The three starting points for climbing Mont Ventoux
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Will you take on the Mont Ventoux challenge?
Climbing Mont Ventoux takes some preparation. Discover 10 tips to prepare properly for your Mont Ventoux climb. As you plan your ride, you can choose between three starting points for the climb. Some are a little 'easier' than others, so we have lined them up for you:
The climb from Bédoin
Over a distance of 21.5 km and an elevation gain of 1,600 m, you climb to the summit. The first few kilometres start gently, at a gradient of 5.5%. After a few kilometres you ride through the forest, where the gradient reaches 10%. Once you leave the forest, the landscape changes completely. There are no more trees to shelter you from the wind. When you reach Chalet Reynard, a final 6 km to the top still awaits you, at a gradient of 8.5%.
Mont Ventoux profile from Bédoin
Or will you choose Malaucène as your starting point?
From Malaucène you climb to the summit over 21.2 km, with an elevation gain of 1,570 m. Unlike the climb from Bédoin, the ascent from Malaucène starts off tougher. After a few kilometres the gradient already reaches 9.5%. Then it eases for a while to around 5%. Once you reach the halfway point, it gets steeper again. About 6 km from the summit lies the Chalet Liotard ski station. Here you can catch your breath on a slightly flatter section before pushing on one last time to the top.
Mont Ventoux profile from Malaucène
You can also choose to start from Sault.
With an elevation gain of 1,220 m and a distance of 25.9 km, Sault is the longest but least demanding climb. Because Sault lies higher than the other two villages, the climb begins with a descent to 700 m above sea level. Up to Chalet Reynard, the gradient never exceeds 6%. From there you begin the final climb to the summit, at a gradient of 8.5%.
Mont Ventoux profile from Sault