Mont Ventoux from Bédoin: The Mythical Ascent of Provence's Giant

Rising 1,912 meters above the Provençal plains, Mont Ventoux stands as French cycling's most mythical ascent. The "Giant of Provence" towers with its lunar summit 40 kilometers from the Rhône Valley, visible from across the region. For cyclists, three routes lead to the weather station summit: Bédoin, Malaucène, and Sault. But only the ascent from Bédoin forges legends.

The numbers speak volumes: 21.5 kilometers for 1,600 meters of elevation gain, averaging 7.5% gradient. The steepest forest sections reach 15%, before total exposure to mistral winds that can blow at 100 km/h at the summit.

The Tour de France's Reference Climb

The Professionals' Mythical Route

Since 1951, the Tour de France has regularly climbed Mont Ventoux via Bédoin. This route has shaped modern cycling history. In 1967, Tom Simpson collapsed less than a kilometer from the summit, victim of heat, exhaustion, and amphetamines. Three years later, Eddy Merckx finished so exhausted he received oxygen after his stage win.

Mythical and merciless, Mont Ventoux only grants victory to the strongest. Over the last decade, only four riders have raised their arms at the summit. In 2013, Chris Froome delivered an imperial performance, dropping his rivals in the final kilometers before racing toward his first yellow jersey on the Tour. Three years later, in 2016, the weather unleashed its fury: wind forced organizers to shorten the stage to Chalet Reynard. That day, Thomas De Gendt seized the opportunity to win, while Froome, victim of a crash with a television motorcycle, finished the stage... on foot, an image etched in legend.

We had to wait until 2021 to see another show of force: Wout van Aert, solo, tamed the double ascent via Sault and Bédoin, leaving his pursuers far behind. Then, in 2025, Ventoux found a French hero again. Valentin Paret-Peintre, 24 years old, became only the fifth Frenchman to triumph at the summit, ending 23 years of national drought. An exploit carved in rock and in fans' memory.

A Unique Testing Ground

The Route du Mont Ventoux starts directly from Bédoin's center, a charming Provençal village of 3,000 inhabitants. Impossible to get lost: only one road winds toward the summit. The first three kilometers cross vineyards and orchards to the hamlet of Sainte-Colombe. Moderate gradient, high cadence recommended. The trap snaps at the Saint-Estève bend: the mountain shows its true intentions.

For a strategic stop before the ascent, Pista Café in Bédoin provides an essential halt for cyclists, offering an ideal starting point at the foot of the giant.

Anatomy of a Formidable Ascent

The Airless Forest (5-15km)

Forest entry marks the beginning of calvary. Ten kilometers of total enclosure between trees, without views, without distraction. Air stagnates even when mistral blows at the summit. Switchbacks chain together with 16-17% passages at corner exits. Only viable strategy: small chainring, constant cadence, mental resistance.

At 15 km/h average in this section, count on 45 minutes of monotonous pedaling. Even professionals dread this psychologically demanding portion.

Chalet Reynard: Last Stop Before Hell

At kilometer 15, Chalet Reynard emerges from the forest like an oasis. Former mountain refuge converted to restaurant, it offers the last refueling opportunity. Six kilometers still separate from the summit, but these six kilometers count double.

The road turns left, marked by famous yellow and black posts. The landscape shifts brutally: gone is forest enclosure, replaced by total exposure to elements.

The Lunar Surface (15-21.5km)

Mont Ventoux reveals its true nature: a mineral desert swept by violent winds. Mistral gusts regularly reach 100 km/h, with a recorded peak of 320 km/h. In strong winds, the road simply closes.

Before your ascent, absolutely check real-time weather conditions to anticipate wind and temperature at the summit.

Strategies to Tame the Giant

Physical and Mental Preparation

Mont Ventoux cannot be improvised. The Bédoin ascent demands specific preparation: solid endurance base, hill work, acclimatization to prolonged effort. Count minimum 2h30 for experienced cyclists, up to 4h for amateurs.

Mental factors count as much as physical. The forest wears you down psychologically, final kilometers break unprepared bodies.

Equipment and Gear

Adapted gearing mandatory: 34x28 minimum, even 34x32 for beginners. Temperature varies from 20°C in Bédoin to sometimes 5°C at summit. Windproof jacket essential, even in good weather. Gloves and arm warmers advised for descent.

Hydration crucial: 2 bottles minimum, plus refueling at Chalet Reynard. Dehydration failures are frequent in final kilometers.

What You Won't Find Anywhere Else

Mont Ventoux possesses a unique microclimate in Europe. Weather station at summit since 1882 records temperature differences of 30°C between base and top. The south face (Bédoin) stays drier and warmer than north face (Malaucène), creating different ascent conditions depending on chosen route.

The Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux gathers cyclists who climbed all three faces in one day. Over 13,000 members since creation, including 2,000 British riders. The challenge totals 100 kilometers and 4,400 meters elevation gain. Paid participation: 30 euros for the right to suffer three times.

The mountain's particular geology explains its lunar appearance. White Jurassic limestone, eroded by 160 million years of wind and weather. NASA and ESA regularly use the summit to test space equipment, so striking is the resemblance to lunar surface.

FAQ - Mont Ventoux from Bédoin

What's the real difficulty of Mont Ventoux from Bédoin?The 21.5km ascent with 1600m elevation gain represents a major challenge. Average 7.5% gradient, with 15% forest passages. Count 2h30 to 4h depending on level. Harder than most Alpine cols due to consistency and wind exposure.

What gearing to choose for Mont Ventoux?Minimum recommended gearing: 34x28, ideally 34x32 for inexperienced cyclists. Gradient never relents, save energy with adapted development.

When to start avoiding summit wind?Very early departure advised (6-7am). Winds generally calmer in morning, heat avoided below. Absolutely check real-time weather conditions: road closed in winds >100 km/h.

What equipment to bring for the ascent?Windproof jacket mandatory, gloves for descent, 2 water bottles minimum. 15-20°C temperature difference between Bédoin and summit. Refueling possible at Chalet Reynard (km 15).

Is Mont Ventoux harder from Bédoin than Sault or Malaucène?Yes, Bédoin represents the most difficult ascent. Sault (26km, 4.6% average gradient) remains more accessible. Malaucène (21km, similar gradient) equals Bédoin in difficulty, but with less final wind exposure.

The Provençal Giant's Call

Mont Ventoux from Bédoin transcends simple sporting challenge. This ascent forges character as much as it reveals physical limits. Between forest claustrophobia and final exposure to elements, each cyclist lives a unique experience.

The Tom Simpson memorial, located one kilometer from summit, reminds that this mountain has seen everything. Water bottles and small objects left by passing cyclists testify to universal respect for this history-laden place.

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