Mont Ventoux in a day, without a bike
Bédoin, the summit by car, the Groseau spring and a hilltop village at sunset.
Photo: Lucas Gallone, Unsplash
A tour of the Giant by car: drive up the legendary Bédoin road, come back down the greener north face, and end the day in a hilltop village facing Mont Ventoux. Ideal if you don't cycle, or if you're accompanying those who do.
Step by step
- 1Morning
Coffee and market in Bédoin
Start with a coffee under the plane trees of Bédoin. Monday is the big market day: pick up something for a picnic.
The Monday market: practical info → - 2Morning
Driving up the Bédoin road
Take the D974. After the forest, stop at Chalet Reynard: this is where the lunar landscape of the summit begins. Drive up slowly, there are lots of cyclists.
Chalet Reynard: practical info → - 3Late morning
The Tom Simpson memorial and the summit
One kilometre before the top, the Tom Simpson memorial. At the summit, park in the free car parks and walk up to the viewing area: on a clear day, the view stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean. Bring a jacket, even in summer.
The summit of Mont Ventoux: practical info → - 4Lunchtime
Picnic at the Groseau spring
Head back down via Malaucène. Just before the village, the Groseau spring gushes out at the foot of its cliff: a cool, shady spot, perfect for lunch.
The Groseau spring and chapel: practical info → - 5Afternoon
Lac du Paty and the church of Caromb
Via Le Barroux or directly, make your way to Caromb: a stroll along the Lac du Paty, then the large Saint-Maurice church in the heart of the village.
Lac du Paty: practical info → - 6End of the day
Sunset at Crillon-le-Brave
End the day in the narrow streets of Crillon-le-Brave, perched opposite Mont Ventoux: the mountain glows in the setting sun. Head back to nearby Bédoin for dinner.
Crillon-le-Brave, hilltop village: practical info →
Our tips
- Check the state of the summit road and any temporary closures on the morning itself: our “Today” page has everything in one place.
- In summer, avoid arriving at the summit between 11am and 4pm: the car parks are often full.
- On average it is 13°C colder at the summit than at the bottom.
Where to stay, where to eat
Bédoin is a good base for exploring: accommodation, restaurants and wine cellars, all checked.
More itineraries
Three days in the Mont Ventoux area
The Giant, the Gorges de la Nesque and the lavender of Sault, then the Dentelles and their wines.
A family day out around Mont Ventoux
In summer: cool off at Mont Serein or in the Gorges du Toulourenc, then lifeguarded swimming and treetop adventures at Les Salettes.
Itinerary written on 29/09/2026 using verified places. Opening times and days may change: check before you set off.