A - Ascent of Mont-Ventoux from Bédoin
A
Route
Difficulty
Very difficult
Duration
4h
Distance
21.44km
Positive elevation
1589 meters
Negative elevation
5 meters
Altitude
Min. 310 meters
Max. 1894 meters
- circuit
- variante
- voie verte
- liaison
Departure / Arrival
Bédoin / sommet du mont ventoux
Parking
sommet du mont ventoux
Elevation
GPX track
The tourist service at Bédoin :
The legendary climb from Bédoin from kilometre zero!Accessible from mid-April to mid-November.
Tour de France stages have made this route famous on a number of occasions. It is undoubtedly the most difficult: 22 km of winding roads, elevation gains ranging from 5 to 7% over the first six kilometres and then 10 to 12% until the summit. The route passes through magnificent forests, giving way to a lunar landscape after Chalet Reynard.
The ascent from Bédoin can be broken down into three stages:
- From Bédoin to Saint Estève
This 5.5-kilometre stage with a gentle incline, 4.5% on average, allows you to warm up.
- From Saint-Estève to Chalet Reynard
A second 8-kilometre stage. The average incline then increases to 9.4% on average. It’s probably the most difficult part of the route.
- From Chalet Reynard to the summit
The third and last step is 6 kilometres long, with an average incline of 8%. The difficulty gradually increases up to the summit. Accumulated fatigue and sun and wind exposure make this final section particularly difficult.
Practical information!
Taking on the Giant of Provence by bike requires preparation. Before you set off, you must train and ensure that you are in perfect physical condition, have a suitable road bike and check the weather.
Most accidents happen during the descent, be vigilant and control your speed. Avoid setting off during the hottest hours of the day; instead leave early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Water supplies along the route:
- Fountain in front of Bédoin Tourist Office
- Fountain at Chalet Reynard
- Fontaine de la Grave fountain (1.6 km after Chalet Reynard)
There are picnic areas and bins all along the route. Please do not litter. Keep the countryside clean.
The ascent from Bédoin can be broken down into three stages:
- From Bédoin to Saint Estève
This 5.5-kilometre stage with a gentle incline, 4.5% on average, allows you to warm up.
- From Saint-Estève to Chalet Reynard
A second 8-kilometre stage. The average incline then increases to 9.4% on average. It’s probably the most difficult part of the route.
- From Chalet Reynard to the summit
The third and last step is 6 kilometres long, with an average incline of 8%. The difficulty gradually increases up to the summit. Accumulated fatigue and sun and wind exposure make this final section particularly difficult.
Practical information!
Taking on the Giant of Provence by bike requires preparation. Before you set off, you must train and ensure that you are in perfect physical condition, have a suitable road bike and check the weather.
Most accidents happen during the descent, be vigilant and control your speed. Avoid setting off during the hottest hours of the day; instead leave early in the morning or at the end of the day.
Water supplies along the route:
- Fountain in front of Bédoin Tourist Office
- Fountain at Chalet Reynard
- Fontaine de la Grave fountain (1.6 km after Chalet Reynard)
There are picnic areas and bins all along the route. Please do not litter. Keep the countryside clean.
Accéder à l'itinéraire
public transport
recommended
parking(s)
Parking along the D974 towards Chalet Reynard
To be noted
- Practice before your journey, and make sure you are in peak physical condition.
- Use an adapted road bike and check the weather. forecast before departure.
- Take warm clothing. There may be a 10° difference in temperature.
- Most accidents occur during the descent, so be careful, take breaks and control your speed.
- Avoid leaving at the hottest hours, early-morning or late-afternoon departure is recommended.
- The last 6 km are very exposed to wind and the sun. Plan your equipment accordingly (wind block, sunscreen....)
Water points on the route:
- Fountain in front of the Bédoin Tourist Office
- Fountain at Chalet Reynard
- Fontaine de la Grave (1.6km after Chalet Reynard)
Picnic areas and garbage cans are located throughout the route, please dispose of your waste properly.
If you notice a problem on one of the Provence cycling routes report it with the Suricate app!: sentinelles.sportsdenature.fr
Access to the massifs
Respect the regulations preserving protected natural areas – find out about restrictions to accessing the massifs during fire risk periods, from 15 June to 15 September.
Before heading out, check the website
Respect the regulations preserving protected natural areas – find out about restrictions to accessing the massifs during fire risk periods, from 15 June to 15 September.
Before heading out, check the website
In short
This is the legendary stage of the Tour de France.The most difficult of the 3 climbs, the slope increases over 22 km of winding roads, with 5 to 7% elevation during the first 6 kilometres, then 10 to 12% as the path gets closer to the summit. The path from Bédoin to Saint Estève is a nice warm-up with 4.5% elevation.From Saint-Estève to the Chalet Reynard comes an 8km climb through dense forest.The lunar landscape of the Massif begins at Chalet Reynard and continues for the last 6 km on a slope with 8% elevation.