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Le Mont Ventoux
Standing at 1912 metres high, Mont Ventoux dominates the Provençal landscape, hence its nickname "The Giant of Provence". From its summit, with its desolate mineral moonscape, the view is breathtaking. On clear days, it is even possible to glimpse the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the snow-capped Mont Blanc to the north.
Known all over the world, primarily thanks to the spectacular finishes of the Tour de France, the Mont Ventoux attracts cyclists of all persuasions, who come to take on the challenge of ascending its unforgiving slopes. Classified by UNESCO as a "Biosphere reserve" for the wealth of its flora and fauna, the superb Mont Ventoux is the ideal place to get back to nature and enjoy family walks. In winter, you can go skiing and snowshoe trekking. In summer, it's the perfect spot for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding or paragliding. And all year round, the Mont Ventoux is a paradise for those who love hiking, nature, painting or even wildlife photography.
Here are just a few ideas of trips and activities around Mont Ventoux :
The Summit
Whether on foot, by bike (if you’re feeling particularly brave), or by car, reaching the summit of Mont Ventoux is an experience not to be missed during your visit to Provence.
You’ll be surprised by the white colour of the limestone rock at the summit, which makes Mont Ventoux look snow-capped all year round. A stunning panoramic view awaits you, where you will be able to see the entire Rhône Valley as far as the Mediterranean, and a large part of the Vaucluse department below. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc in the distance to the north.
If you decide to attempt this ascent, make sure you check the weather at the summit and take appropriate clothing with you. The weather can be scorching at the bottom while the winds at the top are incredibly strong, and the temperature in summer can be between 10 and 20° colder at the top than in the valley.
A picnic in the forest !
A picnic in the forest! When the temperatures soar and it is too hot in the plain, why not head up where the air is fresher? Simply park at the side of the Route de Mont Ventoux and step a few metres into the forest to find a spot to spread out your picnic blanket...
A guaranteed change of scene barely a few minutes from your holiday accommodation!
Sunrise on Mont Ventoux !
In the summer, the Tourist Offices at Bedoin, Malaucène and Vaison la Romaine organise night-time ascents of Ventoux, to watch the sunrise from the mountain summit!
A magical moment reserved for early risers :-)
Ask at the Tourist Offices for more information and available dates : City of Bedoin informations
VTT Bike Park of Mont Ventoux.
As the summit of Mont Ventoux is a protected site, mountain-biking is strictly supervised. The Bike Park du Mont Ventoux is a mountain-biking site comprising 3 mountain-biking descent routes, a Pumptrack and a Skills Centre. The mountain-biking park is equipped with a mechanical lift (as with skiing, you perch on it while standing up on the pedals).
A family afternoon at Mont Serein, 1400m high.
A ski resort during the winter, Mont Serein offers a multitude of outdoor activities in the summer: horse-riding and pony-trekking, grass karting, zip-line and treetop obstacle course, discovery trails, and more.
After all that exercise, take a breather...
Once you have reached the summit of Mont Ventoux and worked hard on bike or on foot, you will have certainly earned a little drink with a breathtaking view at Brasserie Le Vendran, right at the top of the mountain.
Web site brasserie le vendran
We also recommend the Chalet Reynard restaurant, open all year round, for a drink on the terrace, a crêpe or an ice cream, or even a full meal by the fireside.
official web site chalet Reynard
On the Ventoux trails...
There are infinite possibilities for walks and hikes in this area, both on foot and on horseback. On the stony tracks of Mont Ventoux, you will discover dry-stone sheep pens and wild flora, gaze upon stunning landscape round every corner and even encounter a "mouflon" (mountain sheep) or two...
We recommend the pocket guide entitled "14 balades pour tous" (14 walks for all), on sale at the Tourist Office in Bedoin. You will also find many hiking routes online.