I started the hike just outside the town of Bedoin (350m), at the southern foot of Ventoux. As you start to climb the views quickly become wide-sweeping. Below is a view from the south face, including the Luberon mountains in the background, taken from just above 1000m in altitude
The rocky limestone paths of Ventoux...
Not even 2012 and already the first flowers are blooming. Below is the "stinking hellebore" plant, highly toxic (also known as mother-in-law's plant).
At around 1000m in altitude on the south face you can visit many centuries-old shepherd's huts, calles "jas": used for shelter for both the shepherd and the flock in the mountains. 1000m marks about the snow-line in Ventoux, above which the snow will generally last for long periods in the winter.
ps: in n the photo I'm wearing a Christmas gift from one of my cycling guests this year: Berit sent me a wollen hat from Norway. Thanks, and see: it's already put to good use!!! It's the warmest hat I've ever worn, and I'm a Canadian!
