Mont Ventoux Mountain
Provence mountain famed for its Tour de France climbs
Isolated limestone massif in Provence famous for its hairpin road used by the Tour de France. Cyclists and hikers tackle the exposed climb for wide views across the region.
Mont Ventoux at a Glance#
Address: Mont Ventoux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France (summit near 44.1735°N, 5.2783°E)
Hours: Open year-round (access subject to weather; winter road closures possible)
Admission: Free to visit summit area; Mont Ventoux sections used in cycling events may have temporary closures
About Mont Ventoux#
Mont Ventoux is a prominent limestone peak in Provence, southeastern France, whose summit reaches 1,909 metres above sea level. The mountain is a landmark of the region and a frequent feature in professional cycling, especially the Tour de France.
The barren upper slopes and broad panoramas make the summit visually distinctive; three main paved roads ascend to the top from the towns of Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault. The climb from the village of Bédoin is the most famous among cyclists and is used regularly in national and international events.
Geologically the mountain is composed largely of limestone and stands isolated above surrounding lower terrain, giving expansive views over Provence and the Rhône valley on clear days.
Mont Ventoux lies in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France, northeast of Avignon and Carpentras, and dominates the local landscape as the highest point in its immediate area.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 1,909 metres, making it the highest point in the Mont Ventoux massif and a prominent landmark in Provence.
- Cycling note: The road from Bédoin to the summit is about 21.5 kilometres long and is one of the classic climbs used repeatedly in the Tour de France.
What to See#
- Principal ascent routes: Ascent routes from Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault approach the mountain from different sides; the Bédoin route is the steepest and most famous among cyclists.
- Summit: Summit area with weather station and panorama offers clear views across Provence on good days, including the Rhône valley and surrounding lower mountains.
How to Get to Mont Ventoux#
Mont Ventoux is reached by car from Bédoin (D974), Malaucène, or Sault. The Bédoin ascent is the classic Tour de France route; regional buses run seasonally from nearby towns.
Tips for Visiting Mont Ventoux#
- If cycling, prepare for extreme winds-Mont Ventoux is notorious for gusts that can exceed 100 km/h.
- Start early in summer mornings to avoid heat and the mid-day tourist cyclists.
- Park and begin the final ascent from Bédoin for the classic Tour de France route and the best cycling challenge.
Best Time to Visit Mont Ventoux#
Best in late spring to early autumn for access and cycling; always check weather forecasts for wind and visibility.
Weather & Climate near Mont Ventoux#
Mont Ventoux's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1416 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 2° | -7° | 138 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 2° | -7° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 4° | -5° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 6.2 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 6° | -3° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 6.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 126 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 5.2 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.6h |
| June | Good | 6° - 15° | 11° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 5.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 15.3h |
| July | Very Good | 9° - 19° | 14° | 53 mm | some cloud | 50% | 5.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 15.0h |
| August | Very Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 80 mm | some cloud | 52% | 4.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 116 mm | partly cloudy | 62% | 5.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 165 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 5.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 5° | -3° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 3° | -6° | 141 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 5.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.7h |