Ready to ascend Mont Ventoux ?

Conquer Mont Ventoux… A dream come true for all cycling enthusiasts, the ‘Holy Grail’ for the biking community, a fantasy for all those who never miss a stage of the Tour de France. There is something mythical about climbing Mont Ventoux. There are those who have conquered Mont Ventoux….. And the others. Famous because it stands proud like a sentry keeping watch over the Provençal landscape, and because its summit is white all year round due to snow in winter and to the naturally white colour of the limestone rock in summer.

A magnificent 360° view

Ventoux has a difference in altitude of 1,622 metres, an average gradient of 7% and incorporates a 22.7 km climb from Bedoin to the summit. The reward lies at the top, standing 1,909 meters above sea level with a magnificent view over Provence, Lubéron, the Alpine foothills and the Mediterranean sea. You can also ascend Mont Ventoux by car as the view is truly worth the detour and it’s much cooler at the top. Lastly, if you choose to hire an electric bike, keep your eye on the battery life! The hire companies will advise you.

The great names of Ventoux

But famous above all due to all the prestigious names that have taken it on under the cameras of Europe. Louison Bobet, Eddy Merckx, Raymond Poulidor, Marco Pantani, Richard Virenque or Christopher Froome. The Tour de France bike race has led them to the summit sixteen times, together with the Paris Nice or the Criterium du Dauphiné Libéré. It was at this Critérium that the record for climbing Mont Ventoux was broken, starting from Bedoin: 55 minutes and 51 seconds.But, you’re on holiday, you’re not going to break the record. Not straight away at least. But Mont Ventoux can also be ascended at a slower pace with plenty of breaks to admire the landscape. It is considered to be one of the most difficult summits to climb in Europe. Climbing Mont Ventoux is no easy feat, and even you are in good physical condition, you need to train for it. Like all those who take on the feat of climbing Mont Ventoux, the best time to do it is early in the morning at first light when the temperature is still pleasant. It is also important not to go at it too hard. According to those who have climbed it, that is a fatal mistake. Equally, you must find out about the weather conditions at the bottom but also at the summit. The wind can be very strong which can make the ascent difficult.