Overview🔗

Cycling Mont Ventoux is a pilgrimage every serious cyclist must make. Known as the "Giant of Provence" or the "Beast of Provence," this iconic mountain has featured in the Tour de France more than 15 times and claimed the life of British cyclist Tommy Simpson in 1967. The summit's barren, moonscape appearance - caused by centuries of deforestation and extreme winds - creates one of cycling's most dramatic and memorable landscapes.

Unlike most famous climbs with a single approach, Mont Ventoux offers three completely different routes to the 1,912m summit. From the east via Bédoin comes the classic Tour de France route, the hardest and most iconic. The north face from Malaucène delivers early steep gradients with more shade and slightly less elevation. From the south, Sault provides the gentlest ascent through lavender fields, though at 26km it's the longest. Each route has distinct character, challenges, and rewards.

The climb's difficulty comes not just from gradient and length, but from the mountain's infamous winds. The Mistral can gust over 90 km/h at the summit, with the exposed final 6km from Chalet Reynard offering zero shelter. Temperature drops of 20°C from valley to summit are common. Add the psychological weight of riding where Tour legends have suffered, and you understand why conquering Ventoux marks a cyclist's transformation from enthusiast to serious climber.

The Three Routes Compared🔗

Choosing your route depends on experience, fitness, and objectives. The Bédoin route is the benchmark - if you climb Ventoux only once, this is it. The Tour de France typically uses this approach for stage finishes, and it's the most challenging psychologically and physically. Malaucène offers a quieter alternative with similar difficulty but different pacing. Sault is ideal for first-timers, double ascent challenges, or riders preferring steady grinding over punishing ramps.

Quick comparison:

Bédoin (East): 21.5km, 1,612m elevation, 7.5% average gradient, maximum 12%. The classic route through forest then across exposed summit.

Malaucène (North): 21.2km, 1,535m elevation, 7.2% average gradient. Steep early sections, more shade, quieter roads.

Sault (South): 25.9km, 1,220m elevation, 4.7% average gradient. The "easy" route through lavender fields, longest but gentlest.

Bédoin - The Classic Route🔗

Route Profile🔗

The Bédoin approach delivers 21.5km of climbing with 1,612m of elevation gain, averaging 7.5% gradient with maximum ramps hitting 12%. [VERIFY: Exact distance and elevation - sources vary between 21.3-21.7km] Starting from the village of Bédoin at 300m elevation, you'll gain over 1,600 vertical meters to reach the 1,912m summit. This is classified as an HC (Hors Catégorie) climb - beyond categorization in professional racing.

The climb breaks into three distinct sections. The first 6km through Saint-Estève averages around 4-5% as you warm up through vineyards and light forest. The middle 10km through dense forest to Chalet Reynard is where the real climbing begins: sustained gradients of 9-10% with little respite. The final 6km above the treeline to the summit is brutally exposed, averaging 8-9% with the tower and weather station visible - yet seemingly unreachable - throughout.

Key Sections🔗

The forest section from km 6 to km 16 is psychologically challenging. You're grinding at 9-10% gradient in shade, with no views to motivate you. The gradient is relentless - any flat sections are measured in meters, not kilometers. The Tommy Simpson memorial appears at km 16.5, just before you emerge from the trees. Many riders stop here to pay respects and steel themselves for what's ahead.

Chalet Reynard at km 16 marks the treeline and your last reliable shelter from wind. The café here serves as a crucial rest point for double ascents or provides emergency refuge if weather deteriorates. From here, the landscape transforms into the famous lunar surface - white limestone rocks scattered across barren slopes. The Mistral, if present, hits with full force. The final 6km feels endless as you battle wind, gradient, and the psychological challenge of the summit appearing close yet remaining distant.

What to Expect🔗

Expect 1.5 to 3 hours of climbing depending on fitness. Strong club riders will summit in around 90 minutes, while most recreational cyclists take 2-2.5 hours. The road surface is excellent throughout, recently resurfaced in sections. Traffic can be heavy in summer, especially July and August, with cars, motorcycles, and cyclists all sharing the narrow road. Early morning starts (before 8am) offer cooler temperatures and quieter roads.

The wind is your biggest unknown variable. On calm days, the climb is "merely" very hard. When the Mistral blows, the final 6km becomes a fight for forward progress. Gusts can literally stop you. Check wind forecasts obsessively - if summit winds are predicted above 60 km/h, seriously consider postponing. Temperature at the summit will be 15-20°C cooler than in Bédoin, so pack a lightweight jacket even on summer days.

Malaucène - The Northern Approach🔗

Route Profile🔗

The Malaucène route covers 21.2km with 1,535m of elevation gain, averaging 7.2% gradient. While slightly shorter in distance and elevation than Bédoin, don't assume it's easier. This route reverses the difficulty pattern: the first 5km hit you immediately with gradients of 10-12%, while Bédoin eases you in. Starting from Malaucène village at 330m, the climb is frontloaded with punishment.

The route structure differs significantly from Bédoin. After those brutal opening kilometers, the gradient eases to 6-8% through the forest section, providing some recovery. You'll maintain forest cover longer than the Bédoin route, offering more shade and wind protection. The routes converge at Mont Serein (km 13), where you join the road from Bédoin for the final push through Chalet Reynard to the summit.

Key Sections🔗

The opening 5km from Malaucène is a shock to the system. You're immediately grinding at 10-12% through tight switchbacks with no warm-up period. This section destroys riders who start too hard. The key is patience - get through these kilometers conservatively, knowing easier gradients await. Unlike Bédoin's relentless forest section, Malaucène gives you breathing space in the middle kilometers.

Mont Serein at km 13 is where this route converges with Bédoin. You'll ride past the ski station - a surreal sight in summer - before continuing to Chalet Reynard. From here, the final 6km to the summit is identical to the Bédoin route: exposed, windy, and psychologically demanding. The north face typically sees less traffic than Bédoin, making it preferable for riders who want a quieter experience despite similar difficulty.

What to Expect🔗

Malaucène takes a similar time to Bédoin despite being slightly shorter - those early steep gradients slow you down. Expect the same 1.5-3 hour window. The north face receives less direct sun, making it a better choice for afternoon climbs or hot summer days. Road surface quality is excellent. The village of Malaucène is charming and less tourist-focused than Bédoin, with good cafés and facilities.

This route sees fewer cyclists than Bédoin, which many riders prefer. You'll still encounter significant traffic in peak season, but it's noticeably quieter. The early steep gradients suit stronger climbers who can handle punchy efforts. If you're planning a double ascent (Malaucène up, Bédoin down, or vice versa), the Malaucène descent is spectacular - faster and more flowing than Bédoin with better sightlines.

Sault - The Gentle Giant🔗

Route Profile🔗

The Sault route spans 25.9km with 1,220m of elevation gain at an average gradient of just 4.7%. This is the "easy" way up Ventoux - though easy is relative when you're climbing for 26km. Starting from the village of Sault at 765m (the highest of the three start points), you'll climb through lavender fields and forest before joining the Bédoin route at Chalet Reynard for the final exposed section.

The gentler gradient makes this route accessible to less experienced climbers and ideal for first ascents. You're trading steepness for length - the climb takes similar total time to Bédoin despite the easier gradient. The route rarely exceeds 7-8% gradient until the final kilometers. This is a grind, not a fight. You'll maintain a steadier tempo without the punishing ramps of Bédoin and Malaucène.

Key Sections🔗

The first 10km from Sault through lavender fields (spectacular in June-July) averages just 4% gradient. This section is almost meditative - you're climbing but conversational pace is possible. The scenery is quintessentially Provençal: purple lavender, golden wheat fields, and the mountain looming ahead. Around km 10-15, you'll enter forest and the gradient increases slightly to 5-6%.

At Chalet Reynard (km 20), you join the Bédoin route for the final 6km. These kilometers are identical to the Bédoin finish - exposed, windy, and psychologically demanding. After 20km of relatively comfortable climbing, this section can be a shock. Many riders underestimate Sault for this reason: you're already tired from the length when the real difficulty begins. The final 6km will take 30-40 minutes alone.

What to Expect🔗

Sault takes 1.5-3 hours like the other routes, but pacing is completely different. The gentler gradient means you can ride at higher power output without blowing up. Strong riders often complete Sault faster than Bédoin, while weaker climbers find the sustained length challenging. This route is excellent for first ascents, triple Ventoux challenges (climb all three routes in one day), or as the "recovery" leg of a double ascent.

