Le Mont Ventoux
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Mont Ventoux - by xat-ch from Pixabay
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.
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
av. transport time:1h 15m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo