The round trip ride from Vaison-la-Romaine to Brantes and back is an all day trip, 7-8 hours, especially if you take a side trip to Plaisians and the mountain road behind it. Brantes is a beautiful old Provençal village being restored by a few residents, and there is an impressive view of Mont Ventoux. Pierrelongue has a church on the top of a rock which can be seen from far away. There is a long hill past Mollans for many kilometers but no steep grades like Mont Ventoux. And Mollans has its Cafe-Bar du Pont for refreshments. Otherwise you have to rely on your own food and beverage, especially in off-season.

     · Starting at Place Monfort in the center of Vaison, follow the avenue Victor Hugo out of the center until you reach the roundabout.
     · Turn right on D938 towards Malaucene and Carpentras. Proceed about one km and then turn left, direction Saint-Marcellin-les-Vaison. Ride uphill for about 700m and then turn right into D205.
     · After about 3km do not turn left towards Faucon, but proceed straight, cross the Ouvèze river on a one lane bridge, then turn left and follow the small road along the river towards Mollans. Turn left on busy D13 (avoiding Mollans) and proceed for about 500m before turning left on D40 direction Montbrun-les-Bains. The road climbs for about 8km, steep at the beginning and then a gentler slope. The wild valley of the Toulourenc River is on your right at the bottom of Mont Ventoux. There is a nice long downhill towards Saint-Léger-du-Ventoux, then a rather flat ride for approximately 7km. When you see a sign for the village of Brantes, make a left turn and go half a kilometer on a steep road toward the village (note: good photo opportunities).
     · Explore the narrow streets of Brandt by foot. Then proceed uphill on the main road till you reach the D41/D72 above Brantes. You are now returning back to Vaison by turning left on the D41/D72 and then take on a gentle climb to the Col de Fontaube.

     · There is a long downhill for about 14km till you reach the D5, a very busy road. On this downhill, there is a beautiful and very challenging side trip towards the village of Plaisians. Auberge de la Clue (+33 (0)4 75 28 01 17; closed Sunday night and all day Monday; reserve) in Plaisians is a lovely restaurant with delicious and great quality food.

   · When you reach the D5, turn left and proceed for about 5km till you reach the village of Pierrelongue. Proceed inside the village on the left of busy D5.
    · At Pierrelongue look for the small road which crosses the Ouvèze river, turn right on it towards Mollans and thus avoid the busy traffic on the D5. This small road is flat and unpaved part of the way but you should be able to negotiate it at low speed.
     · Optional: stop in the center of Mollans on the terrace of the Café du Pont for refreshments.
     · Then cross D13 and proceed on a very narrow road towards Vaison. The road sort of follows the Ouvèze river, but check the map for the general direction.
Alert: Best to take food and water for the day.