Provence · HC climb · Three approaches
Conquer Mont Ventoux: The Giant of Provence
The Giant of Provence stands alone above the vineyards — three roads to a bald limestone summit at 1,910 m, a Tour de France legend, and a climb every road cyclist wants on the résumé.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 21.8 km
- Average grade
- 7.4%
- Max grade
- 12%
- Elevation gain
- 1,617 m
- Summit
- 1,910 m
The experience
Mont Ventoux is not a classic alpine pass squeezed between higher peaks — it is a freestanding giant above Vaucluse. Three roads reach the observatory at about 1,910 m; the classic Tour approach from Bédoin is 21.8 km at roughly 7.4% average with about 1,617 m of gain.
From Bédoin the vines ease you in, then the forest delivers a long stretch near 9–10% with little to look at but the next bend. Chalet Reynard opens onto the white limestone moonscape; the last kilometres are often a fight with the mistral as much as with the gradient.
Malaucène offers a similar total difficulty with a more irregular profile and better wind shelter; Sault is longer and gentler until it joins Bédoin's hard final kilometres at Chalet Reynard. Pick the side for the day — or ride a Bédoin-up, Sault-down loop.
Weather is part of the climb. Wind and temperature at the summit can be nothing like the valley forecast. Celebrate at the observatory, layer up, and descend with respect — most accidents happen on the way down.
Pro tips
- Pace past the Bédoin vines — the forest is where the climb starts in earnest.
- Carry two bottles and eat early; heat and wind both empty the tank.
- Check summit wind before you commit past Chalet Reynard or Mont Serein.
- Use compact gearing; this is a long HC effort, not a short punchy climb.
- Ride early in summer for cooler air and quieter roads.
- Pack a gilet for the summit and the descent; control speed on the way down.