This is the quietest of the three routes with significantly less traffic. The lavender fields are a huge draw in summer (peak bloom late June through July), making this the most scenic approach. Sault village is worth exploring - it's the lavender capital of Provence with excellent local products. The descent back to Sault is straightforward and less technical than the other routes, though watch for crosswinds on exposed sections.

Tommy Simpson Memorial🔗

At kilometer 16.5 on the Bédoin route, just before the treeline, stands a simple stone memorial to British cyclist Tom Simpson. On July 13, 1967, during the Tour de France, Simpson collapsed and died on this spot from heat exhaustion, exacerbated by amphetamines and alcohol. His last words - reportedly "Put me back on my bike" - have become cycling legend. The memorial is constantly adorned with cycling caps, water bottles, flowers, and tributes from cyclists worldwide.

Simpson's death on Ventoux represents a pivotal moment in cycling history, exposing the dangers of doping and extreme heat. The memorial serves as a somber reminder of the mountain's brutality and the sport's dark past. Most cyclists climbing from Bédoin stop here, paying respects and steeling themselves for the exposed final kilometers. The site has become a pilgrimage point, with thousands of riders visiting annually. In hot conditions, riders leave water bottles at the memorial for others - a fitting tribute to Simpson's death from dehydration.

The memorial's location is significant - it's where the forest ends and the exposed summit section begins. Standing here, you can see the full brutality of what remains: 6km of barren mountainside with the summit visible but distant. On the day Simpson died, temperatures exceeded 40°C. He collapsed twice, was remounted on his bike by spectators, and pedaled another 400 meters before collapsing fatally. His story adds gravitas to every Ventoux ascent.

When to Climb Mont Ventoux🔗

The road to the summit is typically open from mid-April through mid-November, weather permitting. Snow and ice close the summit section in winter, with barriers placed at Chalet Reynard. [VERIFY: Exact closure dates vary annually based on snowfall] The best months for climbing are June, September, and early October when temperatures are moderate, winds are calmer, and traffic is lighter than peak summer.

July and August bring intense heat - valley temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, making early morning climbs essential. Start before 7am to avoid the worst heat and traffic. The summit will still be 15-20°C cooler but the exposed section bakes in afternoon sun. These months also see peak traffic with cars, motorcycles, and tour buses sharing the narrow road. If climbing in summer, prioritize hydration: carry at least two large bottles and refill at Chalet Reynard.

Spring (May-June) offers cooler temperatures and stunning lavender blooms on the Sault route. Roads are quieter and the summit snow has melted but temperatures remain comfortable. Late September through October is ideal for many riders - warm days, cool nights, autumn colors in the forests, and significantly reduced traffic. The risk is weather variability; snow can arrive early at elevation.

The Mistral is your primary weather concern year-round. This fierce north wind funnels down the Rhône Valley and hammers Ventoux's exposed summit. The Mistral typically blows for several consecutive days, with summit gusts exceeding 100 km/h. Check wind forecasts religiously - websites like Windy.com show real-time summit conditions. If sustained winds above 60 km/h are forecast, seriously consider postponing your climb. Fighting 80 km/h headwinds on the final 6km is dangerous and miserable.

Practical Information🔗

Which Route to Choose🔗

First-timers should climb Bédoin. It's the iconic route, the Tour de France route, and the climb every cyclist references. You want to experience the forest section, pass the Simpson memorial, and emerge onto that lunar landscape. If Bédoin proves too difficult, you haven't "failed" - you've attempted the hardest route. Completing Sault first then claiming you've climbed Ventoux lacks credibility among serious cyclists.

Strong climbers seeking a challenge often choose Malaucène for its early steep sections and quieter roads. This route suits riders who prefer punchy efforts over sustained grinding. For riders concerned about completing an ascent, Sault provides a gentler introduction. It's legitimate - you've still climbed to 1,912m - but the experience differs significantly from the classic routes.

For multiple ascents in one day, the classic double is Bédoin up, descend to Malaucène, climb Malaucène, descend to Bédoin. This loop covers all the hard climbing without the easier Sault section. Triple ascents (all three routes in one day) typically go Sault-Malaucène-Bédoin, saving the hardest for last when you're suffering. Expect 6-8 hours of riding for a triple, depending on fitness and rest stops.

