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The Outsiders' Guide to
Mont Ventoux.
The Giant of Provence is perhaps the most romantic, famous and storied climb in cycling. With its lunar, rocky upper slopes and the weather station on its summit capping an instantly recognisable silhouette, it looms over the vineyards and lavender fields of Provence, daring cyclists to take it on. Though often subject to stifling heat and very strong winds above the treeline, those who have climbed it know that it’s an unforgettable experience that gives back far more than it takes away.
Our store in Bédoin is there to serve fortifying coffee and pastries before an ascent, and has a full range of Café du Cycliste garments to browse through, as well as road bikes for rent. Our staff will be happy to advise on routes, and other things to see in beautiful Provence, where the charming villages and world -renowned food and wine give you plenty of off-bike options for exploring and relaxation.
The three roads.
Though geologically part of the Alps, Ventoux stands more or less alone, unencumbered by mountains of equal stature. There are three roads to the top (and a hidden fourth ascent, a rocky track), all over 20 kilometres long, which climb through the hot, heavy and oppressive woods before thrusting riders into the glare of the upper slopes. For info on each one – and the famous Brotherhood of the Cinglés du Ventoux, climbing all three in one day — click below.
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BÉDOIN.
The classic Tour de France route, past Chalet Reynard and Tom Simpson’s memorial to the summit, affords little respite. 21.35km / 1,591m elevation.
Malaucène.
From a former papal retreat up the mountain’s north side, ascending past Ventoux’s small ski station. No less difficult than Bédoin road, but less ridden. 21.23km / 1,565m elevation.
Sault.
A quieter, slightly longer and easier ascent beginning in lavender fields that joins the Bédoin road at Chalet Reynard for the last 6 kilometres. 26.4km / 1,221m elevation.
Stories from the mountain.
Mont Ventoux is just a hop, skip and a jump across the Alps from our home in Nice, and even before we opened a store there it was one of our favourite riding destinations. Alone or with friends, on a sketching trip or for the Tour de France, on road, gravel or on skis… Browse a selection of our articles below.
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Stories from the Mountain.
Mont Ventoux is just a hop, skip and a jump across the Alps from our home in Nice, and even before we opened a store there it was one of our favourite riding destinations. Alone or with friends, on a sketching trip or for the Tour de France, on road, gravel or on skis… Browse a selection of our articles below.
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A Day with a Difference
When Freediving Meets Cycling
Freediving champion and Café du Cycliste athlete Guillaume Néry and friends take on a time-honoured cycling challenge: summiting Mont Ventoux by each of its three roads in a day, to become one of the famous 'Cingles' ('mad people') of Ventoux.
LA TRAVERSÉE DU VAUCLUSE
WINTER ON THE SLOPES.
On a bike, ascending the Ventoux from the Malaucène side is a classic route, but the experience is a little more unique on skis.
THE WHITE VENTOUX.
With the boundaries of the possible drawn tight, exploring or rediscovering our local playgrounds is often the only option.
Ça peak.
Starting from Bédoin, up and over to Malaucène, riding the gravel immediately and almost the whole way to the top, then descending on the smooth stuff.
IT'S VENTOUX TIME.
On the east side of Ventoux the fields have a familiar hue: there isn’t just a hint of lavender at this time of year, it’s everywhere you look.
Ventoux Times Two.
Noise and colour collide on the road side of the Mont Ventoux. One of our Montagnes à la Carte comes alive for le Tour in 2021 with a heavy slice of twice.
ROADS TO RIDE.
Ventoux presides over a landscape of epically rolling hills, dramatic gorges, vineyards, lavender fields and ancient perched villages that is renowned worldwide for its beauty, having attracted painters including Van Gogh and Cézanne. The roads and the gravel are also world class. Below are some routes that our expert riders at our Bédoin store recommend.
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MONT CHAUVE.
‘Mont Chauve’ means the 'bald mountain' – it is the miniature Niçois version of the much better known ‘Mont Chauve’, Mont Ventoux, in Provence.
COL DE BROUIS.
From Sospel the climb starts in the pleasant and open meadows in the valley of the small river Bevera.
COL D’ÈZE.
Between Èze village and the fort runs the Route de la Grande Corniche, the highest of the three corniche roads that lead from Nice towards Monaco and Italy.
COL DE LA MADONE.
It’s a dramatic start to arrive in Menton and climb immediately from sea level.
COL DE BRAUS.
People have been stopping to marvel at this view forever; or, at least, since the col’s famous switchbacks were constructed in the early 20th century.
COL DE LA BONETTE.
The Bonette road was built by Napoleon III when Nice and its surrounding county were ceded to the French by the Italians, in 1860.
COL DE VENCE.
It is the furthest west, and therefore the furthest of our favourite climbs from the great spine of the Alps, divider of peoples, trapper of clouds that lifts itself between France and Italy.
COL DE TURINI.
The thick forests of the Col de Turini are testament to the unpredictable weather on this, the highest of the coastal climbs near Café du Cycliste’s home town of Nice.
MONT VIAL.
Mont Vial is one of the few peaks of the backcountry behind Nice that is recognisable from the sea, and cyclists riding towards the Var valley can orient themselves by it, too.
MADONE D'UTELLE.
Ride in the back country around Nice, and one of those reference points is the chapel of the Madone d’Utelle.
COL DE LA COLMIANE.
The label of medium should not make the exploring cyclist underestimate either the physical challenge or the alpine beauty that it delivers.
COL DE TENDE.
If you turn right off the main road just over 1km before the Tende tunnel, you can add 17 more to make a dizzying total of 65 about turns.
THE CAFE.
Located almost on the start line of the climb to Ventoux from the village of Bédoin, our former grocer’s shop combines back-country vibes with upfront style. For the best coffee in town and threads to match, come and visit.
RENT & RIDE.
At our Bédoin store you can find road bikes to rent from a changing cast of curated partners, as well as shower facilities to freshen up after your ride. Come and explore the Ventoux less pedalled with a little help from us…
LUXURIES & ESSENTIALS.
There’s also full range of our latest season’s collection on the racks at Bédoin, so if you’ve forgotten your socks, fancy a new summer jersey or if a change in the weather has you reaching for a jacket, come and check out our gear.
PRATICAL.
🏁 How to arrive:
Bédoin is around a 34km ride from Orange TGV and 45km from Avignon TGV, which are the nearest high-speed railway stations. The local train station is Carpentras, 16km away, along the D174. If you’re driving from the north or south, take the A7, exiting at Carpentras, before crossing that town and taking the Route de Bédoin (D174). The nearest airport is Marseille.
🤙 Where to stay:
Provence has every kind of accommodation you might want, from chic to rustique, including hotels, AirBnBs and rental gîtes. There are also some bike-specific locations, such as Velo Ventoux… or get in touch with the Bédoin Tourist Office if you need help.
