cycling trips to mont ventoux

19 essential tips for cycling up Mont Ventoux

Cycling up Mont Ventoux should be a fantastic, bucket-list experience. To make sure you remember it for all the right reasons, you need to prepare accordingly.

Working with Dylan and the team at Mont Ventoux Cycling Club , who are based in Mormoiron , very close to Mont Ventoux , h ere are our top tips to help ensure success.

For routes, bike hire and everything else you might want to know about cycling Ventoux, read our ultimate guide ! For where to stay, read our Ventoux hotels and accommodation article .

Preparation

1. You need to be fit to climb Ventoux by bike; if you haven’t trained, you are going to struggle. We also strongly suggest you practice descending hairpin corners before you arrive. This is not the place to learn.

2. At an absolute minimum, you will need arm warmers, leg warmers and a windproof jacket for the summit. If the weather looks bad, pack and dress accordingly. For packing lists, click here .

3. Leave your deep section wheels at home. If it’s windy at the top of Ventoux, you won’t be happy.

4. If you aren’t a wiry climber, use a compact chainset.

5. Plan your route before you visit. Our ultimate guide to cycling Ventoux contains loads of information on each of the three ways up: via Bédoin , Malaucène or Sault .

6. The road is relatively narrow in many places. Expect lots of cars and other cyclists, particularly in summer.

7. Other than for the Sault route (where there are no markers), milestones every kilometre show:

• the average gradient for the next kilometre and the number of kilometres to the summit; and
• the current altitude.

Best times to cycle

8. An important part of cycling Ventoux is the notorious weather. The banner photo for this article was taken on one of our rides up Ventoux in early summer – but so was the photo below…

9. More on this below, but bear in mind that it can seem fine at the bottom, even though there’s thick fog and a cold wind further up. If you have any flexibility over which day you ride Ventoux, pick a day when the summit is clear, and weather reports are favourable.

10. Mont Ventoux is open between mid-April and mid-November from Bédoin, though it can be shut at any point throughout the year if the weather is bad. The roads (or just sections, e.g. the summit) can also be shut if there are maintenance works or events such as motor races. If you are planning your trip around riding Ventoux, do some digging on events on Ventoux. The team at Mont Ventoux Cycling Club may also be able to assist with information on this.

11. Check the forecast the day before your ride and before you set out. You can check the current temperature at the summit and windspeed and direction here .  If the wind looks very strong then choose whichever route that will mean it is mainly behind you (e.g. if the wind is coming from the northwest, don’t do the Sault route). The wind gusts over 50 mph 200 days a year on Ventoux!

12. Don’t underestimate the conditions on the summit, even in good weather, and/or when all is calm in Bédoin. The summit and the descent are very exposed and, crazy as it sounds, people are frequently blown off their bikes. If you want to see a Mont Ventoux webcam before you set out, try this .

13. It if rains, debris may get washed onto the road. Fog can also make things tricky. In summer, the heat can be intense. Set off early.

Other stuff for cycling up Mont Ventoux

Tips for the summit.

14. Get your extra layers of clothes on quickly! Even if you aren’t planning on hanging around, you’ll need them for the descent.

15. If you have a support car, note that parking is limited and you may struggle to park in summer.

16. If the weather permits, remember to enjoy the incredible view from the summit – and take a photo to record your success!

(In case you are wondering, the lighthouse-like building is a meteorological observatory that was built in 1882 but is no longer in use. It is topped by a television transmitter.)

Time to the top

17. The pros do the route from Bédoin in about an hour. The fastest time recorded to date is Iban Mayo’s time of 55 minutes 51 seconds in the individual climbing time trial of the 2004 Dauphiné Libéré. Top amateurs ride it in less than two hours.

Mt Ventoux cycling photographers

18. During high season on the Bédoin and Sault routes, Mount Ventoux photographers take photos of you on your way to the summit after Chalet Reynard. You can visit their website and buy the photo later.

And finally – French cycling laws

19. Be aware of France’s equivalent of the Highway Code , and particularly the specific  rules for cyclists . The pictogram below summarises the obligatory equipment you should have to avoid being fined. We rarely see road cyclists in France with lights or bells, and we ourselves have never had any problems, but it’s best to be aware of the rules and make your own decision.

Your thoughts!

Cycled Ventoux and got some additional tips? Please comment below or drop us a line !

Got a question for Mont Ventoux Cycling Club?

Fill out this form and Mont Ventoux Cycling Club will reply (within 24 hours wherever they possibly can!)

We will use this info to send the enquiry to Mont Ventoux Cycling Club. Our privacy policy explains more and here’s a reminder of our disclosure policy and terms and conditions.

Got a question for Clare?

Fill out this form and we will send it to Clare. We aim to get you an answer within 24 hours wherever possible!

We will use this info to send the enquiry to Clare and/or their team. Our privacy policy explains more and here’s a reminder of our disclosure policy and terms and conditions.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here .

Want help organising your Ventoux cycling holiday?

We are based in Bédoin, at the base of Mont Ventoux, and would love to help you plan your Ventoux trip. Head to our website and get in touch!

We are also running two special events this summer, with our sister company, Ride and Seek . Starting 23 May or 27 June 2024, we will offer three guided rides: Ventoux from one, two or all three sides; Gorges de la Nesque; and Dentelles de Montmirail. Use code EpicRides50 to get a €50 discount on those two dates. Find out more here!

Leave your comment

Click here to cancel reply.

• Name (required)
• Mail (required) (will not be published)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

Everything you need to know about cycling in France your independent guide

The 3 Routes Up Ventoux

There are three different routes up mont ventoux - here's an overview plus a downloadable gpx file with them all., if you need a supported ride, you can use my bespoke service ., from bédoin.

This is the 'classic' Tour de France climb. It's 21.5km long and sees you gain around 1610 metres. It's a brutal, relentless climb – from around Sainte Estève  to Chalet Reynard, you'll ride at a gradient of around 9-10%.  By far the most popular of the three routes.

From Malaucène

A quieter route but no less challenging. Its stats are similar to the classic climb ( 21km with an ascent of 1570 metres), but its gradients are more variable.

A longer climb but a more forgiving gradient, the Sault side is generally seen as the 'easy' options and it offers a more gentle experience than the other two routes. It's  26km with  1220 metres gained.

Supported rides of Ventoux Top tips for cycling Ventoux Ventoux – Full overview

Download GPX file   ( Thanks to Will for allowing me to share his GPX files)

Tom Simpson memorial with the summit in sight. Photo: will_cyclist

More on cycling Ventoux

Related articles.

• Cycling hotel review: Château des Monthairons & Spa, Les Monthairons
• Cycling B&B and gite review: Accommodation In Provence, Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt
• Maps for cycling in France
• La Régalante bike route - Cycling Mont St Michel to Nantes
• Grande Traversée du Jura à Vélo – The Jura by bike from Montbéliard to Culoz
• 2023 Tour de France program and race guide
• Tour de France 2023 route: Stage-by-stage guide
• Cycling computer review: Garmin Edge Explore 2

On the blog

2024 Tour de France program and race guide

AVAILABLE TO ORDER NOW! The official Tour de France 2024 race program and guide includes all the route maps for each stage, plus stage start and end times, and team and rider profiles.

Posted: 23 Apr 2024

Cycling in France?

Search for tours & accommodation

What are you looking for? What are you looking for? All Accommodation - Campsites - Hotels, hostels and B&Bs - Self-catering All Tours - Guided - Self-guided

Where do you want to look? Where do you want to look? All France /r/n Alsace /r/n Aquitaine /r/n Auvergne /r/n Brittany /r/n Burgundy /r/n Champagne-Ardenne /r/n Corsica /r/n Franche-Comté /r/n Languedoc-Roussillon /r/n Limousin /r/n Loire Valley-Centre /r/n Lorraine /r/n Midi-Pyrénées /r/n Nord-Pas-de-Calais /r/n Normandy /r/n Paris-Île-de-France /r/n Pays de la Loire /r/n Picardy /r/n Poitou-Charentes /r/n Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur /r/n Rhône-Alpes /r/n

Share this:

© 2011-2024 Freewheeling France | Copyright, Cookies, Privacy and Advertiser T&Cs |

Cycling Holidays

VÉLO VENTOUX

Cycling on the moon, about vélo ventoux.

Mont Ventoux is the most famous mountain in cycling. A regular Tour de France highlight. A magnet for cyclists the world over who want to cycle up it’s iconic slopes to the famous moonscape summit.

VELO VENTOUX is is a cycling holiday company and tour operator based in Mont Ventoux’s shadow, in the beautiful village of Puyméras, and run by British cycling aficionado Craig Entwistle and his wife Vicky.

fixed base cycling

Bike rentals, cycling info, practical info, guest reviews.

Hi Vicky and Craig I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for all your help in making our few days in Provence so enjoyable.  I’m still on a high from it and am dreaming of climbing up more HC mountains next year.  I must be mad! Best wishes

Nick Gendler, Australia

Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get the latest news on our new tours and the Ventoux cycling scene.

• Mont Ventoux
• Techy Stuff
• Bike rentals
• The Baronnies
• Accommodation
• Prices and Booking
• Testimonials
• ebike tours
• Provence Cycles
• Milan San-Remo
• Provision Clothing
• Cycling Classics
• Treking in Provence
• Restaurant Girocedre

​What It Takes to Climb Mont Ventoux

You’ll feel like you’re about to win the TdF as you summit this storied climb

RELATED: This Is Your Body on a Climb

From there, about four miles remain. Above the treeline, the mistral winds rip. The 5 percent gradient should feel easy after such steep pitches, but after an hour or more of climbing, it seems like purgatory. When you finally reach the summit, the panoramic views of the French countryside are a revelation.

Stateside Alternative: Onion Valley Road, near Independence, California, has a similar elevation profile—and magnificent views of the snowcapped Sierras.

You need: Sustainable power

The key to success on a long, unrelenting climb like Ventoux is improving your maximum sustainable pace and power at threshold, i.e., your natural climbing effort level. Steady state intervals, where you hover just below your threshold, will help your body adapt to sustaining this intensity. ( Build even more cycling power with our strength-training program, Maximum Overload . ) They’re relatively easy to do but require concentration because it can be easy to let your mind (and your effort) drift.

Here’s how to figure out your general training zones using only your breathing:

Try this workout:

Once or twice a week, after a 10-minute warm-up, ride 10 minutes at a steady effort, just above your endurance comfort zone—similar to when you’re riding with someone who is a bit faster than you. You should be able to speak just a few words at a time. Recover for 5 to 10 minutes (you want to be able to maintain your targeted intensity for the next interval). Repeat two more times. Once those feel easy, do two 20-minute intervals, recovering for 10 to 20 minutes between. Eventually, work up to one 30-minute effort.

All the details:

Elevation gain 6,200 Ft

Location 44.1741° N, 5.2787° E

Distance 13.7 miles

.css-1t6om3g:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-1t6om3g:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Rides

How to Plan a Century Ride Route

​How to Tell if You’re Ready for a Century Ride

6 Reasons to Try Fat Biking This Winter

How to Conquer Rapha Festive 500 This Year

Chasing Tadej Pogačar Through the Swiss Alps

My One-Day Ride Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque

Your Guide to All the Types of Rides

What to Do After a Bike Crash

Century Ride Tips for Success

Martijn van Strien Shares How He Enjoys Every Ride

It’s Steam Engine Versus Bicycle in This Race

Cycling circuit around the Mont Ventoux

Elevation of the route

Waytypes of the cycle route, surface of the cycle route, cycling circuit of 130km around the mont ventoux, signposting and layout of the tour du ventoux à vélo.

The Tour du Ventoux à Vélo cycle route is only signposted anticlockwise (with simple directional arrows).

Trains and stations via which to access the route

• Carpentras : train station located 10km from the route, which you can join not far from Bédoin.
• Regional TER line Avignon –  Sorgues – Carpentras
• Trans'Cove bus network - see link

Consult the possibilities for taking your bike on board a train in France.  

Climb Mont Ventoux by bike

The view from the summit of the Ventoux may invite you to climb it during this loop: several starting points for climbing it are directly accessible from the route!

• distance: 21.8 km | positive difference in altitude: 1622 metres | average gradient: 7.15
• difference in altitude: 1535 metres | average gradient: 7.24
• distance: 25,7 km | positive difference in altitude: 1152 metres | average gradient: 4,5  

Vaison-la-Romaine / Bédoin

This first Tour du Ventoux à Vélo stage offers you a concentrated extract of Provence! After a stretch to warm up, [...]

Bédoin / Sault

This second stage leads you out to discover the Nesque Gorges, forming a grandiose, wild canyon pierced with caves. You [...]

Sault / Vaison-la-Romaine

This third and final stage leads you through the Toulourenc Valley, hidden between Ventoux and Baronnies mountains. [...]

Travellers’ reviews

• Bed and breakfast
• Lodgings and furnished rentals
• Stopover gites
• Unusual accommodation
• Group accommodation
• Holiday residences
• Holiday villages
• Bicycle rentals/ repairs
• Train station
• Tourist offices
• Service area
• Charging station
• Water supply
• Public toilets
• Canoe and kayak rental
• Cultural and touristic sites
• Leisure and activities
• Bathing places
• Villages with character

• Alpe d’Huez-Ventoux
• Northern French Alps
• Southern French Alps
• Custom/Private
• Mont Ventoux
• Pont du Gard
• Spain Cycling Camp
• Etape Du Tour 2024
• Ventoux Climbs
• Guided Rides
• Project Trans-Alps
• Tour Ratings Explained
• Where We Ride
• Cycling Mont Ventoux
• Cycling The Cévennes
• Tour Schedule
• The 44|5 Story
• Your Guides
• 44|5 in the Press

Break Away for a Custom

Mont ventoux bike tour, accommodations, dates & prices, travel details, the giant of provence.

Climbing Mont Ventoux is an incredible experience, but there is plenty of amazing riding near the mountain as well. 44|5 offers short,  custom Mont Ventoux bike tours , centered around your dream climb, with guided rides and cycling-friendly accommodation included. Click on the tabs above to find out more. If you want to add even more ‘epic’ to your stay with us, add a supported climb of Alpe d’Huez (extra costs apply)!

Prices depend on number of nights/rides and the level of accommodation you choose, but for a couple sharing a room in our 3 star option and riding together, here is what you can expect per person:

• 2 nights / 2 rides: €500
• 3 nights / 3 rides: €750
• 4 nights / 4 rides: €975
• All accommodation
• All breakfasts
• Energy bars, gels, snacks and water on your ride
• Pick-ups and drop-offs at your accommodation each day (when necessary)
• Owner-operator guides to see to your needs
• Support vehicle (Ventoux climb), offering assistance, encouragement, and food and drinks
• 44|5 Cycling Tours water bottle

NOT INCLUDED

• Transportation to France (*We can arrange transport from Marseilles airport or Avignon train station.)
• Lunches and dinners
• Hotels before and after your tour
• Personal expenses, such as mini-bar, telephone or souvenir purchases
• Bikes – bring your own or you can rent high quality road bikes

Your Mont Ventoux bike tour is custom and private and perfect for individuals, couples and groups.

You can choose the number of days you’d like to spend cycling in Provence with us, and we make sure your  guided rides are tailored-made  to your expectations and abilities. Your BreakAway can be as short as two nights and as long as you’d like to stay.

Below is an example itinerary for a  typical 3 day/3 night tour .

Dentelles de Montmirail

For the first day of your Ventoux cylcing tour we will meet you at your hotel/B&B then head off on a ‘warm-up’ ride through the pretty Dentelles, the foothills of the géant itself! Although right next to Mont Ventoux, its hidden valleys, hilltop hamlets and tiny roads give the Dentelles a unique feel that make this one of the best areas to ride in Provence.

Mont Ventoux Ascent

Now that the legs are warmed up and you are full of energy from last night’s dinner, today is the main course of your tour! We meet early at your hotel, make sure your bikes are set up perfectly for your climb, then make our way to Bédoin.

Today you are  supported by a vehicle  with water and energy when you need it. After your successful ascent of one of the most famous climbs in France (and a celebration at 1912 meters, of course!) we ride back to your hotel, descending the northern side of the mountain to Malaucène, then looping back on a wonderful route through  vineyards and Mediterranean pine forests .

Vaucluse Valley

With your objective achieved, we head out on the road today for a southerly loop right into  the heart of Provence . Today’s route cuts a lovely loop to the south of Ventoux on roads lined with  vineyards and olive groves . This large, open valley offers a few short climbs with stunning views in all directions, and plenty of  village cafés  if we feel like a break along the way!

44|5 partners with several comfortable and well-situated hotels/B&Bs for your Mont Ventoux bike tour. Your accommodation will depend on availability and the rides you choose to do with us. Below are examples of what you can expect.

Hôtel Domaine des Tilleuls

This former silk farm is situated at the beginning of the northern climb of Mont Ventoux, in the village of  Malaucène.  Its Medieval town center plays host to a market on Wednesdays, and offers plenty of restaurant choices, not to mention a bike shop or two. Domaine des Tilleuls has welcomed many cycling legends over the years, including Eddy Merckx.

La Ferme des Bélugues

La Ferme des Bélugues is a 15th century mas (farmhouse) situated at the foot of Mont Ventoux. It is nestled in a valley on the road from Bédoin to Malaucène , making it an ideal place to stay for tackling any of the Ventoux climbs. Its setting has beautiful views and is very tranquil and relaxing and it is this along with the amazing cycling facilities that brings cyclists of all levels from road champions to cyclo-tourists from across the world to stay here.

