnt, and tasteless, but the service staff is sweet, and I enjoy a spot in the sun – so why not have another coffee, right? We are right next to the road where people drive just a little too fast. And one person way too fast, so he runs into a motorcyclist. It’s a soft tap, but enough for a spectacle in the village. It’s that small, yes.

Diagonally across from Au Petit Comptoir d’Aurelie is a food truck where the locals come and go for a chat and a sandwich. Unfortunately, my French language skills don’t allow a chat, but the sandwich I can definitely manage. Tasty!

First published: January 2022. Updated since!