Climbing Mont Ventoux

Which road should you choose?

Bédoin is the legendary climb, the Tour de France one, and the busiest: half of all cyclists ride it. Malaucène is just as hard, but more irregular and shadier. Sault is the gentlest: longer, with a long flat stretch before Chalet Reynard, where it joins the Bédoin road for the last 6 kilometres.

For a first time, choose Sault. For the legend, Bédoin. And for the most seasoned riders, all three in one day: that's the Cinglés challenge.

When to climb?

The summit road is closed in winter, including to bikes: generally from mid-November to mid-April beyond Chalet Reynard (Bédoin and Sault sides), and until mid-May beyond the Mont Serein resort (Malaucène side). Chalet Reynard and Mont Serein remain accessible all year round, with winter equipment compulsory for cars.

The road also closes occasionally for races and car rallies. It's all on our Mont Ventoux today page.

In summer, set off early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Turn back in the event of a storm or strong wind: at the summit, the wind exceeds 90 km/h around 240 days a year.

Our safety tips

• Prepare: this is a real mountain. The Département recommends having ridden regularly beforehand, and talking to your doctor, especially if you are over 35.
• Helmet: compulsory for under-12s, strongly recommended for everyone.
• A warm layer in your pocket: on average it is 13°C colder at the summit than at the bottom.
• Drink: around half a litre of water per hour of effort. Water points are scarce; they are shown for each climb.
• The descent is the most dangerous part: most accidents happen on the way down. Wrap up, leave yourself a margin, ride in single file.

The Cinglés du Ventoux challenge

Climbing all three roads in under 24 hours makes you a “Cinglé du Mont Ventoux”. To have your feat officially recognised, register with the club in advance, get your route card stamped at the bottom of each climb and at the summit, then send it back: a medal awaits you.

Registration and rules: Club des Cinglés du Mont Ventoux ↗

Mont Ventoux without a bike

And at the summit?

The south road was built from 1882 onwards for the weather observatory, in service from 1885 to 1968. The large tower, topped with an antenna, dominates the viewing area; it is not open to visitors. Just below, the Chapelle Sainte-Croix is the highest chapel in the Vaucluse. On a clear day, the view stretches from the Alps to the Mediterranean, across the whole Rhône valley.

For those coming along

While the cyclist climbs, Chalet Reynard and its terrace make a good meeting point. From there, the ridge loop can be done on foot. And in Bédoin, the Monday market and the wine cellars make for a pleasant morning.