Hotel Le Siècle

Housed in a 16th century private “bourgeois” residence, Le Siècle is located in the charming village of  Mazan , to the south of Mont Ventoux. Steeped in history from Roman times to the Revolution, the village offers everything you need during your stay. The surrounding area has a wide variety of cycling options in all directions.

Chateau de Mazan (4-Star Upgrade option only)

If you want to spoil yourself, our  4-star 18th century chateau hotel is for you. The Chateau de Mazan’s most famous resident was the Marquis de Sade and his family up until 1850. The rooms are large, modern and bright and the grounds are calm and meticulously maintained. The hotel also has a fantastic restaurant  that serves bistro-style lunches and  gastronomique dinners, either inside the airy dining room, or outside in the garden.

Crillon le Brave (5-Star Upgrade option only)

Perched on one of the small hilltop villages that dot the countryside near the base of Mont Ventoux, this  Small Luxury Hotel (SLH) property is a cyclist’s paradise. The location offers excellent access to the area’s best riding roads, and when not on your bike, you might decide to take advantage of their spa services, eat a meal at one of two on-site restaurants , or just take in the view of Mont Ventoux from the patio.

Tour Dates –  Choose your own

Tour Availability –  From April to October

Price Per Person – Packages start at  €500

Single Supplement – from €125

Contact us  to create a custom cycling tour.

There are many ways to get to Provence. We’ve had clients come in from all directions and by all means of transportation, so make sure you tell us your personal circumstances and we’ll be sure and help you out.

If you have the time, extending your stay in this area is always a good idea. Nice and the Riviera are less than 3 hours away by car and there is plenty to keep you occupied in Provence, too, with hill-top villages, great museums and delicious food. We’re always happy to share our knowledge, so just ask!

What our Guests have to say about our Ventoux Bike Tours

Incredible experience in provence.

From the moment I first reached out to Gerry and John, they were always very accommodating of our needs. The three days of biking in Provence were an amazing experience and are now the most memorable rides that I’ve ever undertaken. I highly recommend 44|5 Cycling Tours to all cyclists. Gerry and John would be… Read more “Incredible Experience in Provence”

Fantastic Experience

For a group of “reasonably fit flatlanders” taking on the “Giant of Provence” was a monumental challenge. However, with the help of Gerry and John we achieved everything we had set out to do. A successful week away climbing Ventoux and seeing all that the beautiful Provence countryside had to offer! The 44-5 team were… Read more “Fantastic Experience”

Professional, friendly and flexible

We booked a 3-day Breakaway tour with 44-5 to include a supported ride up Mont Ventoux. From the moment we booked 4 months before the trip through to our return home, the service John and Gerry provided was exceptionally professional, friendly and flexible. They had booked us into a great hotel and were able to… Read more “Professional, friendly and flexible”

Our other BreakAway Tours in France and Spain

Provence breakaway.

Soak up the Provençal atmosphere on 2 wheels

Girona BreakAway

Come across the border to 'Pro Ville' with us

Uzès BreakAway

A hidden gem with wondering cycling

CyclingEurope.org

Cycling | travel | adventure | podcast.

Visitor number:

Cycling Mont Ventoux: Everything You Need To Know 

By Penny Martinelli

Cycling Mont Ventoux should be on the bucket list of every avid cyclist. It’s the highest mountain in Provence, and because it’s isolated from other mountains of the same size, it’s one of the most prominent geographical features in northern Provence. You can access the top of Mont Ventoux by road, from where you can enjoy the spectacular views of Provence and Rhône valley, the southern Alps, and even the Pyrenees when the air is clear. 

If you plan on cycling Mont Ventoux, here’s everything you need to know.

Where to Start

Mont Ventoux has three distinct cycling routes. The most popular of all these is from Bedoin, a lovely little village sandwiched between Mont Ventoux and the city of Carpentras. It’s a Classic Tour de France route, where the famous British cyclist Tom Simpson died due to heat exhaustion during Tour de France in 1967. You will find a memorial stand dedicated to him in the area. Starting in Bedoin, the ascent to Mont Ventoux is 21.4 km long. At this distance, you’ll be climbing vertically at 1,639 metres. Despite the extreme challenges, it has become a bucket-list ride for any cyclist. 

If you want a more manageable way to climb Mont Ventoux , consider starting the journey from Sault, a little village on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley with blooming lavender fields. While it is not as demanding as the route from Bedoin, it still poses some challenges. The road from Sault is moderately challenging, and the last push in Chalet Renard is the most difficult.

If you are not yet too confident to take on difficult bike paths, take the route from Sault before attempting the more challenging way from Bédoin. This area is protected from much of the wind, which you will likely encounter during your ascent through Bédoin.

The Best Time to Visit

Mont Ventoux is accessible for most of the year, and that’s one of the advantages of cycling this mountain. But there are specific climbing seasons, depending on which area you will climb. If you are climbing through the Southern side, the best time is from April to November. Meanwhile, the best time to climb Mont Ventoux through the northern side is in the middle of May. However, it’s worth noting that the season can still be unpredictable. If you can, plan your climb between May and September to have a higher chance of good weather suitable for climbing.

Generally, the best time to visit Ventoux and its surrounding areas is in June, while the weather is still hot, and the lavender fields look and smell amazing. Also, the roads are not too busy with families on school holidays during this time.

Deciding on the best time to cycle Mont Ventoux will depend on your priorities. The weather in the region is changeable regardless of the time of the year, so it is best to check the weather forecast before you set out with your cycling adventure. 

What to Expect 

The fame of Ventoux does not just come from its length or height. But from something much more. It’s a climb that could test you to the very core. The landscape is wild, and the weather can be unpredictable. Mont Ventoux is part of cycling folklore and is on the bucket list of almost every cyclist.

A typical Mont Ventoux cycling trip is short and can be possible over a weekend. The most common route is from Bedoin, which requires a 21 km ascent to the summit. Your cycling holiday will pay homage to the famous Tour de France bike race. But on your cycling holiday, you will not be on a race, and your achievement will be measured by how you finish each climb. And instead of hordes of spectators, you will be cheered on by your cycling companions and your guide. 

As one of the world’s top destinations for cycling, organising a cycling trip to France is easy since many tour companies can arrange the trip on your behalf. In fact, you will find some great places that offer cycling holidays to Mont Ventoux. It’s the perfect option for those looking to take the planning out of the trip.

Route Summary 

Most of the cycling climb to Mont Ventoux starts from Bedoin, a small village in the heart of Provence . The first section is an easy warm-up climb. You will ride for about 3.5km, passing through a hamlet of Sainte Colombe before arriving at the St Estève bend. When you get to St Estève, the route will slowly kick up, and this is where the tough climb begins. It will not end until you reach the weather station at the top of Ventoux.

The route to Mont Ventoux will send you to a thick forest, where the climb can get mentally tough. However, there won’t be any distractions since there will only be trees on both sides. 

When you reach the tip of the forest, you will find the famous Chalet Reynard, which used to be a mountain refuge and is now a restaurant. It’s the perfect place to grab snacks and water before you conquer the last 6km. 

How to Ride Mont Ventoux 

Cycling Mont Ventoux is not your typical mountain biking adventure. You must battle the mountain’s physical nature and some elements since you will deal with different weather conditions.

If you are up for the challenge, prepare well for the battle. You should develop a serious amount of mental focus as you ride. The first 10 kilometres of the journey will not relent, and there’s very little to take your mind away. 

Cycling Mont Ventoux is an almighty climb unless you have done it several times. Tackle the ride at a manageable pace, and do not push yourself too aggressively. 

Put your bike in low gear and get your legs spinning at the start. Wear a heart rate monitor if you train with it to determine how your body is faring while climbing Mont Ventoux.

LATEST CYCLING EUROPE POSTS:

• Le Grand Tour: The First Review Has Landed…
• The Best Places In Europe To Go Biking
• Le Grand Tour On A Bike Called Wanda: Just Days To Go…
• The Cycling Europe Podcast: Episode 078 – Le Grand Tour On A Bike Called Wanda / Andrew P. Sykes
• Episode 078: Le Grand Tour On A Bike Called Wanda / Andrew P. Sykes

Subscribe to the Cycling Europe YouTube Channel

Since 2009, CyclingEurope.org has established itself as a valued, FREE cycle touring resource. There’s now even a podcast, The Cycling Europe Podcast . If you enjoy the website and the podcast, please consider supporting the work of CyclingEurope.org with a donation. More information here .

Catch up with The Cycling Europe Podcast :

• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music
• Google Podcasts
• Podcast Addict

Spread the word!

• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

Categories: Adventure , Cycling , Travel

Tagged as: France

What do you think? Cancel reply

Support cyclingeurope.org.

Since 2009, CyclingEurope.org has established itself as a valued, FREE cycle touring resource. There's now even a podcast, The Cycling Europe Podcast. If you enjoy the website and the podcast, please consider supporting the work of CyclingEurope.org with a donation via Ko-Fi. Thanks if you do!

Follow Cycling Europe

Email Address

The Cycling Europe Podcast

Latest Episodes

Discover more from CyclingEurope.org

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

Mont Ventoux,

a cyclist’s paradise

Mont Ventoux: overlooking Provence from its 1,909 metres of height, this mountain is well-known for its views that will surely take your breath away. It’s also a place that is particularly well-loved by keen cyclists who come from all corners of the world to tackle climbing the Giant of Provence!

A challenge for keen cyclists

• Mont Ventoux – a mountain biker’s paradise
• Cycling for all at Mont Ventoux!

Made famous by the Tour de France in 1951, the climb of Mont Ventoux by bike is an unmissable challenge for hardcore cyclists.

The 360° panorama from the top is the ultimate reward for all that effort… To get there, there are 3 possible routes. The climb from Bédoin is the most technical itinerary with a difference in altitude of 1,622 metres on a 22.7 km climb to reach the top! To try other routes, experienced cyclists can also access Mont Ventoux by bike from the villages of Sault or Malaucène. In good weather conditions, it’s even possible to catch sight of Mont Blanc on the horizon!

Did you know?

In 1908, Jacques Gabriel became the first cyclist to win the first cycling competition at Mont Ventoux – “Le Marathon du Ventoux”.

Autumnal scenery at Mont Ventoux

The nesque river canyons by bike, almond trees in bloom at the foot of mont ventoux, mont ventoux – the place to go for mountain bikers.

With such a contrasting relief, Mont Ventoux was literally made for mountain bikers and enduro racers. Keen cyclists will surely tell you that the Vaucluse’s Grande Traversée is a must! At nearly 400 km, including several stages around Mont Ventoux, the scenery alternates with technical routes, testing the concentration and responsiveness of the top cyclists. It is also a great chance to test your limits at the Chalet Reynard Bike Park: daredevils can come and try the three tracks of different levels. Thanks to the button lift, you can easily get back up to the top of the slopes.

Go to the French Cycling Federation’s ‘Espace VTT’ (mountain biking space) at the Ventoux to choose between 12 available courses: guaranteed fun on 220 km of routes!

All aboard your bikes at Mont Ventoux!

Not a bike whizz don’t panic – mont ventoux is also made up of miles of small roads which are accessible to the vast majority..

There are several family-friendly circuits. A loop from Bédoin allows you to discover the village and its surroundings. On the circuit, Provence awaits you – vines and cherry trees, ochre landscapes, the hamlet of Les Baux – an adorable village between garrigues and olive groves. The scenery radically changes in Monieux! The white of the cliffs merges with the mauve of the lavender fields on a circuit that will lead you to the magnificent Nesque River Canyons

Do you want to enjoy the magnificent scenery in total tranquillity? It’s possible thanks to electrically-assisted bikes! You could even opt to be accompanied by a guide.

Preserve Mont Ventoux!

Mont Ventoux is a fragile natural area. To protect its heritage and live in harmony with each other and nature, let’s vow to adopt good practices in natural areas. For the preservation of forests and the safety of all – I will not smoke – I will not start any fires in the forest (campfires, barbecues etc.) – I will not let off any fireworks or smoke bombs Respect for nature and the heritage of the rural environment – I will carry my rubbish with me until I can properly dispose of it, and I will separate my waste into the necessary recycling categories. – I will avoid picking wild plants and collecting rocks/minerals – I will respect wild animals and keep my distance from them – I will preserve any testimonials to the past – I will stick to the marked paths – I will only ride on public paths

Respect for residents, farmers and forest users (foresters, hunters, shepherds, walkers, etc.) – I will park in signposted carparks and will avoid parking on private property – I will respect the boundaries of crop fields and orchards – During hunting season, I will keep an eye out for hunting parties and make my presence known – I will behave carefully in the presence of herds and I will keep my dog on a lead Before any outing in the mountains (on foot, by bike, etc.) – I will choose an itinerary adapted to my level – I will prepare the necessary equipment (warm clothing, water, food provisions, sunscreen) – I will check the weather forecast for the summit at www.meteo-ventoux.fr – I will report any anomalies I may encounter along the way (signposting errors, defective signs, pollution, need for security, conflict, etc.) at sentinelles.sportsdenature.fr In case of accident, I will call 112

TRAVEL TIPS

• Search for:

[email protected]

Cycling: our top 10 tips for climbing Mont Ventoux

Legend of the Tour de France and a mecca for cyclists from all over the world, climbing Mont Ventoux is a bucketlist ride for cyclists. But at over 20km long and 1500+m ascent, it’s a challenge not to be undertaken lightly. Each year we organise our cycling Mont Ventoux holiday , and have welcomed cyclists from all over the UK and Ireland, as well as the US and Australia. With that experience in mind, here are our top 10 tips for climbing Mont Ventoux as a road cyclist, to make sure your challenge is a success!

1: Training & preparation

Climbing Mont Ventoux will involve 2 hours or more of sustained effort for the average road cyclist. To do the climb in the best conditions you will need to be used to be riding at a sustained effort or pace for long periods. The best solution to be ready : ride often! Get as many km in the legs as you can, particularly on climbs. If you have no longer climbs in your area, training at sustained threshold pace even on the flat can be useful.

2: Bring the right bike

While there’s no need for a €10,000 carbon monster to climb Mont Ventoux, you will be the most comfortable on a relatively well equipped and recent road bike ; you won’t be needing the extra weight so no mudguards, panier bags or anything else that will add on the grams. And give the gears, brakes and wheels a thorough check up before you leave! On our Mont Ventoux Cycling Trip , we provide on option aluminium or carbon road bikes that are more than enough to get you to the top – with a minimum of pedalling of course!

You won’t want to be grinding and crunching your way up the 10%+ gradients, so make sure you have a transmission is up to the climb. We would advise at least a compact chainset ; a 28 cassette is OK but a 30 or even a 32 is probably better. If you have a triple chainset you may be carrying a bit more weight, but with the advantage of having a greater choice of gears.

Finally, leave the ultra deep rim carbon wheelset at home! Deep wheels won’t help you on the climb, and may even cause you problems with sidewinds in particular if the Mistral is blowing.

3: Choose your side

The Mont Ventoux has the advantage of having three distinct cycling routes. The classic tour de France Ventoux climb from Bédoin is the most popular ; if you’re looking for a (relatively!) easier ride, the climbing Mont Ventoux from Sault is not as difficult while still remaining a challenge. See our Mont Ventoux Profile for more information.

4: Choose your time of year

The Mont Ventoux has the advantage of being accessible for most of the year, with the climbing season running from April to November on the Southern side, and from mid-May for the northern side (compared to the Alps for example, where some cols can still be snowbound in June) Either end of the season can still be uncertain however – if you’re planning a trip from abroad, we’d advise planning between May and September to be certain of achieving your climb. We programme our own trips starting mid-May to be sure thet the Northern route is open.

5: Map the route & profile

Climbing Mont Ventoux, the routes are well signposted, and the Bédoin & Malaucène climbs have bornes kilométriques every km with ascent and distance ; however on any long ride it’s always a good idea to map your route before hand to avoid any problems on site. You may be a Strava user, which has a map route function (unfortunately no longer free). There are also other online solutions like Komoot or even Google Maps. On all of our cycling trips , we provide clients with daily maps, and GPX files for those who use Garmin or other devices.

It’s also a good idea to check out the Mont Ventoux gradient profile depending on the route you choose ; the site climbbybike.com has some gradient profiles presented in useful summary form, with colour coded percentages. Thus, on the Bédoin climb you can see at a glance:

• 0-6 km: blue – relatively easy
• 6-16km: orange & red : tough
• 16-17km: blue – relatively easy
• 17-21km: orange – tough
• 21km: red! for the last few hundred metres

6: Bring the right gear

It is said to never underestimate the mountain : in the case of the Ventoux it’s best to be prepared for everything. In summer the temperatures can be high in the valley, but at almost 2000m the summit can be another story. Be prepared for the climb ; and also the descent! Descending from 1900m, after the effort of the climb can quickly be chilling. On our cycling trips, you can leave your extra clothes in the support vehicle with the guide ; if you’re doing the climb on your own, bring at the very least a windproof jacket and pair of gloves in your jersey pocket.

Also don’t forget hydration & nutrition : for a 2+hour climb plan for 2 full bottles of liquids ; and get your nutrition in early rather than waiting for the first signs of hunger or even bonking. On our guided trips the guide carries extra water and snacks, and meets the group at pre-decided points ; as well as that, you can flag them down at any stage if you need anything.

7: Choose your company!

Climbing the Mont Ventoux is definitely doable alone ; however for more comfort you can choose to do it in company, either on the bike or off it. Riding in a group has the advantage of moral support and cameraderie; being accompanied by a support vehicle adds the extra comfort advantage of not having to carry any extra gear other than your immediate needs for cycling. Food, water, picnic lunch, warmer or cooler clothes – all can go in the vehicle.

8: Check the weather forecast

It may seem obvious, but the summit is at almost 2000m so when climbing Mont Ventoux be sure to check the local weather foercast beforehand, to be prepared. Cloud can come in quickly, even on a clear day ; the summit can also be windy, particularly during the Mistral, the North wind that blows through Provence. If the conditions are unfavourable don’t hesitate to call off the ride for another day. If you’re riding very late or very early in the season this is particularly true. See here for the Mont Serein webcam which can give a glimpse of weather near the summit.

9: Pace yourself!

We’ve all been there : it’s a fine sunny day, you’re in fine form and delighted to be out on the road – so you push a little harder than you should, only to end up a shivering, bonking mess 3/4 of the way through your ride! When climbing Mont Ventoux, it’s vital to pace yourself! On the Bédoin ascent it’s easy to be lulled into a false sense of security in the first few km, but keep something in the legs for kilometre 6-16, the toughest part of the climb! And on the easier Sault to Ventoux climb, the toughest part comes at the end, so be sure to plan for this too.

Choose your gear too – spin as much as you can, even if this means choosing the easiest gear. There’s little advantage to be gained in saving a gear “just in case” – slap it into the 32 cog and away you go!

This is the ride of a lifetime, so enjoy! Climbing Mont Ventoux a challenge that remains accessible to any reasonably fit cyclist who is prepared to take the climb at their own pace. And at the top, take in the spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, with views as far as the Alps and massif Central on a clear day.

It’s also worth mentioning the professional photographers on the route, who will take your photo that you can later buy on their website : worth it for the souvenir!

Mont Ventoux Cycling Holidays

France Outdoors proposes Mont Ventoux Cycling holidays for individuals or groups, as well as guided cycling trips with vehicle support in the Alps , Pyrenees , Dolomites and elsewhere. See here for all our cycling trips , or click on “Contact us” above for more information.

One thought on “ Cycling: our top 10 tips for climbing Mont Ventoux ”

Great information. I’m planning on riding Ventoux early Sept 2024. Even thinking about the triple……..but just thinking. Anyway, thanks for info. We all appreciate your effort to get all of this to us.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get our latest travel tips !

Privacy Overview

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

A Ride and Seek Tour

Mont Ventoux Adventure

• Dates & Prices
• Food & Wine

Mont Ventoux Weekend Overview

Come and join us at our base in Provence for a chance to take on Mont Ventoux and explore the cultural and gastronomical highlights that make the Vaucluse area so special.

We are delighted to have this event on the roster, as it allows us to host guests in our backyard. The Ride and Seek European base has been based here for eight years. We very much look forward to showing you the road less travelled in an area that has long become a mecca for cycling. Please note that unlike other tours we run, this is a ride-only package and does not include accommodation. Details can be found on the Dates & Prices tab.

This event is run in conjunction with the Mont Ventoux Cycling Club , which acts as our logistics hub and seeks to embrace all things related to Mont Ventoux and its surroundings. The Club House is now based in Bedoin in partnership with the wonderful folks of Pista Cafe . The hub for this tour will be Pista Cafe, which we consider the best spot in Bedoin for pre and post-ride refreshments.

Over the course of 3 days, you can tick off one of the great cycling experiences whilst also enjoying a wonderful immersion into life in Provence.

As part of the ride program, we propose our favourite soul ride up the Gorges de la Nesque on Friday. Saturday is your opportunity to take on Ventoux from one, two or all three sides of the mountain. On Sunday, we propose a ‘recovery’ ride that will give us a chance to explore the road less travelled through in the Dentelles de Montmirail . The Ride Data offers more insight into the riding metrics of these three rides. Our guides will coordinate the rides, but you’ll also have the flexibility to ride at the pace that suits you.

Ride Overview

Faq’s.

>How many sides of Ventoux do I need to ride on the Ventoux Weekend? It’s up to you! The regular ride will be the classic ascent from Bedoin and then a return to Pista Cafe. For those seeking more riding, we will also facilitate the riding of the other sides too. In fact if you want to become a Cingles we can facilitate that as well. > What is the Cingles Club? – The Mont Ventoux Cinglés Club is an unofficial group of cyclists who have completed the “Cingles du Mont Ventoux” challenge AKA as the Crazy Gang! To join, cyclists must climb Mont Ventoux from all three main roads—Bedoin, Malaucène, and Sault – in a single day. This is our ultimate ‘extra loop’! > How many sides of Ventoux are there? – The three main climbs of Ventoux are from Bedoin, Malaucene and Sault, with the third being considered the ‘easier’ of the three. There is also a fourth route that is less well-known but you’ll have to wait for our future gravel weekend to ride that one with us > How do I join the Cingles Club? – If you wish to become a Cingles, you’ll need to contact the official organiser Christian Pic via the online registration here: http://www.clubcinglesventoux.org/en/inscriptions.html Cards cost 25€ > Why do we call the Gorges de la Nesque a soul ride? – Read this to get to get a sense of why we love this ride so much: Our Provence Soul Ride > Are the rides guided? – We will run this event in the same way we do Ride and Seek tours whereby you will be able to ride all of the rides at your own pace and our vehicle support and ride captains will work to shepherd you along the route > Do you provide the GPX files? – Yes and we also set you up with the Ride with GPS Experience which we think is a wonderful resource when used in conjunction with the Ride with GPS app. > When should I arrive? –  The first ride leaves Pista Cafe at 1400 on the Friday so you can choose to come in on Friday or if you have scope to spend an extra night come in on the Thursday evening. > How big is the group? – For the May and June editons of the event the maximum group size will be 20 riders > Where do the rides start from each day? – We will meet each day for the ride starts at the Mont Ventoux Cycling Base at Pista Cafe in Bedoin > Can I rent a bike? Yes – if you don’t wish bring your own you can rent a bike from our bike fleet in Bedoin > How do I get to Bedoin? – Best options are the TGV to Avignon or to fly into Marseilles Vitrolles Airport. For both options you can rent a car to reach us in Bedoin. Alternatively we can look to arrange shuttles for any of you needing a lift. Pricing will depend on the numbers of people in each shuttle.

Team Members on this Tour

Dylan reynolds - founder and trip specialist.

Dylan has been designing and running bike tours since 1997 and it was this experience that provided the bedrock behind the creation of Ride & Seek. Family bike tours were the original inspiration though with the 1988 Land End to John  O’Groats trip his first ‘Epic’. He is now based with his family in the shadow of Mont Ventoux where the tour operations are based. Born in Zambia he has travelled extensively and has called Australia, Italy, Spain. England and now France home over the years. An itinerant lifestyle of professional squash, snowboarding and cycling have provided a wonderful passport to explore the world.

First cycling memory: Chaperoning my younger sister on the 4km ride to primary school every morning. My Mum would often follow in the car, out of sight, to check we were ok. It was my first experience of guiding!

Favourite bike: On tour I really like my Lynskey Sportive. In terms of pure aesthetics I’d go for anything from Look.

Top climb: Whist I have Mont Ventoux on my doorstep there are a number of climbs in the vicinity that I enjoy more. The Col de Murs in Provence is probably my favourite.

One thing on your bucket list: Take the whole family on one of the Epics!

A special skill you bring on tour: I think I’m a bit of a jack of all trades from a guiding perspective having done it for over 20 years now. After all that time I guess my special skill is to be as passionate about guiding as I was when I first started.

Favourite Ride and Seek tour gastronomic experience: A Fiorentina steak washed down with a fine bottle of Brunello di Montalcino in San Gimignano on our Hannibal tour.

Languages: English, French & Italian. I’m determined to improve my Spanish before we embark on a tour program in the Iberian peninsular.

Ride and Seek tours you lead: I’ve led all of them to date and I find myself on most of the Epics at least in part.

Megan Lindsay - Dietition and guide

Megan qualified as a Clinical Dietitian 20 years ago, completing additional postgraduate studies in sports nutrition. She has worked in the areas of sports nutrition and clinically within the hospital environment both in Australia and the UK. Megan works with Ride and Seek in the capacity as Nutrition Consultant to help ensure our clients are optimally fueled and hydrated for our tours. Megan helps us design our snack provisions with the right balance of nutrients for our customers, accounting for special dietary requirements and designed to help maintain our energy levels, performance and recovery on tour.

First cycling memory: I vividly remember getting my school trousers caught in my chain rings down the street from home and having to remove my trousers and run home in my undies.

Favourite bike: My Lynksey of course!

Top climb: When I'm feeling very energetic, Mont Ventoux! For less energetic days, Col de la Madaleine outside Bedoin.

