We hopped onto our bikes at 6.30am to avoid the suffocating heat: the temperatures can reach as high as 35°C. As we start riding the tiny road of the col d’Aulan, we can feel the freshness of a new dawn, the silence of early morning and the rising sun illuminating the blooming fields. It gives us a desire for endless riding. We have plotted a 70km route through a variety of places and atmospheres.

We are definitely not the only ones cycling here on the roads, this region is obviously a main destination for cycling in France. There is a certain thrill in the air, some excitement attracting more cyclists than usual because of the event about to start tomorrow when the Tour de France will be tackling the roads of the Giant of Provence. To be able to see the riders, you will have to earn it. There is only one way to see them twice, which is all the way up to the top of Ventoux, and only cyclists will be allowed on any of the three roads leading up there.

We decide for a little detour through Brantes, climbing up to this village offers us breathtaking views on the Ventoux, rocky switchbacks through the old stone houses making it worth the few added kilometres, let alone the honey and caramel crêpes from Suzette. We only have a small part of our loop left to ride but it feels so good to be here, we don’t really want to ride back.