MONT VENTOUX (BEDOIN)
44.1741° N, 5.2787° E
The Giant of Provence: A mountain which defies its surroundings. A lunar landscape leaping out from its Provence surrounds. Its tower, a beacon seen from afar. Every year attracting thousands of cyclists as they take on a mountain famous for its Tour de France battles.
A legend. An Icon.
21.3
KM
| 1579m | 8.7% | 12.7% | CLIMBED | AVERAGE GRADIENT | MAX GRADIENT |
|---|
The first 6 or so KM you can enjoy a more gradual gradient with views of Provence and its vineyards. After you spend 10 or so KM in the trees.
There is a reason why this climb is feared. The first few KM reducing the average gradient to 8.7% for the climb. Many sections are steeper.
As you meet the road from Sault you are gifted with your first view of the iconic tower.
Its white limestone rocks giving a lunar appearance. Its top totally unlike any of its surrounds, making you ask the question, “how, why?!”
A gradient that doesn’t let up.
Not far to go. A few large sweeping bends.
MONT VENTOUX SUMMIT
Climbing Mont Ventoux is like no other. Its consistency of steepness, and its high number of vertical meters, but more so because of its surface. You just can’t quite believe it, as it is so different to its surroundings and even to other mountains in the world. Truly breathtaking and remarkable.
MONT VENTOUX CYCLING CLIMB FAQ'S
Mont Ventoux is generally open Mid April to November, but this isn't guaranteed.
Visibility is usually best in the early morning or around sunset when the haze from the heat of the day has dispersed. The Mistral winds blow especially strong on the mountain, gusting over 50 mph 200 days a year, and giving Mont Ventoux its name.
Ventoux means windy
Mont Ventoux has been ranked as the third hardest climb in the Tour de France.
On top of the steepness and duration of the gradient with its exposed elevation, it is often windy making the challenge harder
Due to its strenuous nature, If you are cycling up Mont Ventoux it is advisable that you train before visiting the climb.
Yes, a large restaurant in the bottom of the photograph above.
An average cyclist will take over 2 hours
