logo
ic_menu

Le Mont Ventoux

Route du Mont Ventoux, Bédoin, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

Mont Ventoux is Provence's highest and most famous mountain. Its name comes from "venteux", which means "windy", and it regularly sees high wind speed: wind blows at over 90 km/h for 240 days a year. It has an elevation of 1,909m but it is its prominence of 1,148m which makes it a standout climb for cyclists and a regular feature of the Tour de France cycling race. Geologically, it is part of the Alps and the top of the mountain is bare of all vegetation, making it look like a moonscape. There are three routes to the summit: south from Bédoin (the most difficult and wind-exposed with 22km of which the last 16km have an average gradient of 8.9%), northwest from Malaucène (also hard but less windy), and east from Sault (comparatively less hard with 1,210m of D+).

Access & Transport

Bédoin, at the foot of the mountain, is about 15km to the northeast of Carpentras, 35km west of Orange and 40km northeast of Avignon. There are no public transport options: car or bicycle it is.

Instructions & Recommendations

We would not recommend novices to try riding up the mountain; this is a hard climb and there is no assistance nearby. Make sure to check on the weather forecast beforehand and bring enough water with you to last at least 2h-3h.

Meta review

Online reviewers consistently agree that the dramatic landscape and the panoramic views from the summit make the Ventoux a special place. The road surface is described by cyclists and drivers as being excellent and the main complaints relate to the lack of toilets and the occasional litter left by some cyclists without proper riding-etiquette. During the peak summer season, the lack of parking space at the summit is also an issue and the busy roads with plenty of cyclists and cars make driving carefully a must.

Environmental & Social

Green activity except for the transport aspect Tourism brings some economic activity to the surrounding villages.

Conclusion

The Mont Ventoux is an institution among cyclists but is worth discovering as a hike or by car (need to be very careful when driving). The landscape above the tree line is a sight unto itself and the 360° views from the top are spectacular.

Key positive

Good drive, or ride or ride with fantastic views from the top

Key negative

Can be very windy at the top

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility (by motorized transport)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 15m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.