Mont Ventoux, route guide

Technical data

The technical sheet

1 909 m

Altitude

Highest point

21.0 km

Distance

Depuis Bédoin

1 590 m

Elevation gain

7.6 %

Avg. gradient

Max 12% · Chalet Reynard

-5 °C

Min. temp

Possible at the summit in winter

HC

Difficulty

Absolute Hors Catégorie

Elevation profile

Bédoin → Sommet

Distance -

Altitude -

Local gradient -

310m → 1 901m Total distance

< 3% 3–5% 5–7% 7–9% 9–11% 11–13% > 13%

History & Legend

The Giant of Provence

Mont Ventoux rises to 1,909 metres in the Provençal plain, with no surrounding range to support it, a geological anomaly that makes it the most isolated summit in France. Visible from 200 km away, it creates its own climate: wind can exceed 250 km/h at the top, and the mistral sweeps through unobstructed. It has been called the Giant of Provence ever since Petrarch made the first documented sporting ascent in 1336.

The Tour de France first crossed it in 1951. But it was 13 July 1967 that etched Ventoux into collective memory: Tom Simpson, the British rider, collapsed and died 1.5 km from the summit, exhausted, under crushing heat. A memorial marks the exact spot. Every year, thousands of cyclists stop there.

From Bédoin, the 21-kilometre climb features 1,590 metres of elevation gain. Around 155,000 cyclists attempt the ascent each year, making Ventoux the busiest pass in Europe. The climbing record from Bédoin is held by Iban Mayo: 55 minutes 51 seconds, set in 2004.

Tour 2000

Marco Pantani

Ascent record (55'51"). The Pirate at the peak of his art, in a performance many consider supernatural.

Tour 2002

Richard Virenque

A solo win to the crowd's ovation. The Frenchman knew Ventoux by heart, his favourite playground.

Tour 2013

Chris Froome

Attack in the Combe de Malaucène, a crushing win. The Briton imposed his dominance on a scorching Ventoux.

Tour 2021

Wout van Aert

Historic triple ascent in a single day. Van Aert won the stage after a brutal day on a re-routed course.

The Anecdote

In July 2016, during the Tour de France, Chris Froome crashed 1 km from the summit and ran on foot in cycling shoes for several hundred metres before he was given a bike. The scene, broadcast live to millions, became one of the most iconic images in modern cycling. Froome finished the stage and kept the yellow jersey.

Scenery & Sensations

What you will experience

The Forest and Chalet Reynard

The first 15 kilometres from Bédoin cross a dense forest of cedars and beeches. The gradient hardens brutally at <strong>Saint-Estève</strong>, 6 km at 10-12% in the shade. Chalet Reynard, at 1,440 m, marks the end of the trees and the start of the ordeal. This is where the legs decide whether the summit is within reach.

The Desert of White Stones

Above Chalet Reynard, all vegetation vanishes. The white limestone creates a lunar landscape unique in Europe. The weather tower always seems the same distance away. Heat reflected off the stones can exceed 50°C in August. The wind, constant and powerful, turns the final climb into a battle.

Practical tips

Before you go

Best time

Start before 7am in summer. The final desert is unbearable after 11am in July-August, reflected heat, no shade, hot wind. In spring and autumn, set off at 8am.

The hidden trap

The trap is not the final desert, it's the forest between Saint-Estève and Chalet Reynard. 6 km at 10-12% with no shade. Most riders who quit do so here. Manage the effort and the rest will follow.

Refuelling

Fountain at Bédoin at the start. Bar-restaurant at Chalet Reynard (km 15), the last water point before the summit. At least 3 bottles in July-August. No refuelling above the Chalet.

Weather & conditions

Wind can exceed 100 km/h in gusts even in summer. Always pack a windbreaker for the descent, whatever the temperature at the start. Snow is possible from October to May.

Access & parking

Free parking in Bédoin village, by the church square. Also possible from Malaucène (north side, 21 km, steadier) or Sault (east side, 26 km, less steep). Shuttles from Carpentras in summer.

The MyKollectOr terminal

The MyKollectOr marker stands at the start, on the church square in Bédoin. Scan it before you set off, your feat is recorded and your medal unlocked when you reach the summit.

MontVentoux