Starting Points and Parking🔗

Bédoin village has multiple parking areas including a large lot near the tourist office on the D974. Arrive early in summer - parking fills by 8am on weekends. The village has several bike shops, cafés, and a tourist office with cycling information. Malaucène offers street parking and a lot near the town center on Avenue des Platanes. The village is quieter and less cycling-focused but has essential facilities. Sault has ample parking near the town center - this is the least crowded of the three starting points with easy parking even in peak season.

If staying in the region, Bédoin offers the most cycling-specific accommodation with several hotels catering to cyclists. The town fills with cyclists year-round. Malaucène and Sault are quieter alternatives with fewer crowds. The nearby city of Carpentras (15km from Bédoin) provides more hotel options and serves as a good base for exploring the region beyond Ventoux.

Food and Water🔗

Chalet Reynard at km 16 (Bédoin) / km 20 (Sault) is the only food and water stop on the mountain. This café/restaurant serves simple food, coffee, and sells water and snacks. It's open daily during riding season, typically 9am-6pm. [VERIFY: Opening hours vary seasonally] Expect crowds and slow service in summer. The summit has a small café at the observatory but opening hours are unreliable - never count on it for supplies.

Carry at least two large water bottles from the base. In summer heat, carry three or plan to refill at Chalet Reynard. Dehydration is the primary danger on Ventoux - Simpson's death underscores this. Energy food is essential; the climb takes 1.5-3 hours and you'll burn significant calories fighting gradient and wind. On the descent, temperatures drop rapidly - having arm warmers or a light jacket prevents dangerous chilling after sweating through the ascent.

Weather and Wind Warnings🔗

The Mistral is not a minor inconvenience - it's a legitimate safety hazard. When blowing at full strength (80-100 km/h gusts), the wind can physically stop forward progress or blow you across the road. Riders have been knocked over on the exposed summit section. The wind typically increases through the day, making early morning climbs safer. Check summit wind forecasts before starting - if winds exceed 60 km/h, strongly consider postponing.

Temperature variation from valley to summit can reach 20°C. Even on a 30°C day in Bédoin, the summit may be 10°C with wind chill making it feel colder. The descent exposes you to high speeds in cold temperatures while wearing sweat-soaked clothing. This combination causes hypothermia faster than you'd expect. Always carry a lightweight waterproof jacket. If rain threatens, abort the climb - wet descents on exposed switchbacks in wind are exceptionally dangerous.

Combining Routes - Double and Triple Ascents🔗

The Cinglés du Mont Ventoux (Crazies of Mont Ventoux) is an official challenge to climb all three routes in one day, covering approximately 137km with 4,400m of elevation gain. [VERIFY: Exact distance varies by specific start/finish points] Completing the Cinglés earns you a certificate and membership in an exclusive club. The classic sequence is Sault-Malaucène-Bédoin, starting easiest and finishing on the iconic route. Start early (by 6am) to complete before dark and avoid afternoon heat.

For double ascents, the Bédoin-Malaucène loop is most popular. Climb Bédoin, descend the north face to Malaucène (stunning descent), climb back to the summit via Malaucène, descend to Bédoin. This covers the two classic routes in approximately 85km with 3,200m of climbing. Strong riders complete this in 5-6 hours; most take 6-8 hours including rest stops. Start by 7am to avoid afternoon heat and wind.

Another popular double uses Sault as the "recovery" climb: Bédoin up, descend to Sault, climb Sault, descend to Bédoin. This adds significant distance due to Sault's length but the gentler gradient provides mental relief after Bédoin's punishment. The descents are more straightforward than the technical Malaucène descent. Whichever combination you choose, carry ample food and water - Chalet Reynard will be your only resupply point and you'll pass it multiple times.

Triple ascent attempts should not be undertaken lightly. You're looking at 7-10 hours of riding with nearly 4,500m of climbing. This is ultra-endurance territory requiring proper training, nutrition planning, and mental preparation. Most riders attempting the Cinglés have already climbed each route individually. Weather becomes critical - wind and heat intensify through the day, making your third ascent significantly harder than your first. If conditions deteriorate, there's no shame in completing two routes rather than risking safety for the third.