You can’t ignore it! Visible from a hill, a castle tower, or from the roads of the Drôme Provençale, Mont-Ventoux attracts the eyes and arouses our curiosity.
It is the symbol of Provence. Majestic and sometimes frightening, the “Giant of Provence” fascinates us. Geographically located in the department of Vaucluse, it can be seen about a hundred kilometres away.
Ascension: car or bike ?
It takes about 30 minutes by car to reach the summit, 3 possible routes: Malaucène, Bédoin or by Sault.
The most sporty of us, can try the ascent by bike but beware all cyclists will tell you, the ascent is difficult especially from Bedoin, it is said to be reserved for the pros. Moreover, Mont-Ventoux is regularly one of the key stages of the Tour de France, you are warned ;-).
©ADPMV
©ADPMV
The summit: think of the windbreak !
You are there: 1912 metres above sea level at the crossroads of the Alpine and Mediterranean worlds. At the top of the mythical mountain, you can admire the one of the largest panoramas in Europe overlooking the Rhône valley, the Baronnies provençales and the Vaucluse plateau.
Our advice:
Beware, the wind can blow very strong at the top, you can easily lose 10°C with the valley and feel an unpleasant feeling of cold, even in the middle of summer !
If you have planned the picnic, go down 5 km further down to the station of Mont-Serein, you will be a little more protected from the Mistral. It is a popular place for families, in summer there are children’s playgrounds (accrobranche, bouncy castles…) and refreshments.
In winter it is possible to ski there, the resort offers some slopes and lifts.
UNESCO classified site
Mont-Ventoux is a remarkable natural site, classified as a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO. Its largely preserved nature allows you to discover an exceptional fauna and flora. Birds, raptors, deer, roe deer, chamois, mouflons, wild boars and… wolves can be observed by enthusiasts.
The “Master of Provence” watches us travel the road of the holidays, impossible to escape him!
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Consult the practical information on Mont-Ventoux