One thing on your bucket list: It is really tough to choose one, but I would have to say that the Ride and Seek Japan tour would be up there. I love cycling, sushi, sake and onsen baths so I think this tour ticks all of the boxes.

A special skill you bring on tour: I am strongly customer focused and of course my background as a clinical dietitian comes in handy. I help to advise our team on customer with special dietary requirements and ensuring that snacks provided meet our clients needs for the long days spent in the saddle and recovery.

Favourite Ride and Seek tour gastronomic experience: Can I say dinner at our Ride and Seek Provencal base on the Hannibal tour? I love nothing more than preparing a meal for our Ride and Seek customers and learning more about them.

Languages: French and English

Ride and Seek tours you lead: At present I look after guide and guest needs from our Provence base, but I have secret aspirations to guide Marco Polo and Maori tours.

Benjamin Bonneuil -

First cycling memory: Many bicycles crash with my brother and dad, and trying to block the front wheel of my brother's bike with a tree branch...

Favourite bike: Luckily I can put more than one bike. MTB : Cannondale Scalpel SE or my Transition single speed. Road bike : BMC SLR01. Gravel bike : I loved to get a Rondo !!

Top climb: Mont Ventoux or Col du Lautaret under the snow (in February). Back home I regularly climbed the "Gorge de Methamis" as it's lovely and so peaceful.

One thing on your bucket list: Climb the Galibier + Izoard + Col Agnel - the most legendary climbs!

A special skill you bring on tour: Good mechanic skills, being very organised and proactive, and being an all round swiss army knife!

Favourite Ride and Seek tour gastronomic experience: What's better than drinking a coffee or eating a lemon pie at the "Refuge Napoleon" on the ascent of the Col de l'Izoard!

Languages: French and English - and can manage a few words in Italian and Spanish due to the Latin base!

Ride and Seek tours you lead: Based in Provence around Mont Ventoux.

Next: Highlights

Mont ventoux adventure highlights.

> Take on one of the most iconic rides in the cycling folklore – Mont Ventoux > Experience the ultimate soul ride in the Gorges de la Nesque > Discover the Dentelles the Montmirail > Enjoy the hospitality extended at our base in Provence > Indulge in the fine wines of the Ventoux region > Let us introduce you to the cycling around Mont Ventoux – you’ll be amazed at what is on offer > Savour the delights of the Provençal gastronomy with meals at local restaurants and our base itself

Previous: Overview

Next: dates, mont ventoux adventure dates 2024.

The dates above are the scheduled departures. However, note that this is our backyard, so we have plenty of flexibility to add dates. All tours and individual stages are available as a custom tour for your group – contact us for details.

Note that this is run as an event and not a regular Ride and Seek, so please refer to the details below on the inclusions and exclusions. The price point reflects that this is primarily a ride-only event .

>3 x Guided Rides > Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable guides always on hand to help >Mont Ventoux Cycling Club (MVCC) Jersey > Friday Pasta Party at Pista Cafe >Ride with GPS Experience >Vehicle and Ride Captain support > Coffee and Pastries at ride starts

> Room and Board – see Hotels tab for accommodation suggestions > Shuttles – these can be arranged at an addiitonal cost to and from Avignon TGV and Marseilles Vitrolles airport >Bike Rental – we have bikes available if you wish to rent

We ask for a deposit of €100 to reserve a place on this tour.

Previous: Highlights

Mont ventoux adventure food and wine.

With a strong Italian and Spanish influence, the cuisine of Provence has a distinctive flair that sets it apart from more classic French fare. Blessed with an abundance of natural ingredients that flourish in the region, Provence is unsurpassed for the freshness of its produce and variety of its dishes. What better encapsulates the flavours of Provençal cuisine than the region’s herbs? Containing rosemary, marjoram, basil, savoury and thyme, as well as a variety of other aromatic plants, you’ll be awakened to their presence not just in the food but also in the air as you cycle along. And what about the tapenades? These go so well spread on fougasse – a flat bread with herbs, fig, olive and walnut. We like the original made of capers, black olives and anchovies but why not try the myriad of other options and discover your own favourite?

Provence is also one of France’s serious fine wine regions, on a par with Bordeaux and Burgundy. In contrast to the cultured power of Bordeaux and the elegance of Burgundy, Provençal red wines are earthier with an almost rustic flavour. In this respect, they are really interesting since quality commercial wine making is balanced by a real sense of identity. Our tour takes us into the heart of some of the regions finest wines and we’ll have the chance to compare and contrast the relative merits of Côtes du Rhône, Les Baux and Côtes du Ventoux. For dessert, we recommend the excellent Muscat de Beaumes de Venise – an almost floral, citrus bouquet making them both refreshing and full-bodied.

Previous: Data

Next: hotels, mont ventoux adventure accommodation.

For the Mont Ventoux Adventure accomodation is not included in the package, but below, we have collated some of our favourite options for taking part in the event. We only choose places we have used over the years, so these are very much personal recommendations. Note a reference to the $ sign as a price guide.

Hotel des Pins (Bedoin) $$- This Logis Hôtel is situated at the base of Mont Ventoux and has a wonderful gourmet restaurant. Its name comes from the pine trees that surround it and reflects the fact it is slightly outside the hustle-bustle of the village which is a 10-minute stroll away. With a lovely swimming pool and shaded courtyard, it provides a wonderful sanctuary from which to explore the surrounding area. The massages offered by our ex Tour de France soigneur are an added bonus.

Clos Marceau (Bedoin) $$- This family-run B & B has become a firm favourite of ours in recent years. Offering a shared lounge and inner courtyard view, Le Clos Marceau is situated in Bédoin. The air-conditioned accommodation only has 5 rooms but also has a lovely outside terrace for dinner and serves a delectable breakfast.

Au Brabo (Mormoiron) $ – This friendly B & B is run by our friends Dominique and Renee in the village of Mormoiron – 6km from Bedoin. Boasting a great beer garden the guest house situated in a historic building and offers a great hot tub! Fresh pastries, fruits, and juice make up the breakfast, and guests can eat at the on-site restaurant, while packed lunches are also available upon request.

Hotel Crillon le Brave (Crillon-le-Brave) $$$$—If you’re looking for a bit of luxury, this is the premier hotel in the area, situated just 5km from Bedoin. They pride themselves on providing amazing service, and the 34 rooms and suites are full of character and charm. The serene atmosphere invites rest and luxurious relaxation throughout this 5-star hotel.

Previous: Food

Next: history, mont ventoux adventure ride data 2024.

Day 1 – Regular Ride – Gorges de la Nesque Soul Ride

Day 1 Extra Loop – St Hubert Loop

Day 2 Regular Ride – Ventoux Day (Bedoin)

This is the regular ride. Do note that we have multiple options on this day that incorporate riding the other two sides of the mountain as well.The primary guided option will the the classic out and back climb from Bedoin as shown above

Day 2 – The Cingles option – 135km & 4420m of elevation!

Day 3 Regular Ride – Dentelles de Montmirail

This is framed as a warm down ride on the Sunday morning. Longer or shorter rides can be facilitated depending on how you are feeling.

Previous: Dates

Mont ventoux – an overview.

Below is a wonderful piece from Bas Steman in Soigneur about the Geant.

The peloton shimmers off in the distance. A solo shadow appears on the barren, windswept horizon. The road winds up to a white tower. Reach it, and you’ll kiss immortality. You’ll strike another classic from your list. All the best riders have struggled here. Mont Ventoux is to cycling what Wembley Stadium is to football.

The mountain’s menace can’t be captured by statistics, although they are impressive, with more than 20 kilometres of climbing, from 300 metres of elevation up to 1,900 metres, and long gradients at more than 12%. Even the pros suffer. You can suffer anywhere though. In the Alps and the Dolomites, there are mountains of equal magnitude, but Mont Ventoux is the mythical climb. To come to terms with the Ventoux, you have to see it as more than mountain. You can’t reduce it to an elevation profile, a promise of lactic acid. 7.7% doesn’t tell you very much. Mont Ventoux has a story, a history. It’s almost a character in itself. Its stories are woven into cycling’s DNA. Every kilometre is another chapter.

Mont Ventoux sits alone, rising out of the countryside, ruling over the land as if it were its sacred kingdom. It flirts with the status of Mount Fuji and Kilimanjaro. Ever since man first put his thoughts to paper, he’s attested to his fealty. For centuries, people spoke of a god who lived at the summit of the Ventoux, commanding awe. He withstood storms and torturous heat. Wolves roamed his slopes, hunting for food. Few were reckless enough to take on the ‘Scala Paradisi’. The poet Petrarch, who defied borders with his love, was one of them. He wrote about his experience in 1336.

“TO SUCCEED, WILL IS NOT ENOUGH; YOU NEED DESIRE.”

