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Ascent of Mont Ventoux

Ascent of Mont Ventoux

#21 on our Great Rides list

Mont Ventoux

The iconic, historic, world-famous, Tour de France featured ride that climbs miles and miles above the beautiful Provence region in France.

Location

Mazan, Provence, France

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Distance

52 miles / 85.2km

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Elevation Gain

6,504ft / 1,982m

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Best Time to Visit

Spring or Fall

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Surface

Paved Road

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Difficulty

Level 4

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Traffic

Level 1

Discover this ride on our Provence bike tour

Cycle through beautiful gorges, market towns, and one of the Tour's epic climbs

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Nicknamed “The Beast of Provence” and “The Giant of Provence” for good reason, this challenging climb takes you 1600 meters up at grueling gradients to the barren mountaintop.

As you approach the summit, you can envision the many times this road was lined with adoring fans cheering on the suffering Tour de France riders as they pedal up this painful mountain stage. The reward from the top is an incredible, 360-degree view of the Provence wine country where you can spot the road you will be riding for the rest of the day.

What you need to know

RIDE DETAILS
The average grade on the climb is 7.5% but there are sections of sustained gradients much higher…think, 14-15%. After the challenging climb, enjoy a nice mellow, flat, pedal through the vineyards and beautiful old French villages. This ride should absolutely be on any cycling fans list, conquering Ventoux will not only give you bragging rights but also a taste of cycling’s rich history in the area.

WEATHER
“Ventoux” means “windy” in French, keep this in mind when packing your gear. It can be incredibly cold and windy up at the top.

FUEL
Roughly halfway up the climb, you can resupply water, snacks, have a coffee, and use the restroom at Chalet Reynard. After conquering Mont Ventoux, there are many spots to refuel before the rest of your ride. Bedoin, at kilometer 53 has many restaurants and cafes.

While you’re in town

There is so much to do in this special region of France. Many amazing rides, famous wineries, open-air markets in Gordes and Menerbes, hiking in Gorges de La Nesque and so much more. Plan to spend several days here to experience it all.

You can ride up Ventoux on three different routes. This ride is the most popular but, stop by the Bedoin tourist office and get a ‘passport’ and collect your stamps after you conquer all three directions!

Ready for Mont Ventoux?

Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.

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Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

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What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer:

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined:

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

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Activity Level

Find your activity level here

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discover:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

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Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself

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