Topping out at an altitude of over 1,900 metres, Mont Ventoux has earned its title as the Giant of Provence. On foot, on skis or by bike... discover it for yourself!
Book a train ticket
Book a train ticket
Mont Ventoux on foot
The Toulourenc valley and Mont Serein
There are many hiking trails leading to the summit of the Giant of Provence. This leaves you free to decide on the itinerary that best suits you. For a long hike, set off from the Toulourenc valley for a six-hour walk with a 1,600 metre ascent! For a shorter hike, set off from Mont Serein (the Mont Ventoux ski resort), 1 hour, 30 minutes from the summit.
In the footsteps of Petrarch
Between rainforests and scree fields, walking is undoubtedly the best way to familiarise yourself with the different environments of this mountain. When you climb Mont Ventoux on foot, you are following in the footsteps of the Florentine poet Petrarch, who was the first to reach its summit... in 1336.
Mont Ventoux, a mythic destination for cyclists
Mont Ventoux by bike
Mont Ventoux is renowned among cyclists. The mistral can blow at speeds of up to 100 km/h, and the heat can be hard to bear... But that doesn't scare off cycling fans. It's quite a challenge: Mont Ventoux has featured several times on the Tour de France calendar.
The Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenges
But the Tour de France, or the "Grande Boucle" as it’s also known, is not the only race to appreciate the Giant of Provence. Other prestigious cycling races are held here, including the Mont Ventoux Dénivelé Challenges, launched in 2019. Starting in Vaison-la-Romaine, the race features 4,400 metres of uphill cycling over a distance of 185 kilometres... It should be noted that the race will not take place this year, but will return in 2025.
There are several starting points for discovering Mont Ventoux by bike: Sault, Malaucène, Bédoin... The latter is the most famous... and the most difficult. You should know that there is a local club, "les Cinglés du Ventoux" (the Mad Men of Ventoux), which each year sets itself the goal of conquering the summit from these three starting points.
Mont Ventoux on skis
Did you know that Mont Ventoux was also a ski resort? Mont Serein has eight ski lifts and eighteen runs. It's a resort with a family-friendly, village atmosphere, and ideal for beginners. As well as downhill skiing, you can enjoy some great snowshoeing. The resort even has three signposted itineraries for this activity, ideal for discovering the mountain's winter wildlife. If you're lucky, you might even come face to face with a chamois!
Around Mont Ventoux, magnificent Provence
Observing the region
When you reach the summit, you inevitably have the sensation of towering over the whole region. At the summit, you'll discover that Mont Ventoux is not the only natural wonder of the region! Indeed, the reason why this region of Provence is so popular with nature lovers is that it's full of secrets waiting to be discovered.
The Dentelles de Montmirail
Thirty kilometres to the west, the famous Dentelles de Montmirail reaches out to you. This 730-metre-high mountain range is well worth a visit for its natural and cultural heritage. As far as nature is concerned, you can explore these mountains on foot, on horseback, or by bike. The Dentelles de Montmirail massif is also renowned for its climbing spots. When it comes to wine culture, you'll be spoilt for choice: Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Sablet and more...
Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park
A little further north, admire the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park, which covers more than 1,700 km2 and is home to, among other things, ladder snakes and Cinereous vultures, as well as one of the least light-polluted skies in France, making it ideal for stargazing.