Nowadays, there is a road, a ribbon of asphalt draped over the bald flank of the mountain. And so long as there is a road, people will climb it on bikes. The Tour first arrived on Mont Ventoux in 1951. The peloton departed for the moonlike landscape from Malaucene and climbed the northern slope of the mountain, which is even more treacherous than the ascent to the south. Lucien Lazaridès was the first to the top. The Tour director Jacques Goddet wrote, “Under a burning sky, the vast plains of loose white pebble stones that form the deserted slopes of Mont Ventoux have served as the theatre for an act of the 58th Tour de France.”

A year later, the Tour returned, this time taking on the mountain from the south, via the town of Bédoin. A Provençal winegrowers’ village, where Grenache and apricots are traditionally cultivated, Bédoin would have been passed over by time had the Tour not taken on Mont Ventoux. Cycling breathed new life into the myth. People no longer spoke of gods or wolves. Heat, without shadow, and empty air drove riders to their limits. Mallejac rode himself senseless. In 1955, Kubler finished the climb speaking in tongues. Charly Gaul brought the record down to one hour and two minutes in 1958. From Bédoin, an inviting stretch of false flat leads up through the vineyards. It’s nothing to worry about. Whoever wants to set a good time can gain a minute here. But anyone who’s not sure how he’ll fare against the Ventoux had best keep his powder dry. After five kilometres, just past the first switchback to the left, the stairway to heaven rises up. The trees become denser, the road smaller. It hugs the cliffs, without ever offering you a breath of relief. Ten kilometres at ten percent are followed by seven kilometres at seven, then the road pitches up at more than eleven.

In high summer, the route is filled with a procession of cyclists — pilgrims on bikes, searching for grace. Everyone follows the same path in his own way. It’s an act of personal confirmation. The Ventoux is a continuously unfolding story, onto which anyone can inscribe his own myth. Anyone who takes it on rides through history. Film after imaginary film is added to the montage. Between your eyelashes, you see Anquetil ride past with hollowed-out eyes. Merckx struggles for breath. Armstrong dances on the pedals. Then, there is the great Italian, Eros, named for desire. A non-climber, he’s minutes ahead, just enough to claim the prize.

Whoever strives to live a full life is bound to come close to death. Between the trees, where, for ten kilometres, the road rises at ten percent, it creeps up behind you. It bites into your legs, gnaws at your spleen. Go too deep here and you’ll die on the moon. Just past the Chalet Reynard, lies emptiness. The mountain deceives you. Rarefied air, heat, and wind conspire against you. Above, the chalky stones whirl. You stand on the pedals, collapse. The white tower is further away than your eyes lead you to believe. To your right, a monument looms. Here, in July 1967, the rider with the Union Jack on his shoulders left his life behind in the Tour. He was felled by fame, the heat, dehydration, and madness.

The last kilometre is merciless. As Petrarch wrote, “To succeed, will is not enough; you need desire.”

One last vicious right-hand corner, a few more metres, and there’s the white line. As soon as you pass it, your wheel ticks off another item from your bucket list.

Bas’s account chronicles his experience climbing from Bedoin but there are actually 3 ways up the mountain. Below are the elevation profiles of these 3 ascents. The ‘classic’ is the ascent from Bedoin which is the way the Tour de France typically climbs the mountain. However, the other two also have their merits and our Mont Ventoux weekend gives you the chance to take them on too.

The climb from the north side is from Malaucene and is in our opinion on a par difficulty wise with the Bedoin climb. Whereas the climb from Bedoin comes up through the trees until Chalet Reynard the Malaucene ascent is a lot more open with expansive views of the Alps in the distance. The so called ‘easy’ ascent is from Sault and is arguably the most picturesque. Do all 3 in a day and you can join the Cingles club .

The Bedoin ascent elevation profile

The Malaucene ascent elevation profile

The Sault elevation profile

Previous: Hotels

Next: overview.

Join us at our base in Provence and take on Mont Ventoux and explore the surrounding area. Join the Cingles club or simply ride one, two or all 3 sides of Ventoux aka the 'Giant of Provence'!

Tour at a Glance

Mont Ventoux Adventure 2024

The Short Break Road Cycling Holiday Specialist

Road cycling holidays – mont ventoux and provence.

Experience the traditional charms of rural France as you cycle through vineyards and olive groves on a cycling holiday in Provence. This fabulous region features great riding and stunning cycle routes through rolling hills, and with sparkling sunshine filled days, after a morning cycling you can kick back and chill out by the swimming pool.

But don’t get too relaxed, at least not before you’ve faced the epic ascent of Mont Ventoux – a must for all keen road cyclists. Beyond the mountain, the areas around Ventoux offer endless miles of quiet country roads, charming French villages, and traditional Provençal cuisine.

During a weekend you can explore the beautiful, rolling Luberon Regional Parc, the quieter, wilder and more hilly Vaucluse, or perhaps the wine country of Gigondas and the Dentilles de Montmirail.

Wherever you cycle you will find quiet smooth roads, pretty villages and the famously beautiful Provençal landscape, basking under the Mediterranean sun.

All in all, Provence – Mont Ventoux and the surrounding area is a very special location for a cycling short break in France.

Mont Ventoux / Provence Highlights

• Epic Mont Ventoux – ‘Giant of Provence’
• Warm and sunny
• Quiet roads
• Cycle through vineyards
• Classic Provençal cuisine
• Great road cycling

Provence and Mont Ventoux – Sunny Cycling, Stunning French Countryside

If you had to pick perfect cycling conditions then Provence is going to come as close as anywhere we know. Clear sunny days, quiet smooth roads, stunning views and scenery with just the right amount of climbing and descending. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Avoiding the mid-summer period, we offer our Bike Weekender trips here during May, June, September and October, ensuring the heat and sun is not too strong. Join us and you’ll see that a weekend cycling in Provence makes for a very pleasant early and late season short break cycling holiday.

We’ll make sure you’ll be cycling quiet roads and finding the very best routes to explore this wonderful landscape. The whole region lends itself well to cycle touring – a road bike is a fantastic way of taking in Provence.

We can help to plan days riding through hilltop villages, vineyards and orchards, past Provence’s famous fields of lavender (in bloom in June/July)… and we’ll be sure to point out the best restaurants, cafés and bars en route.

The cycling in this region can still provide a good challenge for experienced riders, but it’s perhaps not as daunting as the Alps and, as such, provides a perfect introduction to the joys of road cycling in France.

Summer is all about the uphill… but it goes downhill in winter!

Did you know we are weekend specialists all year round? During the winter months we offer Ski and Snowboard short breaks in France

Accessibility tools

Great rides: mont ventoux.

You can’t miss Mont Ventoux. Drive or take the train down the Rhône Valley, and there it is, on your left, perhaps 40 miles away, rising out of the plains as if it were the only mountain in the world. From almost any part of Provence, just look up: with its bare limestone peak that looks like the surface of the moon, it’s impressive to any viewer. To a cyclist, it means even more. The most fabled of all the climbs in the Tour de France, races and even lives have been lost on it: the Giant of Provence.

I went, for the seventh time, in May. I met some other British cyclists in the baggage hall of Marseille airport. There was only one question: who was going to ride up Ventoux? We were already nervous at the prospect.

It has a particular place in the hearts of British cyclists, because it was here in 1967, only about half a mile from the top, that Tom Simpson died in the Tour de France. He fell off his bike from exhaustion, insisted on being put back on, and collapsed again a short while later. Three years later, Eddy Merckx was so overcome after his stage win there that he was given oxygen.

In 2013, Chris Froome won on Ventoux on the way to his first Tour de France win. Two years ago, Froome found himself without a bike after a crash and continued on foot… The Tour didn’t visit Mont Ventoux this year, but has done three times in the last decade.

A mountain to climb

I wasn’t planning on winning any races on my visit, and certainly not riding myself into trouble. The reason I keep going back is simple: it’s a great ride for the reasonably fit, and the whole area has some of the best cycling I’ll ever find.

The first time I rode up Mont Ventoux, in 2000, it was easier than I had imagined, at least for a while. It was the most northerly point of a week-long tour of Provence, so I stayed an extra night in a town at the bottom, and rode up with just one small pannier on my Roberts Roughstuff not-so-lightweight tourer.

About three-quarters of the way up, I was starting to think these professional cyclists were not as tough as they make out. It was almost easy. The road emerged from the trees and passed a café, the Chalet Reynard. I could see the tower at the top of the mountain, less than four miles away. I was feeling so good, I thought I could even pick the pace up for these last few miles. There was a rider struggling about 200 yards ahead. "I’ll have him," I thought. That was the last I saw of him.

As I came out of the trees, into the bare, windswept landscape that Ventoux is so well known for, the temperature went up 10°C, the gradient became harder, the wind picked up, and I learned an important lesson about cycling up a mountain: don’t even think about attacking it. By the time I got to the top, far from overtaking anyone, I could barely push the bike, let alone ride it. I’d stopped countless times in those last few miles, drunk all my water and eaten all my food.

There’s a memorial to Simpson near the top, and from that point I virtually crawled to the summit. I realise there are steeper climbs, and there are longer climbs, but there are few as tough as Ventoux.

Pace yourself

Last year, a group of three Dutch riders overtook me. I could sense they were going too fast, and a few minutes later, I heard the sound of retching a little way up the road. When I got to that point, the cyclists were gone, but there was a telltale pool of watery liquid in the road.

A little further up, one of them was slumped over a crash barrier, trying to force a gel into his mouth. His bike was discarded on the ground. I asked him if he was all right. He gave me a limp smile and the thumbs-up, so I carried on.

Craig Entwhistle, who runs bike-specific accommodation called Veloventoux in nearby Façon, said: ‘Once, I was driving up the mountain, and on one of the steepest sections I saw a man lying in the road, his bike by his side. I thought this was it: you hear of people dying trying to climb Ventoux, and after 15 years living here, I had finally seen it. I got out of the van and looked at him. He wasn’t moving. His arms were above his head; it didn’t look good. But suddenly, and this frightened the life out of me, he jumped off the ground and stood to attention. I jumped nearly as high. He had a look around, took it all in, and then tried to get back on his bike. He ignored me.

I told him to take it easy, that I’d put the bike in the van, we’d go down to the bottom, get a cup of coffee, and then he could decide what he wanted to do. “I’m going to get to the top even if it kills me!” he said in a Scottish accent as he climbed back on his bike, pushing me away. I thought he might be right – but he did eventually get there, I think. I didn’t hear otherwise."

The big challenge on Ventoux is to do all three ascents on the same day! Mark Jolly

Rides in the region 

Ventoux itself is the challenge that draws cyclists to the area, but if you do only that, you are missing out. You can’t get a decent view of the mountain when you are on it, and the whole area of northern Provence has endless quiet roads of tough but rewarding cycling.

A road clings to the side of the sensational 22km Gorge de la Nesque, south of Ventoux, where short tunnels mean trucks and large vehicles cannot use the road. I usually ride down the gorge rather than up it to give me time to appreciate the scenery.

Les Gorges de Trente-Pas, 25 miles north of Malaucène, is equally stunning, and at least the road runs along the valley bottom. The Dentelles de Montmirail, in the shadow of Ventoux, lives up to their name – the sharp peaks really do look like teeth.

While Ventoux and the surrounding area is a mecca for the ever-increasing number of Lycra-clad sportive riders, many from Britain, plenty do it in their own way. There are three main ascents, from the villages of Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault. The Tour de France always goes up from Bédoin, probably the hardest of the three, although Malaucène is tough enough to make little difference. You’ll see mountain bikers – there is also a fourth, lesser known off-road route to the top – and Ventoux has been climbed on a unicycle and on a Boris Bike.

Travelling light 

On my first ascent of Ventoux, the perfect holiday for me was loading up my bike and heading for the hills, a different place to stay every night. And while I still love to do that, there is an easier option: a fixed-base tour. These days, I don’t take the Roberts (16kg, not including my lunch). I either rent or take my own carbon fibre road bike (Dolan L’Etape, 9kg, plus a banana if I am lucky).

That has some big advantages over point-to-point touring. You don’t have to carry all your gear with you and you don’t have to worry about that evening’s accommodation. Or if those black clouds do mean rain…

There is plenty of cycle-friendly accommodation near Ventoux, and enough loop rides to keep you busy for a week or more without going up the big one. The big challenge on Ventoux is to do all three ascents on the same day. If you do this, and you pay the 30 Euro fee, you are entitled to join the Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux – the madmen’s club. Almost 13,000 have done this, and British riders are the third largest group, after Dutch and French, with more than 2,000 riders.

Plus there’s a few of us who have done it without signing up to join the club. It took me 13 hours. Including an extra 11 miles to and from my accommodation, it was 100 miles, with 4,400 metres of climbing. Was it the hardest thing I have ever done on a bike? Not even close.

I was lucky enough to do the three ascents in perfect conditions, not too hot on the way up and not too cold on the way down. I didn’t have to look at a map, food and drink were plentiful, and after every ascent I had a long descent and a rest at the bottom before starting the next one.

Tough, yes, but for my hardest days on a bike, I think back to touring. That day on the Isle of Skye where I stopped in a bus shelter, took my socks off, rung them out, and put them back on. Or the time in the Pyrenees where I finished a long day exhausted, only to find the hotel I was looking for was just a restaurant, and closed anyway, and the accommodation was another 30 miles away, all of it uphill. Or the day in Shropshire where I had to ride 10 miles on a rim, having trashed the front tyre.

Unforgettable experiences, but doing a fixed-base tour somewhere like the Ventoux, you can keep the good parts and dispose of the bad. Some of them, anyway.

Do it yourself

I flew to Marseille where I was picked up by Veloventoux. There are flights from all over the UK to Marseille, Avignon and Nîmes, then it’s a transfer to your hotel by taxi – or car hire.

In France, taking a bike on a train is more complicated than it should be. It is possible, via Eurostar and TGV to Avignon, followed by a local train to Orange, 23 miles from Malaucène.

The TGV takes only boxed or bagged bikes on this route. Another option is the European Bike Express to Orange. Driving from Calais will take more than eight hours. Cycling there and back will take at least a couple of weeks. Quality bike hire is available in Malaucène, Bédoin and Sault.

DISTANCE : Bédoin ascent: 13.3 miles, climbing 1,620 metres. Malaucène: 13.1 miles, 1,570m. Sault: 16 miles, 1,210m. All three for the Cinglés: 85 miles.

ROUTE : Bédoin is the toughest, starting at 4%, kicking up to a sixmile stretch at close to 10%, but easing off after Chalet Reynard for the final 3.75 miles. Malaucène has a two-mile section halfway of 11-12%, the steepest on the mountain, but also sections of 5% and 6%. Sault is less steep. Sault and Bédoin routes merge at Chalet Reynard.

ACCOMMODATION: Part of the reason I keep going back is Veloventoux (veloventoux.com), set up entirely for cyclists and run by an English family at Façon, six miles from Malaucène. BIKE: Dolan l’Etape with Campagnolo Potenza, smallest gear 34/32.

MAPS/GUIDES: Michelin Carte Routière et Touristique, sheet 245, but the climbs are hard to miss.

I’M GLAD I HAD: Arm warmers, rain jacket, gloves. Weather is a huge factor. Winds can blow cars off the road, and descending a cold mountain in wet gear can cause hypothermia.

NEXT TIME I WOULD… Take less water. There are free fountains in all the villages at the bottom, and a free tap at Chalet Reynard.

MORE INFORMATION: Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux: clubcinglesventoux.org/en/ Tips and GPS files: bit.ly/cycle-freewheelingfrance-ventoux Mark Jolly’s other cycling stories: http://booksandbikes.co.uk

Popular content

• Journey planner
• A guide to cycle tyre sizes
• Join Cycling UK today

Further reading

• Planning your route
• Traws Eryri
• Rebellion Way
• West Kernow Way
• Great North Trail
• King Alfred’s Way
• North Downs Way
• Donate to new routes
• Beginner advice
• Cycling as a family
• Different types of cycling
• Bikes, cycles and kit
• Seasonal advice
• Safety advice
• Maintenance advice
• Ride together (clubs and groups)
• Our campaigns
• Take action to support cycling
• Cycle Advocacy Network
• Cyclists' Defence Fund
• Sign up for updates
• Cycling UK statistics
• Cycling UK views and briefings
• General election 2024
• Become a member
• Give a gift membership
• Become a life member
• Ways of giving
• Join the conversation
• Incident Line
• Support for workplaces
• Cycle Friendly Employer
• Employer membership
• Corporate partnerships
• Organising events
• Cycle magazine
• Cycling UK shop
• Support for clubs and groups
• Our projects
• Making cycling e-asier
• The Inclusive Cycling Experience
• Cycling UK in England
• Cycling UK in Northern Ireland
• Cycling UK in Scotland
• Cycling UK in Wales
• News, blogs and features
• Accessibility

Username or E-Mail

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member, our destinations.

• Where to Stay ?
• Where to Eat ?
• Where to Drink ?
• To Discover and to do

Mont Ventoux Cycling Club

Bike rentals.

Mont Ventoux surrounding

Mont Ventoux – Les Cinglés

Mont ventoux adventure, our hire bikes.

Lynskey Sportive

Van Nicholas Custom

Van Nicholas Skeiron

Join our club to benefit from many advantages in our store but also on our stays and events..

It is not an ordinary club, by joining us, you adhere to our state of mind and our way of thinking, you join a community of enthusiasts.

Join us on Strava

Sign up to our newsletter, proceed booking, already a member.

Username or E-mail

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest.