Hors Catégorie · Provence
Mont Ventoux
The Giant of Provence rises 1610 m from the vineyards of Bédoin to a moonscape summit, with a six-kilometre forest section that averages over 9 percent.
Where it is
Ventoux stands alone in northern Provence, southeast of Avignon, and is visible from much of the surrounding wine country. Three roads reach the summit — from Bédoin (the classic, hardest and most famous), Malaucène (slightly shorter), and Sault (the gentle one). The figures here cover the Bédoin ascent.
What makes it iconic
The first six kilometres out of Bédoin lull you. Then the road tilts up at Saint-Estève and you climb through six kilometres of dense beech forest that averages 9.5 percent. There is no respite and no view. When the road exits the trees at Chalet Reynard, the landscape changes completely: a white limestone scree slope, exposed to the wind that gives the mountain its name. The last six kilometres are still steep, but the visual drama and the steady mistral take over.
Race history
Ventoux first appeared in the Tour de France in 1951. It is forever marked by the death of Tom Simpson, 1.5 km from the summit, during the 1967 stage. Pantani's duel with Lance Armstrong in 2000 and Chris Froome's run up the mountain in 2016 are part of the modern canon. The Vuelta has never used it; the Tour returns regularly.
Pacing
The Bédoin ascent is a discipline test. Most riders burn out in the forest because the gradient is relentless and you cannot see how much further. Hold a power well under threshold from Saint-Estève; sit and spin. Eat and drink at Chalet Reynard where you should also assess whether to continue if the summit wind is dangerous.
Practical notes
The summit closes for snow from roughly November to April. Even in July, expect the wind to gust over 70 km/h on the upper slopes; in some conditions the road closes. There is no shade above the tree line. Carry a vest for the descent.