An Eat, Walk & Bike Weekend at B&B Le Pavadou Provence-Ventoux

With a group of five couples, former students from Leuven, we enjoyed a fantastic weekend in the south of France. Our trip started off perfectly: with OUIGO, the affordable high-speed train, we reached Avignon TGV in just under four hours from Lille. Two taxis were waiting to take us to Méthamis, and by late Thursday evening, we arrived at B&B Le Pavadou, Provence Ventoux. What a place!

Gloria, our ever-smiling hostess, surprised us the next morning with a breakfast to remember. The smell of freshly baked bread, local jams, a nectarine tart, regional cheeses, and a delicious coffee — the perfect start to the day. That morning, we explored the Gorges de la Nesque on electric bikes. What breathtaking nature! Griffon vultures soared above us as we pedaled through the picturesque canyon. In Monieux, we took a break on the terrace of Les Lavandes, where a vegetable tart and a refreshing Perrier recharged our energy. Sun, friends, cycling, nature, and a touch of Provençal charm — it was pure bliss.

In the evening, we were treated to a culinary delight: côte à l’os, perfectly grilled, served with mashed potatoes, Italian-style vegetables, and of course, a creamy béarnaise sauce. Conversations flowed late into the night, under a starry sky that set the perfect scene.

The next morning, Gloria’s quiche was on the table — a dish I still think about. Then we laced up our hiking boots for a full day of walking. Méthamis is a paradise for hikers: you can head off in any direction and immediately find yourself surrounded by nature. On the way back, we enjoyed a constant view of the village, bathed in a warm, red evening glow — a sight we won’t soon forget. On the terrace, gathered around a generous tapas platter and a bottle of rosé, we watched the sunset and enjoyed each other’s company. And the view from the terrace and the pool? Pheno-me-nal!

To top it all off, we were spoiled that evening with my personal favorite: slow-cooked leg of lamb paired with a bold ratatouille. A meal that left us momentarily speechless — though the silence didn’t last long, as stories and laughter filled the night until the early hours. Sunday started leisurely with an aperitif at Marko’s, the village café. The rest of the day unfolded as it should on the last day of a holiday: swimming, sunbathing, chatting, relaxing on the garden terrace, and eventually packing our bags for the journey home. A taxi back to Avignon, the train to Lille, and heads full of unforgettable memories.

Thank you, Gloria, Tine, and Stef, for a weekend we’ll never forget. Long live the Eat, Walk & Bike weekend at B&B Le Pavadou, Provence Ventoux!