Villages hidden behind Mont Ventoux

Montbrun les Bains: a village hidden below the northern slope of Ventoux, still authentic, devoid of tourist shops selling lavender bouquets and cicada-shaped soaps. It's the real deal. Listed among the "most beautiful villages in France", Montbrun's medieval centre is perched on a rocky outcrop, its cobbled streets winding around castle ruins and stone homes, and under its imposing belfry.
There are many such villages in Provence but few that have still remained below the tourist radar.

And that was precisely why I was there yesterday, with our (Walk Inn's ) new guide Charlotte, to put together a new self-guided walking trip...

The perched village of Monbrun-les-Bains:

Arriving above the medieval village, overlooking the church:

Charlotte writing walking notes through the village, to be turned into one of our famed Roadbooks:

Entrance gates into the old village:

Beyond Montbrun, a quiet farming track leading back to Reillanette, where we began our walk

The village Reillanette, in the last rays of sun cast from above Mont Ventoux.

Arriving back in Reillanette, its only commerce the hotel/restaurant where our guests will be based: